News
The Promise of Renewable Energy in TCI-Powering a Safer Future
#TurksandCaicos, June 22, 2023 – It may seem far fetched for a small developing nation like Turks and Caicos Islands, but citizens are delighted FortisTCI is taking a bigger step with moving towards a more sustainable energy solution.Recently, FortisTCI announced that it is investing $8 million to install the country’s first solar plus battery microgrids to help power the twin islands of North and Middle Caicos and Salt Cay in 2024.
With TCI being blessed with sunshine practically 365 days out of the year, and having strong eastwardly winds
particularly on the island of Grand Turk and South Caicos, like the “UORE” program, it’s another huge missed opportunity.
In a rapid developing island nation like TCI, it is high-time that we take advantage of this proven cutting edge technology. Clean energy sources such as wind power and solar energy are great alternatives to burning fossil fuels.
Our country is in a good position to become Trail Blazers in this arena and not just followers of the free world.
For this initiative to become more of a reality and take shape, we can’t rely on FortisTCI alone. Every major developer would have to contribute a small percentage of their profits into a green energy fund along with government subsidies.
With the ongoing war in Ukraine, we have seen the geopolitical landscape of global energy production changing very rapidly. It’s a perfect storm to push for green energy especially in the Caribbean countries.
Let’s use Uruguay as an example, a relatively small country in South America. In 2020, over 40% of their electricity capacity and generation derived from solar and wind power. So what can we learn from them?
I strongly believe small countries like TCI with relatively low level of energy consumption can also champion such initiative.
Big energy companies like Fortis Inc. with over $57 billion in total assets, should be in a position to step up to the plate and provide a broader market of solar driven power in TCI.
It’s doable because for many years, Fortis TCI have had the monopoly and made a fortune on the backs of our people.
A starting point should be with slowly eliminating those existing diesel generators, ramping up the project with burying power lines and taking on a stronger roll in supporting more homes on the “UORE” program etc.
For readers who aren’t familiar with the “UORE” program, these are customers who have been outfitted with solar panels to power their homes. These customers are also eligible to receive a monthly fixed credit from FortisTCI, for rooftop space and an annual variable incentive based on system production.
It should be noted, FortisTCI, is playing a much more active role within our communities with respect to the recent launch of a scholarship apprenticeship program which is commendable.
I still believe more can be done, such as Fortistci working in tandem with the government and other NGOs to provide solar training classes at the local community colleges, which will present other career opportunities for students.
Government should also push big cooperations like Carnival cruise lines, Beaches resort and the like to make a greater effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
Instead of just touting our reliance on more brick and mortar investments, our government should embrace a wider vision and lead the way on this initiative to help improve our basic infrastructure.
TCI can become the envy of the Caribbean by starting with investing in electric vehicles, solar lights, green building materials, acquiring green buses to support public transportation etc.
By investing in green buses, the health and safety of our citizens would also be at a lesser risk from harmful emissions.
Furthermore, not only will it be a cost savings to consumers, but the spin-off will result in more job creation.
We must act now! if not, in the near future, we could be faced with potentially devastating consequences like, changes in the rainy seasons, longer droughts and increasing intensity of hurricanes as we have seen over the past 10 or so years.
It’s time to get out of our comfort zone and diversify our energy portfolio.
Let’s not continue to put all of our eggs in one basket like we do with our tourism sector.
Let’s not wait to be broadsided again like we were with the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted our way of life and significantly impacted our fragile tourism economy.
Let’s challenge our politicians who will dare to muster up the courage to put this front and center on their agenda.
Big oil companies continue to reap the profits while energy consumption around the world soar and the power cost adjustment in TCI keeps getting higher.
With that being said, there has never been a more crucial time for our country to explore green energy on a larger scale. Greater focus should be placed on the densely populated islands not just the least inhabited.
We must get serious about clean energy and chart our own path toward a fossil-free future. The aim and objective should be to strengthen our country economically and the resolve of our people.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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