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Over 300 Persons Trained Under Successful Innovative Project  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 30th October 2024 – Stakeholders in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are pleased to announce that the Post Covid-19 Resilient Recovery project in TCI is drawing to a close at the end of this year. This initiative, which launched in 2022, has made strides in empowering local communities through targeted training programs, designed to support long-term sustainable development.

A central highlight of the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme supported, European Union financed and Expertise France implemented project which concludes at the end of the year is the Community Hub. The Hub has successfully trained more than 300 individuals in practical skills that are helping improve food security and enhancing economic diversification across TCI. The trainings (delivered by Mario A. M. Smith, a consultant agronomist) in hydroponic crop production and composting gave attendees the tools to expand their skill sets and drive new opportunities for local communities. Two participants have even become certified trainers, marking a significant step toward a self-sustaining, locally-led agricultural sector.

“This initiative has not only been instrumental in driving our recovery from the global pandemic but has also positioned us to thrive in the face of future challenges, bringing tangible benefits to our islands. Our people are more equipped to adapt to a rapidly changing world. This project has fostered collaboration across sectors, showing the power of collective effort in community resilience”, remarked Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister for Tourism and the Environment, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Michelle Fulford, one of the Community Hub Training Facilitators, said: “The essence of community resilience is the ability to empower vulnerable groups by building capacity among them. Providing people with the requisite skills to manage and diversify in their operations will help to minimize the impacts of adverse events such as natural disasters, pandemics, economic downturns, and the like.”

In collaboration with the TCI Fishing Cooperative, the Community Hub has also trained over 80 individuals in sustainable fisheries management. By helping local fishers enhance their skills and knowledge, the program is fostering economic growth and promoting responsible environmental stewardship. The project also created ‘Champion Fishers’, individuals who were trained on small scale commercial fisheries management. This team will now lead fisheries training sessions across TCI, with the goal of fostering community-led resilience.

Waste management training held on Provo taught innovative waste reduction strategies. Led by Green VI, the training explored topics such as waste as a resource, creating eco-friendly cleaning products, and how to reduce, reuse, and recycle on island. Participants were also guided in developing social business models that could play a vital role in addressing TCI’s waste management challenges.

The project also developed a Natural Capital Investment Plan (NCIP) that outlines investments which could also benefit TCIs environment. TCIs natural environments include breathtaking coral reefs and expansive mangrove forests which play a critical role in supporting the tourism-focussed economy and provide important services such as storm protection, food provision and carbon sequestration. The plan sets out a pathway to increase future investment to protect TCI’s economy, communities, and natural environments.

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) within the TCI Government, in collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) worked closely together with key project partners, including the TCI Fishing Co-operative, TCI National Trust, and Invest Turks and Caicos to develop this plan.

Luc Clerveaux, Director of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) said: “By investing in TCI’s natural capital, we are investing in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its communities.”

“This plan lays a sustainable path forward that not only preserves the environment but also bolsters the TCI economy against the challenges of climate change and global economic fluctuations.”

As the project closes the team will be posting final reports and other essential information to the project website and establishing a resource centre for a virtual Community Hub. This will ensure that the training opportunities and knowledge gained over the course of the project will persist far into the future and provide a location for local individuals and business to access practical information on a wide range of relevant topics.

Visit our website here to stay in touch: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/community-resilience-tc

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Bahamas News

Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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