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Turks and Caicos Islands Introduces Ambitious Renewable Energy Legislation

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Providenciales , 06 November 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are taking a significant step towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future with the introduction of the groundbreaking Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. After an extensive period of public consultation, the government is unveiling a comprehensive Legislation that is aimed at transforming the energy landscape, fostering energy independence, promoting economic growth, and preserving the natural beauty of these islands.

The new Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 encompasses a wide range of objectives, all designed to contribute to a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands:

Transition to Clean Energy Sources: The Legislation aims to achieve a substantial reduction in the reliance on fossil fuels by increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. The goal is to reach 33% of energy supplies from renewable sources by the year 2040.

Renewable Energy Infrastructure: The Legislation encourages the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and ocean energy, through incentives, subsidies, and regulatory support. It also emphasizes the importance of grid integration and energy storage solutions.

Investment and Financing: The government seeks to attract private sector investments in renewable energy projects through tax incentives, grants, and other financial mechanisms. Partnerships with international organizations and donor agencies will be explored to secure funding for renewable energy initiatives.

Job Creation and Economic Growth: The government aims to stimulate the growth of a sustainable renewable energy industry, creating jobs and driving economic development. It will also support research and development activities to foster innovation and competitiveness in the renewable energy sector.

Environmental Conservation: Mitigating the environmental impact of energy production is a key priority, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing damage to ecosystems. Responsible siting and development of renewable energy projects will be emphasized.

Energy Resilience: Enhancing the resilience of the energy infrastructure to withstand natural disasters and climate change-related challenges is crucial. Microgrid solutions and distributed energy resources will be explored to ensure critical infrastructure has a continuous power supply during a Natural Disaster.

Policy and Regulatory Framework: The Legislation includes the development and updating of policies, regulations, and standards to support the growth of renewable energy while removing barriers to its adoption. Transparent and streamlined permitting processes for renewable energy projects will be ensured.

The Renewable Energy Bill’s overarching goal is to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the transition to a sustainable energy future that will benefit the environment and the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A key component of this Legislation is introducing a competitive Tendering Process run by the Energy and Utilities Department. This will ensure that the least-cost bids for renewable energy projects are chosen. This approach aims to promote energy affordability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels while diversifying energy sources for reliability and security.

Renewable energy producers must obtain licenses and pay a small levy to support public interest renewable energy initiatives and research. This step ensures fairness and promotes the growth of renewable energy systems on the islands.

Additionally, the Legislation introduces a Net-Billing Program that allows building and business owners to install renewable energy systems to meet some or all of their energy needs. Surplus electricity can be sold to the grid, with payments linked to the Monthly Fuel Factor.

The Turks and Caicos Energy and Utilities Commissioner will play a central role in overseeing and regulating these measures, ensuring the safe design and operation of renewable energy systems, licensing compliance, and setting performance standards for timely grid connections.

The Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Engineer Delano R. Arthur, states, “Powering the future with renewable energy is not just a goal; it’s our responsibility. We can no longer sit idle, but together, we must light the way toward a sustainable and brighter tomorrow.”

Hon. Otis C. Morris, The Minister for Home Affairs, Public Safety and Utilities, says, “Effective energy regulation is the compass guiding our journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and energy-secure future. Our commitment to smart, responsible policies shapes the path to a brighter tomorrow.”

The government is committed to integrating renewable energy policies with broader energy policies to ensure that the development of non-renewable energy facilities is consistent with the transition to cleaner and greener energy systems.

The Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 represents a significant step forward in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ journey towards a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically vibrant future. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to securing a cleaner, more affordable, and more resilient energy landscape for all residents and the environment.

For more information about the Renewable Energy Legislation and its components, please refer to the full Legislation within the Gazette, or you can contact the Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Engr—Delano R. Arthur, at eud@gov.tc.

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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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

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News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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