News
Fuel Costs Rise Again as Pelican Energy Warns of Global Pressures
Turks and Caicos, March 30, 2026 – Electricity costs in the Turks and Caicos Islands are climbing again, with Pelican Energy reporting increases in the fuel factor for March, while warning that global instability could push prices even higher in the months ahead.
In its latest update to customers, the power provider confirmed that fuel factor rates — the portion of electricity bills tied directly to the cost
of fuel — have risen across most service territories.
Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos will see a 3.4 percent increase, bringing the rate to $0.1658 per kilowatt hour, while Grand Turk and Salt Cay will experience a 2.8 percent rise to $0.1569 per kWh. The rate for South Caicos is still pending, though in February it climbed by 2.8 percent to $0.1728 per kWh.
The fuel factor is a variable charge, meaning it moves in response to international oil prices — and right now, those prices are under pressure.
Pelican Energy pointed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including ongoing conflict affecting key global shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, as a major driver of recent increases.
That narrow waterway near Iran is one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors, with a significant share of global fuel supply passing through it daily. Any disruption — whether from conflict, threats, or shipping delays — has a direct impact on global prices.
Energy markets have remained volatile as a result, with production decisions by OPEC and its allies also influencing supply levels and pricing trends.
For the Turks and Caicos Islands, which relies heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation, the impact is immediate.
“Because we rely on imported fuel to generate electricity, these market conditions can influence fuel costs in TCI,” the company said, noting
that it is closely monitoring developments.
While the upward movement in fuel costs is concerning, Pelican Energy also indicated that infrastructure upgrades are underway — projects that may cause short-term inconvenience but are expected to improve long-term energy reliability.
Those improvements could include enhancements to generation capacity and distribution systems, though in the near term, residents and businesses may experience disruptions, including traffic impacts linked to ongoing works.
The company emphasized that the fuel factor will continue to fluctuate in line with global trends, rising when international prices increase and falling when they decline.
For consumers already facing high utility costs, the latest adjustment reinforces how closely local electricity prices are tied to global events far beyond the region’s control.
With tensions in key oil-producing areas showing no clear resolution, and global supply routes remaining vulnerable, the outlook for fuel costs remains uncertain.
For now, Pelican Energy says it will continue to monitor international developments and keep customers informed — but the message is clear: what happens in global oil markets is being felt directly on electricity bills at home.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
