News
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS JUDICIAL REVIEW APPLICATION BROUGHT BY FORTIS TCI LTD AGAINST THE ENERGY AND UTILITIES COMMISSIONER
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23rd July 2024 – On 8th November, 2023, Fortis TCI Limited (“Fortis”) brought judicial review proceedings against the current Energy and Utilities Commissioner and Her Excellency, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands alleging that the Commissioner has a personal background in and a vested financial interest in the supply of solar installations which was incompatible with his role as the Commissioner under the Electricity Ordinance and proposed new Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill and was therefore affected by apparent bias. Fortis also challenged Her Excellency the Governor’s
decision not to reconsider the continued appointment of the current Energy and Utilities Commissioner considering the their allegations.
Fortis urged the Supreme Court to:
- Declare that the Commissioner is subject to apparent bias and so should recuse himself from all matters concerning Fortis, as a result, and thereby that it is impractical for the Commissioner to continue in office.
- An order of mandamus directing the Governor to consider whether the Commissioner can continue in that post in light of those allegations.
Following many months of arguments about whether the matter should be allowed to go ahead at all, the Governor was removed from the proceedings because she was not the correct party, and the Deputy Governor was substituted. The substantive Judicial Review Hearing took place on 20th June 2024 during which the Court heard arguments from both sides and had the benefit of substantial affidavit evidence from both sides.
In a decisive ruling, delivered on 19th July 2024, His Lordship Mr. Justice Chris Selochan found in favor of the Government, affirming that there was no evidence to support the claims of apparent bias against the Energy and Utilities Commissioner.
While the written ruling is pending the Court read out in open court a summary of its decision to dismiss Fortis’ application for judicial review.
The central issue the Court had to ask itself was whether the Commissioner should be disqualified from holding that position on the ground of his personal interest in a company involved in solar energy in the Bahamas.
The Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE KC, Principal Crown Counsel Clemar Hippolyte and Senior Crown Counsel, Khadija Mac Farlane made robust arguments and provided affidavit evidence demonstrating the Commissioner’s early disclosures, compliance with the Integrity Commission’s advice and his general adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Having agreed that the test for apparent bias was not whether Fortis or any other interested party thought there was bias but rather is whether the fair minded and informed observer, having considered the facts, would conclude that there was a real possibility that the decision-maker was biased, the Court found that the fair-minded and informed observer would consider, inter alia, the following:
- The position of the Commissioner requires specialist knowledge and experience;
- The TCIG and Fortis had on 22 April 2022 signed a climate change charter which predated the Commissioner’s appointment;
- The Commissioner’s role and functions do not primarily involve formulation of policy.
While the fair-minded observer may have concerns about the Commissioner’s involvement in his company in the Bahamas, these concerns are assuaged by the fact that the Commissioner disclosed the same to the TCIG and the Integrity Commission at the earliest opportunity.
The Court also stated that it cannot be disputed that Commissioner’s role involves interfacing with Fortis on energy related issues, however, the Court was of the view that the fair-minded and informed observer would not conclude that the Commissioner was involved in advancing the cause of renewable energy for his own self-interest.
The Court was of the view that the fair-minded and informed observer would find that the fact of the Commissioner having a business in Bahamas as opposed to the Turks and Caicos Islands, was too tenuous of a link to establish apparent bias.
The Court further found that the fair-minded and informed observer would also note that the Commissioner sent several correspondences to the Integrity Commission seeking to clarify advice from the Integrity Commission upon taking up his office and had adhered to that advice.
The Court was therefore not satisfied that the Commissioner is subject to apparent bias and dismissed Fortis’ application for judicial review. 
The Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Kyle Knowles said “The Government is undertaking significant reforms in the energy and utilities sector which will build a firm foundation for a strong energy future in the Islands. The Government’s successful defense in this matter signals that whilst the Government remains committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of its regulatory processes, independent judicial scrutiny of the Deputy Governor’s decision not to remove the current Commissioner in the face of the allegations brought by Fortis, give credence to the Government’s well placed confidence in the professionalism, fairness and impartiality of the current Energy and Utilities Commissioner’s actions. The Government is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all officials perform their duties in keeping with the highest ethical and professional standards. This ruling is a testament to the rigorous standards of accountability and transparency that the Government strives to maintain.”
Commenting on the ruling, the Honourable Attorney General said, “We are incredibly pleased with the Court’s decision, which confirms our position that the Deputy Governor and the Energy and Utilities Commissioner acted appropriately throughout, without bias and in full compliance with the law. This outcome reaffirms my Chambers’ dedication to assisting TCIG decision-makers to ensure that their decision-making is sound, fair and impartial. It also affirms the advice of the Compliance Unit of the Integrity Commission which had earlier considered the circumstances and advised the Commissioner on handling. The Commissioner, having acted faithfully in keeping with that advice, is also vindicated. We are relieved for the Commissioner who ably withstood the personal and professional pressures this challenge brought yet continued to press forward with the Government’s agenda in the face of it.”
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
-
News4 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
News1 week agoMulti-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays
-
Caribbean News5 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News4 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals