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Dock Yard Residents get an Audience  

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By Deandrea Hamilton

And Wilkie Arthur

Editorial Team

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2023 – A Sunday morning church service on August 20 at Abundant Life Ministries International welcomed in his party, the Progressive National Party, for a time of thanksgiving and Christian worship, however, that quickly turned to an exposé styled sermon which demanded those who appeared to be lawless to be reined in by the Premier and his ministers who made up the PNP delegation.

“They walk around with their chest out, they walk around with their face made up and trying to put fear in you, said Bishop Williams, adding, “So Mr. Premier we got to get all hands on deck. We have to utilize the armoured trucks we put all this money in. We have to have a real talk with our police and if we have to bring in reinforcement, bring in reinforcement but we have to lock Dock Yard down.”

The preacher, known for his explosive style was outraged he said, that barriers were set up in the Dock Yard community, which has an infamous, even nefarious reputation as a haven for crime, criminals and undocumented Haitian migrants.

“No other government is run by the gangs and that same mentality is in the minds of those roaming around in our city, but I send a message from this place today, you are not going to have this one.”

Less than 24 hours after he delivered that fiery no fear warning to residents of Dock Yard, Bishop C Alexander Williams and Wilkie Arthur were walking and talking with the people who say the move was  meant to protect them from victimization and violence and also, misunderstood.

The duo accepted an olive branch from members of the Dock Yard community; Williams and Arthur talked to the men and women about alternative ways to getting heard and sending a strong clear message.

Bishop Williams challenged the group to change the narrative and seize the opportunity to alter the negative reputation.

Interesting to hear, that the blockade is not on government property; it is on private property.

The residents claim they are neglected with no proper government created roadways and other infrastructure including running water; that what the Bishop thought was a road through Dock Yard for motorists, is someone’s private land.

The residents say they are still forced to tote buckets of water from area wells in order to take a bath and are waiting for the day they will see a change in attitude in order to improve their living conditions.

Bishop Coletta Williams and Wilkie Arthur, on Monday, spent about five hours with those residents of Dock Yard who also exposed that they feel forsaken and unable to get city or government services into the area.

The Customs Department, they told Bishop Coletta Williams and Wilkie Arthur, does not come in to inspect their shipments for the stores which are legally licensed to operate.  Those speaking to the pair said ‘they have to work another arrangement so their goods are cleared.’

The residents, who spoken on the basis of anonymity explained they believe TCIG wants no part of the community, however, head of the newly established Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) Justice Carlos Simons KC says that is not true.

To the question put to him by Magnetic Media, in a press conference on August 22, asking whether or not there is a sincere interest to bring the area up to proper building and infrastructural codes, Mr. Simons said: “”The government desperately wants to do that. We don’t want people getting electricity by a plug-in from the neighbour, it’s unsafe. We don’t want people discharging raw sewage on the surface of the land or in wells that are then used for either washing or irrigating plants. It’s unsafe; it’s a pandemic waiting to happen. One outbreak of cholera, for example can ruin our tourism industry.”

Chiming in, Tito Lightbourne, the Permanent Secretary of the National Security Secretariat said  a survey which they commissioned for the Dock Yard Report revealed there are at least 3,000 people living in densely populated Dock Yard.

“…3000 people on 20 acres,” he explained.

Wilkie Arthur returned to the newsroom with a message, that the residents to whom he and the Bishop spoke were informed about the ISU; they were told it existed and wanted to support proper development in the area.  The group agreed to learn more about the role and function and opportunity the new ISU presented them.

The ISU, with its new office at No 20 and 22 at the Laporte’s Plaza, which is downtown Provo, said the time has come for an end to illegal settlements in the TCI and the Unit is committed to getting that job done in concert with community partners and residents.

Bahamas News

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime Begins in the Bahamas

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Defence Headquarters  – The United States Northern Command, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has officially launched Cyber Shark 25, a pivotal cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and developing strategies to combat cybercrime. The event commenced today and will run through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Training Auditorium aboard HMBS Coral Harbour.

In his opening remarks, the Captain of Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee welcomed participants from various sectors, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a unified front against cyber threats that transcend national borders.

The event has drawn representatives from various organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and various law enforcement agencies from both the Bahamas and the United States. These stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at identifying innovative approaches to prevent cybercrime and bolster the security of digital infrastructures.

Cyber Shark 25 serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts and practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of both American and Bahamian representatives, the initiative seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by cybercrime, while also developing actionable solutions that can be implemented across jurisdictions.

As the event unfolds over the next three days, participants will engage in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their capabilities in combating cyber threats. The insights gained during Cyber Shark 25 are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to safeguard the cyber landscape for both nations.

Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.

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Experience Turks and Caicos Hosts Two-Day Workshop on Product Development and Vendor Excellence in Grand Turk

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS  – Experience Turks and Caicos hosted a successful two-day workshop on October 18th and 19th, 2024, with tour operators and vendors, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to enhance their product offerings and guest experiences.

The workshops were held in collaboration with the Aquila Centre for Cruise Excellence with facilitators Ms. Marie Berthe Hatt and Ms. Melanie Colpitts leading the discussions. Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila are Platinum Partners with the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

The workshops took place at the Yellowman and Sons auditorium in Grand Turk and focused on two critical areas: Product Development and Vendor Excellence, with an emphasis on creating and delivering innovative experiences that respond to today’s travel trends.

As cruise destinations continuously evolve to stay competitive, the Product Development Workshop provided participants with a roadmap to ensure their destination remains fresh and appealing to both cruise lines with the theme: “What’s New in Your Destination?” Key topics included identifying market opportunities and emerging trends, crafting unique and memorable guest experiences, marketing strategies to get experiences noticed and ensuring product sustainability.

The Vendor Excellence workshop, held on the second day, highlighted the pivotal role vendors play in shaping the overall cruise guest experience. This half-day workshop was designed to empower vendors with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional service, improve sales, and enhance their contribution to the destination’s success. Key topics covered during the Vendor Excellence workshop included understanding the critical role of vendors in the success of cruise tourism, optimising products and services for maximum impact, sales mastery and improving revenue-generating capabilities and developing a guest-centric approach to service

Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Josephine Connolly, applauded the Product Development Team, led by Product Development Manager Mrs. Candesha Mills, for creating an opportunity for tour operators and vendors to enhance their offerings.

“Developing our products to increase visitation and spend on island is a very important aspect of the work of Experience Turks and Caicos. These workshops will go a long way to spark new ideas and new businesses, to improve the way business is conducted, enhance the product development on the island and to affirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from the tourism industry. I applaud the team for this initiative and I thank everyone who attended and participated in these workshops,” the Minister said.

Mrs Mills said: “The two-day workshop was incredibly informative and facilitated great discussions among the participants. Tour operators and vendors walked away with a wealth of knowledge on how to enhance their existing products and services and were inspired to create new ones based on current market trends. This training equipped them with the tools they need to stay competitive and continue delivering exceptional experiences to our cruise guests.”

Ms. Berthe Hatt, shared her enthusiasm following the two-day workshops: “Grand Turk is such a special community, and Melanie and I are so grateful to Experience Turks and Caicos for this opportunity to work with the tour operators and vendors here. Over the last two days, we’ve had such engaged participants and great discussions around new product ideas and raising the level of service. We’re excited and cheering you on.”

Each attendee received a certificate of completion, symbolising their readiness to contribute to the success of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier cruise destination.

Experience Turks and Caicos continues to lead efforts in enhancing the destination’s offerings and empowering local stakeholders, ensuring the islands remain a top choice for cruise lines and their guests.

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Bahamas News

Partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC) to allow greater BPL generation capacity and improved service

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From: Bahamas Information Services

 

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas —  The Ministry of Energy and Transport, in collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Ltd. held a Commissioning Ceremony for Dual Fuel Turbine Engines, October 15, 2024 at Sun Oil Headquarters, Clifton Pier.

Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said: “Today, we are commissioning two dual-fuel turbine engines, because of a public-private partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited (BUC).

“The partnership is guided by a Power Purchase Agreement, commonly referred to as a PPA. PPA’s are standard practice in the energy field.

The PPA for this project includes clearly defined key performance indicators and penalties for nonperformance. Provisions have also been included to lock down rates, which will protect Bahamian households and businesses from large cost fluctuations.”

She noted, “In many countries, including the United States, PPAs have been successful in positively transforming the energy system, delivering consistent electricity supply, reducing carbon emissions, and providing cost-savings.

“The partnership with Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited will allow for BPL to increase its generation capacity, with direct benefits for households and businesses in New Providence such as improved reliability in electricity service.

“Currently, the available electricity capacity on New Providence is 256 megawatts.  At full capacity, these engines will add 62 megawatts of electricity to the grid.

“The engines allow for dual fuel technology which will enhance operational flexibility, however by June 2025, the engines will run on LNG.

“The LNG fuel will be provided by Shell North America.”

The Minister explained that for over 60 years, Shell has been a pioneer in LNG and today has a leading integrated gas and LNG business, from producing gas, liquefying gas, trading and shipping it, then turning the LNG back into gas and distributing it to customers.  Further, she said, Shell is one of the world’s leading LNG suppliers, trading 67 million tonnes of LNG in 2023, around 16 percent of the global LNG market.

Continuing: “The partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited is representative of a strategic solution that has proven to be effective and successful in transforming the energy market.

“As a small island developing nation, we must embrace partnerships to grow and deliver meaningful benefits for the Bahamian people. And if we are to be honest, several of our nation’s most successful projects have been birthed through partnerships – Atlantis, Baha Mar, and Lynden Pindling International Airport all stand as testaments to the value of positive partnerships.

“By partnering with reputable companies – those with international experience and proven track records of success, we firmly believe that a brighter energy future for our nation will be secured.

“And let there be no doubt, that as we partner with international companies, we are also resolute on creating opportunities for Bahamian businesses.

“We are proud that all the successful partners for the renewable projects in New Providence and the Family Islands are at least 51 percent Bahamian owned – and in some instances 100 percent Bahamian owned.”

Minister Coleby-Davis said more of the energy vision and plans will be shared in the near future, and pointed out some significant steps that have already been taken, including:  “the passage of the Electricity and Natural Gas Acts, the implementation of the Equity Rate Adjustment initiative at BPL which zero rated the base rate for the first 200 kilowatts of electricity for all residential consumers, the expansion of renewable energy projects in Schools, and the selection of independent power producers to build utility scale renewable energy power in the Family Islands.”

The energy transformation is a journey towards positive and meaningful lasting results, she said, and promise of a brighter energy future, eliciting for households, lower power bills; for large businesses inventory expansion and the hiring of additional staff, and for small and medium sized businesses, improved cash flows and profits.

 

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)

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