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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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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio

Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.  Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

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