News
Fairness Needed! Consumer Demand Outpacing supply in TCI
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 20, 2024 – The boom in tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, while excellent for the economy, is exposing the need for urgent infrastructural upgrades in order to cope more competently and more equitably with the increased demand; already two of the country’s key utilities are showing signs of strain.
Over the weekend multiple residents called the news team complaining that they were without an essential resource, water, and now nightly restrictions are being introduced. 
On March 18, Provo Water Company revealed nightly lock-offs would begin, without which they say there simply wouldn’t be enough water to go around.
“In light of the exceptionally high demand experienced from now until the end of April 2024, we have reluctantly implemented nightly water restrictions from 9:30 PM to 6:00 AM to replenish the Suzie Turn tank, which caters to two-thirds of the Island’s water needs. This measure is crucial to ensure sufficient water availability for the following day’s requirements,” the company said in an emailed letter to consumers.
Holding a 65-year government contract, Provo Water is the older and more extensive provider of the two local water services currently in operation in the Turks and Caicos, the other being Leeward Water Services. It’s now telling customers they should consider backup water drums to make up the 9-hour gap where water will be turned off. In tandem with the lock-offs are necessary maintenance runs.
Residents say they had already been experiencing disruptions prior to the announcement; the news team was flooded with comments including:
“Water pressure terrible over here in Belglade,” another resident said, “The water problem has been worse lately. Even the hotels are having issues now.”
Residents reported low water pressure to total water loss in their homes all across Providenciales, issues the company has warned could occur.
Tourists are similarly affected and with air arrivals up six percent in January and 13 percent in February according to statistics released this week by Experience Turks and Caicos; long stay visitors numbered over 126,000 guests for the first two months of this year. This figure would add to the resident population.
Melissa Monko, a guest, posted in the Facebook Group ‘Turks and Caicos Tourist Guide,’ that her Turtle Cove getaway was out of water, sharing the notice from Provo Water Company.
“It was off in the mornings and afternoons for several days. Seems they have a plan in place now,” she said.
The utility company says it recognizes the inconvenience caused and is now engaged in expansions across Providenciales to alleviate the problem. Cited as fixes from are, new transmission mains to be completed by May, valve replacements, to be completed by September, and a new desalination plant.
The Energy and Utilities Commission has been in consistent dialogue with the water company and after carrying out their own assessment, have found the lock-offs necessary. It now says the EUD is supportive of the plans to increase capacity, but are warning that they will be carrying out strict oversight to make sure the measures are not only effective but do not come at the undue cost of residents.
“The EUD has maintained open lines of communication with PWC, thoroughly discussing the immediate challenges, the anticipated increase in demand, and the company’s strategic mitigation plan,” said Delano Arthur, Energy & Utilities Commissioner who added, “It is our priority to ensure that these necessary infrastructure upgrades and expansions are executed in a manner that balances reliability, sustainability, and affordability for all residents and businesses in Providenciales.”
Also looking to expand its services is the Turks and Caicos’ sole power company, but in that effort, there is a proposed increase in the electricity rate. An application for the increase has already been lodged by FortisTCI.
”Over the past few years, the Turks and Caicos economy has experienced robust economic growth. This has led to increased demand for electricity. The rising demand requires expansion to the electricity system to ensure continued reliable service to our customers. This, together with high inflation and rising interest costs, are the primary reasons for the electricity rates review,” FortisTCI shared with the public.
That rate increase is currently under review by the government, and in an effort to better regulate all utilities, TCIG is in the process of introducing a draft policy for Public Utility Regulatory Reform, which it hopes will guide the provision of higher-quality services.
It’s another significant indicator that the sheer number of people travelling in and out of the British overseas territory and new people coming in to add to the labour force is overwhelming to the current infrastructure.
Regarding travel, the Providenciales International Airport is another, possibly the most glaring, example of just how interest and intrigue are growing more quickly than infrastructural development.
On March 16, two days before the water restriction announcement and three days after the electricity rate increase application was
disclosed, over 10,000 guests were scheduled to pass through the airport. However, the Providenciales International was unable to manage the record-setting passenger demand. With flights unable to land, it forced delays and cancellations and resulted in 528 guests having to overnight in the destination which had little to no rooms available.
No industry is being spared the crush, banking is also affected. During an attempt at digitization, several banks shut their doors replacing teller services with full-service Automated Banking Machines. Unfortunately, residents and tourists report that the ABMs are usually low on cash and often out of service making it difficult to access their money.
The government has also recognized that the current roads are unsustainable, single routes lead to some of the most important infrastructure like airports, causing chaos whenever there are disruptions. A new consultation is being undertaken to find out how best to rework the country’s road network to manage the explosion of motor vehicles and the traffic congestion it is creating.
Now that the bi-partisan Vision 2040 document is launched by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, it may more clearly chart the way forward in identifying trends, predicting demands and instituting commonsense plans which result in an island nation ready to embrace the growth it is gunning for.
Until there is deeper consideration, there will remain an unfair burden on the consumer who – often without compensation – is left to withstand or wilt under the weight of any failure to forecast, that includes all of the fumbles and fouls that go along with it.
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY & UTILITIES
May 8th, 2024 – The Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) 2024 concluded last week in Miami, marking another milestone in advancing the region’s energy agenda. This year’s forum, held from April 24-27, at the JW Marquis Hotel in downtown Miami, attracted some of the most distinguished names and advocates in the field of renewable energy.
The delegation from The Turks and Caicos Islands led by Hon. Kyle Knowles of the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities included Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Energy and Utilities Commissioner Mr. Delano R. Arthur, Energy Analyst Dr. Eric F. Salamanca, Senior Legal Drafter Ms. Priscilla Paquette, and Executive Administrator Ms. Jasmine Malcolm.
Hon. Knowles was among the high-caliber panelists in the session called “Caribbean Leadership: Delivering on the Vision” where he highlighted the policy directions of TCI government towards transitioning to renewable energy. Hon. Knowles served as a panelist, discussing the transformative strategies required to integrate renewable technologies across the Inland territory, Turks and Caicos Islands (a UK Overseas Territory Caribbean). His insights on policy enhancements and infrastructural development were met with high interest and acclaim, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape.
Commissioner Delano R. Arthur, a key transformative leader in the energy sector, presented a compelling paper titled “Renewable Energy and Resource Bill for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” His presentation highlighted the legal framework for transition
to renewable energy, interconnection agreement, licensing among others. He also emphasizes the use of mature commercial technology, rather than emerging technologies that have not been proven in commercial scale. He also presented an approach to overcoming logistical and financial challenges in TCI. Com. Arthur’s pragmatic and innovative solutions offered a visionary perspective that resonated with the attendees.
Dr. Salamanca, and Atty. Paquette, also contributed to a roundtable discussion on Regulatory Framework led by the Caribbean Development Banks’ Mr. Joseph Williams and Mr. William Hinds, each bringing unique viewpoints and solutions to the challenges facing the TCI energy sector.
The attendance at year’s CREF also provided opportunity to establish networks. Among the most notable side event meeting was with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) where the TCI delegates discussed various projects in support of transition to green/renewable energy in the Turks and Caicos Island.
Commenting on his first CREF, the Hon Minister noted, “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the
Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) held in Miami, Florida. The Forum provided a valuable platform for discussions on the advancement of renewable energy solutions in the Caribbean region.
During the event, I engaged with key stakeholders, industry experts and government officials to exchange ideas on strategies to promote sustainable energy development. Renewable energy plays a crucial role in enhancing energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering economic growth in our region.
He concluded, “I am committed to working collaboratively with partners both regionally and globally to further renewable energy initiatives and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future. Our participation in events such as CREF our underscores our dedication to advancing clean energy solutions and building a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the benefit of our citizens.”
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
May 8th, 2024 – After millions of people took the AstraZeneca vaccine as their choice of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization announced on March 5, that it is withdrawing its vaccines from the market worldwide, effective as of May 7 as it was reported to cause side effects.
It is said 170 countries received doses of AstraZeneca; it was expected 35.3 million doses would be shared with 36 Caribbean and Latin
American countries through the COVAX program, according to PAHO.
First reported by the Telegraph, the side effects are identified as blood clots and low blood platelet counts. In fact, the medical issues have reportedly been linked to 81 confirmed deaths in the UK alone. Many others are suffering some other medical injury due to the vaccine popularized as an answer to the then new virus.
AstraZeneca is also being sued by more than 45 affected people.
The vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, the Telegraph informs, can no longer be used in the European Union and it will be the same for other countries and the UK in the coming months. Over 17 million doses made it into EU countries.
Reports say AstraZeneca made the revelations of the side effects in court documents, adding that the withdrawal of their vaccine is also due to a decrease in demand.
Photo Caption: Public Health Nurse, Patricia Coates (left), administers Daniel Adams’ first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, during the second COVID-19 Vaccination Blitz at the National Arena in St. Andrew, on Saturday (April 3).
JIS photo from 2021.
News
DTR AND DECR HOST STAKEHOLDERS MEETING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO IMPROVE COVERAGE FOR JETSKI OPERATORS
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL RESOURCES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations aims to bridge the gap between insurance companies and water sports operators struggling to acquire adequate business insurance. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable tourism product that ensures safety and reliability for all stakeholders. On April 30, 2024, the DTR hosted a meeting with four insurance companies to address concerns regarding liability risks, enhance coverage options, and explore avenues
to bolster safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions
The meeting involved key representatives from prominent insurance companies, namely from ‘NW Hamilton’: Elianise Rigby and Jewel Ewing; ‘JS Johnson’: Queen Been; ‘CSC Insurance’: Alicia Palmer; and GK Insurance: Marie Beckford. Government officials present from DTR: Director Avi Adams, Deputy Director Talia Thomas, Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur, Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner, Communication Officer Alique Harvey, and DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell, as well as Experience Turks and Caicos representative Strategic Development Manager Courtney Robinson, to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jetski operators within the local tourism landscape.
Currently, insurance options for Jetski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, posing challenges for operators and regulators. Through collaborative efforts with insurance providers, the DTR is committed to expanding coverage options and streamlining insurance processes to promote compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry.
“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable. Upon setting regulations, we realize that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance,” said Avi Adams, Director at the Department of Tourism Regulations. “Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be
safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with.”
Remarking on the proceedings of the meeting, Queen Been of J.S Johnson Insurance said “I am grateful to the Department of Tourism regulations in the TCI for hosting a timely, informative presentation on enacting laws for best practices for water sports and other tourism businesses. This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”
The meeting outcome will inform the DTR’s ongoing efforts to implement regulatory measures that prioritize safety without stifling the growth of recreational activities vital to the local tourism sector. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry.
-
TCI News3 days agoBomb Threat No 6. In TEN days
-
Crime7 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News7 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Bahamas News5 days agoRBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos
-
Caribbean News5 days agoVISITOR ARRIVALS NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY TRAVEL ADVISORIES KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
-
Bahamas News7 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Bahamas News5 days agoBahamas economic growth
-
News7 days agoFamily of 16 yo Tourist claims negligence in jet ski death; TCI Coroner’s Court hearing evidence