News
Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands Approves Draft Policy for Multi-sector Public Utility Regulatory Reform
#TurksandCaicos, March 19, 2024 – The Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is delighted to announce its recent approval of the draft policy for the consultation of a Multisector Public Utility Regulatory framework. This critical step underscores the Government’s dedication to reforming and enhancing the regulatory framework for essential services including telecommunications, electricity, water, sewerage, and related services, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of all Islanders.
Following comprehensive studies, this approved draft policy sets the stage for a unified regulatory oversight aimed at promoting innovation, environmental sustainability, and the delivery of high-quality utility services across the TCI. The policy aims to consolidate regulatory functions under a single newly established Commission, ensuring a streamlined, efficient, and consumer-focused regulatory approach.
In the next phase of policy development, the Energy and Utilities Department, led by its commissioner, will undertake targeted stakeholder engagements. This initiative aims to involve key stakeholders such as service providers, consumer groups, and industry experts in refining the policy. Their feedback will be instrumental in ensuring the regulatory framework is both robust and reflective of the diverse interests within the utility sectors.
Key Aspects of the Draft Policy:
Cabinet Approval: The Cabinet’s endorsement of the draft policy is a testament to the Government’s commitment to comprehensive utility sector regulatory reform.
Unified Regulatory Body: The formation of a Regulatory Commission to oversee telecommunications, energy, water, and sewerage, optimizing regulatory processes and service standards.
Principles and Objectives: Guided by the principles of transparency, independence, and public interest, the policy focuses on affordability, reliability, competitiveness, innovation, and environmental sustainability of utility services.
Engagement with Stakeholders: Directed by the Energy and Utilities Department, this consultation period is dedicated to detailed discussions with stakeholders, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are considered in finalizing the policy.
Disaster Recovery Trust Fund: An innovative approach to manage the financial impact of natural disasters on utility infrastructure and consumers, promoting rapid recovery and resilience.
Stakeholder Engagement Process:
Recognizing the importance of inclusive policy development, the Government invites all stakeholders to actively participate in the consultation process. The Energy and Utilities Department will provide information on engagement sessions, submission guidelines, and access to the draft policy through the Government’s official website and public notices.
This engagement phase is a pivotal opportunity for the TCI community to contribute to a utility regulatory framework that is aligned with our shared goals for sustainable development, technological innovation, and equitable service provision.
Additional information, when available on how to participate in the stakeholder consultations, will be posted on www.gov.tc.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
