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Minister for Public Safety and Utilities Announces Strategic Consultation Period for Comprehensive Utility Regulatory Reform in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25th March, 2024 – In a decisive move to address the increasing needs of our rapidly growing islands, the Minister for Public Safety and Utilities has directed the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to initiate the consultation period for the Multisector Public Utility Regulatory Reform Policy. This announcement comes at a critical juncture, underscored by the recent application from FortisTCI for a 6 percent rate increase and the pressing water shortage issues announced by the Provo Water Company.

 

The Turks and Caicos Islands have witnessed unprecedented growth, bringing to the fore the urgent need for regulatory reform in our utility sector. The current challenges, including requests for rate increases and water shortages, underscore the limitations of our existing regulatory framework to effectively manage and mitigate such issues. As such, I have asked the Energy and Utilities Commissioner to begin a consultation period, signaling our commitment to overhaul the regulatory system that governs our essential services.

 

Starting from the 25th of March 2024 and concluding on the 24th of May 2024, this consultation period marks a pivotal step towards establishing a regulatory framework that is both inclusive and attuned to the diverse needs of our community. We invite service providers, consumer groups, industry experts, and the wider community to participate actively in shaping a regulatory environment that ensures affordability, reliability, competitiveness, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

 

The envisaged regulatory reforms will not only address the concerns highlighted by the applications from FortisTCI and the operational challenges faced by Provo Water Company but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable utility infrastructure that can accommodate the future growth of our islands. A unified Regulatory Commission, as proposed, will serve as the cornerstone of this new framework, offering comprehensive oversight and ensuring that utility services are aligned with the nation’s development goals and the well-being of our community.

 

We encourage all stakeholders to engage with this process by attending the scheduled sessions, providing feedback, and submitting comments on the draft policy. This collaborative approach is essential to crafting a regulatory framework that reflects the collective vision and priorities of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

For more information on the consultation process and to access the draft policy, please visit www.gov.tc/eud . Together, we can ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands are equipped with a regulatory framework that is responsive, resilient, and ready for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

 

Crime

Shooting Incident

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

July 23rd, 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.

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News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

July 23rd, 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.

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Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods 

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

July 23rd,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 19th,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.

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