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FortisTCI in partnership with Edison Electric Institute, hosted a roundtable centered around the energy transition on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at its headquarters in Providenciales

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#TurksandCaicos, November 22, 2023 – The hybrid event marked the continuation of dialogue, which started at the Company’s energy forum earlier this year, on changes in the industry and steps to navigate this monumental shift.

The roundtable was attended by stakeholders from various agencies and sectors in the business community, government officials, and the utility Company’s Board of Directors, Executives, and Management. Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Honourable Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, Honourable Josephine Conolly, Minister of Tourism and Environment, and Honourable Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, were in attendance.

Senior Vice President of International Programs at Edison Electric Institute, Dr. Lawrence Jones, delivered a presentation and moderated the program, which featured a cadre of industry thought leaders and experts. Senior Vice President of Operations at FortisTCI, Devon Cox, presented an overview of the Company, and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which is used as a decision support tool for energy policy and utility investment plans. Special remarks were delivered by Gary Smith, Chairman of FortisTCI Board of Directors, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, and Honourable Morris.

Presentations were delivered by Terry Travis, Managing Partner at EVNoire, Philip Moeller, Executive Vice President of Business Operations Group and Regulatory Affairs, Edison Electric Institute, Bob Rowe, Senior Advisor at Guggenheim Partners and Venture Partner at The Westly Group, David Lucido, Managing Director at Sentient Hubs, Julia Matevosyan, Chief Engineer at Energy Systems Integration Group, and Phil Dion, Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions, Edison Electric Institute.

The topics included Transitioning to Net Zero: What Does it Mean for Countries?, Evolving the Regulatory Compact: A Partnership Between Government and Utilities, Towards Modernized Resilient Energy Grids & Ecosystems, Integrating Renewables to the Grid, Accelerating Multi Modal Electrification in the Caribbean, along with Balancing the Three A’s: Affordability, Access, and Acceptance.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, stated: “The energy transition will have a lasting and profound impact on our lives, our businesses and our communities. We therefore have a responsibility to be part of the conversation, and the solutions, for making the transition in a measured, sustainable and equitable way. FortisTCI has long been an advocate for regulatory reform of the energy sector, and a suitable regulatory framework and policies that address the pace of integration, grid resilience and safety, cost and cost recovery, and equitable stakeholder participation, to name a few critical considerations.”

Honorable Otis Morris described the energy transition as one of the most critical challenges of our current time and acknowledged the significance of the roundtable event. He stated: “The climate crisis demands that we act swiftly, decisively and collectively. We need to explore innovative solutions, adopt cutting-edge solutions, and rethink our energy systems, all while maintaining economic stability. Modernizing the regulatory environment is key to enabling this transition. My government and department are dedicated to this issue as it rests heavily upon us to ensure a suitable regulatory environment.”

FortisTCI is a member of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), which is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. EEI members provide electricity for nearly 250 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to U.S. members, EEI has more than 70 international electric companies as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members. Organized in 1933, EEI provides public policy leadership, strategic business intelligence, and essential conferences and forums.

 

Photo Captions: 

Header: L-R: FortisTCI Board Chairman, Gary Smith, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, FortisTCI President and CEO, Ruth Forbes, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations at Fortis Inc., Karen McCarthy, Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, and Senior Vice President of International Programs at Edison Electric Institute, Dr Lawrence Jones.

1st insert: L-R: Hon. Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, alongside FortisTCI Board Chairman, Gary Smith, and Directors of the Board, Richard Hew and Jason Roberts with VP of Communications and Government Relations at Fortis Inc., Karen McCarthy.

 2nd insert: FortisTCI Board Chairman, Gary Smith, delivered special remarks at the opening of the roundtable.

 3rd insert: FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes delivered special remarks at the opening of the roundtable.

 4th insert: A cross-section of stakeholders from various agencies and sectors in the business community, were among the attendees.

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Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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