TCI News

Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands Approves Draft Policy for Multi-sector Public Utility Regulatory Reform

Published

4 months ago

March 15, 2024

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 14 March 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.

END

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #PublicUtilityRegulatoryReform #turksandcaicos

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Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.