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Increased Tropical Cyclones

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September 30, 2024

 

The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) is warning Caribbean countries to be prepared for “increased tropical cyclones and severe weather activity” over the next three-month period.

“It cannot be over emphasized — particularly after the record-breaking category 5 hurricane Beryl, plenty of flooding and nearly non-stop record-breaking heat — that 2024 is a year of climate extremes in the Caribbean.”

In its latest Caribbean Climate Outlooks publication released here on Monday, CariCOF said that a transition to La Niña may occur in the equatorial Pacific while near record-warm Tropical North Atlantic Ocean temperatures will likely continue.

La Niña is a climate pattern that describes the cooling of surface-ocean water along the tropical west coast of South America. Typically, La Nina events occur every 3 to 5 years or so, but on occasion can occur over successive years.

“For the Caribbean Islands and Belize, such ocean conditions imply increased tropical cyclone and severe weather activity through December, resulting in high potential for flooding, flash floods, cascading hazards and associated impacts,” CariCOF said.

It said unusual oceanic heat further implies episodes of “oppressive humid heat could continue into early-November,” particularly in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), the Guianas and the Windward Islands.

“The Guianas will transition from the hot and dry season into cooler and (much) wetter conditions from late-November, except in the far southwest,” CariCOF added.

It said that as of September 1, severe or short-term drought has developed in Trinidad and worse drought conditions are being recorded in the interior arts of the Guianas. It said short term drought may be possible in Suriname.

“Long term drought as at the end of November is evolving in southwest Belize, French Guiana and Trinidad and might possibly develop or continue in coastal Guyana, the United States Virgin Islands, St. Vincent and Tobago,” CariCOF added.

Regarding the climate outlook for the period January to March 2025, CariCOF said night-time and daytime temperatures, as well as air humidity will likely be considerably higher than usual in most areas.

“Frequent episodes of heat stress are expected in the region and are likely to continue through October in this record-breaking heat season. Heat stress may further ramp up where dry spells are more frequent than usual.

“This period marks the progression of the Caribbean Dry Season to its usual peak by March and the Cool Season. An unseasonably warm Tropical North Atlantic, potentially combined with La Niña conditions is the forecast for this period.”

But CariCOF said that more comfortable temperatures, though likely higher and with more humidity than usual are forecast for this Cool Season.

“The risk of severe weather impacts from intense shower activity, including flooding, flash floods, and cascading impacts should decrease from moderate in early January to marginal in early March in Belize and the islands.

“An intense Dry Season is forecast for the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Cuba, potentially leading to short-term drought. By contrast, unusually copious rainfall is forecast for the ABC Islands, Guianas and Lesser Antilles,” it added.

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RT&CIPF Acting Appointments 

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***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”.

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DETRESHA COX APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

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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.”

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EUD invites input from residents as it reopens public consultation on the Renewable Energy Bill

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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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