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Minister Jay Ebanks Leads Fuel Cost Review Committee

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Minister Jay Ebanks, the dedicated leader overseeing the Ministry of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development, continues to prioritize the well-being and quality of life for the people of the Cayman Islands. His latest initiative, the establishment of the Fuel Review Select Committee, underscores his commitment to finding practical and sustainable solutions to pressing issues facing the nation. 

The Fuel Review Select Committee was formed during the Second Sitting of the Third Meeting of the 2023-2024 Session of Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, through Government Motion No. 5. This critical step towards addressing fuel costs in the Cayman Islands demonstrates Minister Ebanks’ proactive approach to governance and his dedication to serving the interests of the community.

Under Minister Ebanks’ leadership, the Office of Utility Regulation (OfReg) falls within the purview of the Ministry, providing a crucial platform to tackle issues related to energy pricing and regulation. Through the establishment of the Fuel Review Select Committee, Minister Ebanks aims to explore alternative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solutions that will benefit the citizens of the Cayman Islands.

The Committee convened its first meeting in camera (private) on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the House of Parliament, where the agenda included discussions on scheduling and terms of reference. Chaired by Honourable Johany Ebanks, Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing, Infrastructure, Transport & Development, the Committee comprises eight members of parliament, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and expertise:

  1. Hon. Johany Ebanks, MP (Chairman)
  2. Mr. Christopher Saunders, MP (Member)
  3. Hon. Dwayne Seymour, JP, MP (Member)
  4. Hon. Kenneth Bryan, MP (Member)
  5. Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP (Member)
  6. Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, JP, MP (Member)
  7. Mr. Bernie Bush, MP (Member)
  8. Ms. Barbara E. Conolly, NP, JP, MP (Member) 

Minister Johany Ebanks, the Chair of the Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “The establishment of the Fuel Review Select Committee marks a crucial step forward in our efforts to address the pressing issue of fuel costs in the Cayman Islands. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, we are committed to conducting a comprehensive review and developing practical recommendations that will benefit our community.”

The primary purpose of the select committee was to review the cost of fuel in the Cayman Islands and to make recommendations to the house on how to reduce said costs. Minister Ebanks and his team are committed to conducting a comprehensive analysis and engaging stakeholders to develop effective strategies that will alleviate financial burdens on the people of the Cayman Islands.

 Once the Committee has completed its work, it will submit a comprehensive report to the House of Parliament, outlining actionable steps to address the issue effectively. All committee meeting schedules, and tabled reports will be made available to the public through the Parliament website, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process. 

 The establishment of the Fuel Review Select Committee marks a significant milestone in the 2023-2024 session and underscores Minister Jay Ebanks’ unwavering dedication to advancing the interests of the Cayman Islands.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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