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Turks and Caicos Islands Introduces Ambitious Renewable Energy Legislation

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Providenciales , 06 November 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are taking a significant step towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future with the introduction of the groundbreaking Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. After an extensive period of public consultation, the government is unveiling a comprehensive Legislation that is aimed at transforming the energy landscape, fostering energy independence, promoting economic growth, and preserving the natural beauty of these islands.

The new Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 encompasses a wide range of objectives, all designed to contribute to a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands:

Transition to Clean Energy Sources: The Legislation aims to achieve a substantial reduction in the reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. The goal is to reach 33% of energy supplies from renewable sources by the year 2040.

Renewable Energy Infrastructure: The Legislation encourages the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and ocean energy, through incentives, subsidies, and regulatory support. It also emphasizes the importance of grid integration and energy storage solutions.

Investment and Financing: The government seeks to attract private sector investments in renewable energy projects through tax incentives, grants, and other financial mechanisms. Partnerships with international organizations and donor agencies will be explored to secure funding for renewable energy initiatives.

Job Creation and Economic Growth: The government aims to stimulate the growth of a sustainable renewable energy industry, creating jobs and driving economic development. It will also support research and development activities to foster innovation and competitiveness in the renewable energy sector.

Environmental Conservation: Mitigating the environmental impact of energy production is a key priority, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing damage to ecosystems. Responsible siting and development of renewable energy projects will be emphasized.

Energy Resilience: Enhancing the resilience of the energy infrastructure to withstand natural disasters and climate change-related challenges is crucial. Microgrid solutions and distributed energy resources will be explored to ensure critical infrastructure has a continuous power supply during a Natural Disaster.

Policy and Regulatory Framework: The Legislation includes the development and updating of policies, regulations, and standards to support the growth of renewable energy while removing barriers to its adoption. Transparent and streamlined permitting processes for renewable energy projects will be ensured.

The Renewable Energy Bill’s overarching goal is to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the transition to a sustainable energy future that will benefit the environment and the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A key component of this Legislation is introducing a competitive Tendering Process run by the Energy and Utilities Department. This will ensure that the least-cost bids for renewable energy projects are chosen. This approach aims to promote energy affordability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels while diversifying energy sources for reliability and security.

Renewable energy producers must obtain licenses and pay a small levy to support public interest renewable energy initiatives and research. This step ensures fairness and promotes the growth of renewable energy systems on the islands.

Additionally, the Legislation introduces a Net-Billing Program that allows building and business owners to install renewable energy systems to meet some or all of their energy needs. Surplus electricity can be sold to the grid, with payments linked to the Monthly Fuel Factor.

The Turks and Caicos Energy and Utilities Commissioner will play a central role in overseeing and regulating these measures, ensuring the safe design and operation of renewable energy systems, licensing compliance, and setting performance standards for timely grid connections.

The Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Engineer Delano R. Arthur, states, “Powering the future with renewable energy is not just a goal; it’s our responsibility. We can no longer sit idle, but together, we must light the way toward a sustainable and brighter tomorrow.”

Hon. Otis C. Morris, The Minister for Home Affairs, Public Safety and Utilities, says, “Effective energy regulation is the compass guiding our journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and energy-secure future. Our commitment to smart, responsible policies shapes the path to a brighter tomorrow.”

The government is committed to integrating renewable energy policies with broader energy policies to ensure that the development of non-renewable energy facilities is consistent with the transition to cleaner and greener energy systems.

The Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 represents a significant step forward in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ journey towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically vibrant future. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to securing a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy landscape for all residents and the environment.

For more information about the Renewable Energy Legislation and its components, please refer to the full Legislation within the Gazette, or you can contact the Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Engr—Delano R. Arthur, at eud@gov.tc.

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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