News
Fairness Needed! Consumer Demand Outpacing supply in TCI
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 20, 2024 – The boom in tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, while excellent for the economy, is exposing the need for urgent infrastructural upgrades in order to cope more competently and more equitably with the increased demand; already two of the country’s key utilities are showing signs of strain.
Over the weekend multiple residents called the news team complaining that they were without an essential resource, water, and now nightly restrictions are being introduced. 
On March 18, Provo Water Company revealed nightly lock-offs would begin, without which they say there simply wouldn’t be enough water to go around.
“In light of the exceptionally high demand experienced from now until the end of April 2024, we have reluctantly implemented nightly water restrictions from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM to replenish the Suzie Turn tank, which caters to two-thirds of the Island’s water needs. This measure is crucial to ensure sufficient water availability for the following day’s requirements,” the company said in an emailed letter to consumers.
Holding a 65-year government contract, Provo Water is the older and more extensive provider of the two local water services currently in operation in the Turks and Caicos, the other being Leeward Water Services. It’s now telling customers they should consider backup water drums to make up the 9-hour gap where water will be turned off. In tandem with the lock-offs are necessary maintenance runs.
Residents say they had already been experiencing disruptions prior to the announcement; the news team was flooded with comments including:
“Water pressure terrible over here in Belglade,” another resident said, “The water problem has been worse lately. Even the hotels are having issues now.”
Residents reported low water pressure to total water loss in their homes all across Providenciales, issues the company has warned could occur.
Tourists are similarly affected and with air arrivals up six percent in January and 13 percent in February according to statistics released this week by Experience Turks and Caicos; long stay visitors numbered over 126,000 guests for the first two months of this year. This figure would add to the resident population.
Melissa Monko, a guest, posted in the Facebook Group ‘Turks and Caicos Tourist Guide,’ that her Turtle Cove getaway was out of water, sharing the notice from Provo Water Company.
“It was off in the mornings and afternoons for several days. Seems they have a plan in place now,” she said.
The utility company says it recognizes the inconvenience caused and is now engaged in expansions across Providenciales to alleviate the problem. Cited as fixes from are, new transmission mains to be completed by May, valve replacements, to be completed by September, and a new desalination plant.
The Energy and Utilities Commission has been in consistent dialogue with the water company and after carrying out their own assessment, have found the lock-offs necessary. It now says the EUD is supportive of the plans to increase capacity, but are warning that they will be carrying out strict oversight to make sure the measures are not only effective but do not come at the undue cost of residents.
“The EUD has maintained open lines of communication with PWC, thoroughly discussing the immediate challenges, the anticipated increase in demand, and the company’s strategic mitigation plan,” said Delano Arthur, Energy & Utilities Commissioner who added, “It is our priority to ensure that these necessary infrastructure upgrades and expansions are executed in a manner that balances reliability, sustainability, and affordability for all residents and businesses in Providenciales.”
Also looking to expand its services is the Turks and Caicos’ sole power company, but in that effort, there is a proposed increase in the electricity rate. An application for the increase has already been lodged by FortisTCI.
”Over the past few years, the Turks and Caicos economy has experienced robust economic growth. This has led to increased demand for electricity. The rising demand requires expansion to the electricity system to ensure continued reliable service to our customers. This, together with high inflation and rising interest costs, are the primary reasons for the electricity rates review,” FortisTCI shared with the public.
That rate increase is currently under review by the government, and in an effort to better regulate all utilities, TCIG is in the process of introducing a draft policy for Public Utility Regulatory Reform, which it hopes will guide the provision of higher-quality services.
It’s another significant indicator that the sheer number of people travelling in and out of the British overseas territory and new people coming in to add to the labour force is overwhelming to the current infrastructure.
Regarding travel, the Providenciales International Airport is another, possibly the most glaring, example of just how interest and intrigue are growing more quickly than infrastructural development.
On March 16, two days before the water restriction announcement and three days after the electricity rate increase application was
disclosed, over 10,000 guests were scheduled to pass through the airport. However, the Providenciales International was unable to manage the record-setting passenger demand. With flights unable to land, it forced delays and cancellations and resulted in 528 guests having to overnight in the destination which had little to no rooms available.
No industry is being spared the crush, banking is also affected. During an attempt at digitization, several banks shut their doors replacing teller services with full-service Automated Banking Machines. Unfortunately, residents and tourists report that the ABMs are usually low on cash and often out of service making it difficult to access their money.
The government has also recognized that the current roads are unsustainable, single routes lead to some of the most important infrastructure like airports, causing chaos whenever there are disruptions. A new consultation is being undertaken to find out how best to rework the country’s road network to manage the explosion of motor vehicles and the traffic congestion it is creating.
Now that the bi-partisan Vision 2040 document is launched by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, it may more clearly chart the way forward in identifying trends, predicting demands and instituting commonsense plans which result in an island nation ready to embrace the growth it is gunning for.
Until there is deeper consideration, there will remain an unfair burden on the consumer who – often without compensation – is left to withstand or wilt under the weight of any failure to forecast, that includes all of the fumbles and fouls that go along with it.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, October 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) wishes to announce the following temporary leadership changes as Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin has proceeded on six weeks of leave.
Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Rodney Adams will serve as Acting Commissioner from October 1 to October 6.
Following this, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Kendall Grant will take over as Acting Commissioner. 
Furthermore, effective October 7, 2024, the Force welcomes the temporary appointment of a second DCP, Fitz Bailey. Mr. Bailey is a former DCP from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with over 40 years of policing experience. The appointment is for a period three months and will provide further resilience to the Force Executive at this time.
During his career, Mr. Bailey has led the following portfolios: the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Intelligence Branch, the Counter-Terrorism and the Organised Crime Investigation
Branch (C-TOC). He was instrumental in reviewing and reorganising the JCF’s Crime Reporting and Case Management Policy and established a Cold Case Unit.
Mr. Bailey holds a Master of Science in Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Science in National Security and Strategies from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and an Associate Degree in Accounting from the Management Institute for National Development.
Commissioner Martin stated: “Acting arrangements have been put in place to cover the period of my absence. The Force Executive has been fully briefed and will continue to maintain the strategic goals and objectives of the Force while at the same time ensuring the welfare of all staff”.
Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce Ms. Detresha Cox’s appointment to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Labor with the Ministry of Border Control and Labor.
Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (2023), which has provided her with in-depth knowledge of labor laws and standards. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Studies, concentrating on Governance and Public Policy at SALISES, UWI Mona, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
Upon returning home from University, Ms. Cox served as a Senior Labor Inspector, a role in which she honed her skills in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this position, she managed labor disputes, mediated conflicts between employers and employees, conducted workplace inspections, and ensured compliance with occupational safety and health standards. Her academic
grounding and her hands-on experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of labor issues and the leadership skills necessary for her new role.
Ms. Cox, on her new role said: “I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Labor. This appointment is a great honor, and I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the department’s mission and the nation’s labor policy of enhancing labor relations and promoting equitable employment opportunities. With a focus on policy development, compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, I will work diligently to ensure the department continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees. My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I look forward to driving positive change in the workforce. I want to express my sincere thanks for the overwhelming support and well wishes received; this encouragement has been a constant source of strength. As I step into this role, I believe that success is not just about what you accomplish but what you inspire others to do. Together, I look forward to building a brighter future for our workforce.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H. E. Anya Williams, remarked on Ms. Cox’s appointment, saying, “With extensive knowledge, a qualified educational background in Labor and Employment Relations, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing labor relations, Ms. Cox is poised to make significant contributions to the Ministry of Border Control and Labor. Embodying the qualities of a public servant—dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the workforce. We are excited to see Ms. Cox lead as Assistant Commissioner of Labor and contribute to the continued advancement of labor standards in our community. We look forward to Ms. Cox’s contributions in her new role and are confident that she will greatly benefit the Ministry of Labor and the workforce at large.
Congratulations, Ms. Cox, on this well-deserved promotion.”
News
EUD invites input from residents as it reopens public consultation on the Renewable Energy Bill
Providenciales, October 3, 2024 – The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government (TCIG) is pleased to announce a program of further public engagement on the country’s proposed Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 (RE Bill).
“The EUD has embarked on a comprehensive consultation program with key stakeholders to the RE Bill, including all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” explained EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “The program begins today with our request for your initial written feedback on the draft RE Bill, and continues throughout October with public meetings in communities across the country, a 5-part educational series that breaks down the key aspects of the proposed Bill, a brief survey to gauge your perspectives on both the RE Bill and solar development here in TCI, and more. We want to ensure residents have every opportunity to understand this important proposed legislation.”
The RE Bill puts legislated structure in place that enables a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all TCI residents, today and in the future:
- It establishes a competitive government-managed procurement process for future large-scale renewable energy supplies
- It enables homes and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy generators such as solar PV to meet their needs, and sell surpluses back to the grid
- It makes it necessary for anyone who wants to produce renewable energy to get a license.
- It outlines the rules for connecting renewable energy systems to the electricity grid, ensuring grid stability, safety and fairness.
- It establishes an Energy Levy Fund which will collect a small fee from large-scale renewable energy producers to support new community renewable energy projects and research.
“With this Bill, our overarching goals are to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future,” added Commissioner Arthur. “It will provide a framework for renewable energy systems including licensing and interconnection, as well as the development of integrated resource planning for the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s an important piece of legislation that will impact us all.”
The schedule of public consultation sessions, hosted by the EUD Commissioner and his team, will be shared via the EUD’s social media channels and in print media in the coming days and throughout October.
“The resources we are making available to you will help you better understand the RE Bill and how it impacts you,” continued Mr. Arthur. “We encourage you to engage fully – to review the materials and share your written feedback over the coming weeks, and join us in your local church basements and community halls when we come out to see you in October. These smaller, face-to-face sessions provide the best opportunities for meaningful conversation on our country’s energy future.”
TCI residents have until Friday, October 25, 2024 to provide initial written feedback on the draft Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. The Bill and associated materials may be found at https://www.gov.tc/eud/. Further, residents are encouraged to follow the EUD’s social media pages for the RE Bill survey launch in mid-October, and for details on public meetings in communities across the country.
Feedback on the Renewable Energy Bill can be sent to the following email address eudconsultation@gov.tc.
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