Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

With an allocation of $14,918,892, to be spent during fiscal year 2024, 2025, the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities will seek to consistently excel in service delivery and produce high quality products.

Delivering a Ministerial Statement to the National House of Assembly, recently, Portfolio Minister, Hon. Kyle R. Knowles says part of this year’s mission is to enhance customer service experiences and uphold the ‘highest standards of excellence and accountability” for the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“It is on this basis that the Ministry’s focus will be on ‘Forging Ahead: Building A Stronger, More Sustainable Ministry,’” as it aims to deliver on key programme strategies achieving “our key strategic priorities and initiatives,” he said.

Adding that the work of the Ministry is “closely linked” to the Government’s mandate in delivering for the people, he said collectively, its work to achieve “these very ambitious goals” for the benefits of citizens. 

Immediate priority is being placed on the Energy and Utilities Department, which is “heavily engaged in regulatory reform,” and requires a robust, multifaceted and strategic approach to strengthening and expanding regulatory oversight. 

“The current regulatory environment is in dire need of reform, and the Ministry remains resolute in executing on the Government’s mandate as it relates to energy and utilities and the impact it has on” Islanders, the Minister said.

He pointed out that a key part of the reform will be the establishment of a multi-sector independent regulatory body, which will be responsible for ensuring regulatory accountability, good governance, independence, and transparency.

Crucial to the reform he said, will be modernising the legislative framework to better oversee monopoly and quasi-monopoly utilities, “ensuring that the Government sets policy while the Regulatory Commission carries out its legislated responsibilities independently,” he told the assembly.

He said sustainability underpins the strategic goals of the Department, and the critical intersection of regulatory reform and renewable energy highlights the necessity for a contemporary regulatory framework to address the evolving energy landscape. “This reform is pivotal for harnessing renewable energy’s potential to help with stabilising electricity rates,” he said

Minister Knowles said the ]Department will be “heavily engaged” with professional consultancy to support, mobilize and carry out its important work, and the Water Undertaking in line with the Government’s commitment to the development and expansion of water infrastructure on Grand Turk,  “significant progress has been made on the 1-million-gallon salt water reverse osmosis plant project.

“Many milestones have been met on this initiative and we anticipate a successful completion and commissioning this year after the construction of the Reverse Osmosis plant building, distribution pump building, feed pump building, piping works and electrical works for the Reverse Osmosis plant,” he said.

He also reported that the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services is committed to preventing and reducing crime in the island, through effective offender management, community partnerships, and dynamic rehabilitation initiatives. 

“We will be focusing on enhancing the physical, procedural, and dynamic security across the prison. These efforts will ensure that we continue to protect and serve the public by keeping prisoners safely detained who pose the greatest risks to our nation’s security,” he said.

 The Domestic Fire and Rescue Service, one of key frontline departments, will be focusing on strengthening its legislative powers through the implementation of supporting regulations to ensure better compliance and stronger enforcement throughout the islands “ensuring that fire safety standards are adhered to and are supported by proper inspections and maintenance,” the Minister said.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force held its Divisional (B) Parade at the Ethel  Ingham Centre today (May 1st). 

At 7 a.m., police officers from Division B (Operations and Response) turned out for the parade,  which included a formal inspection of uniforms and kit, under the command of Superintendent of  Police Dwight Gardiner. 

The parade was momentous, with Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant and  Assistant Commissioner of Police Darron Williams applauding the officers’ dedication, bravery,  and commitment. 

Superintendent Gardiner delivered brief remarks to the officers present, encouraging them to  continue seeking the best interest of the TCI. 

“Our roles are critical in society, not just enforcing laws but also building bridges with  communities by being beacons of hope and serving with pride and integrity.” 

Among the parade’s highlights was the recognition of officers within the Division who  exemplified teamwork, due diligence and a commitment to the communities they serve.  

Commendation Certificates and plaques were presented to Sgt. Allan Scipio, Sgt. Philippe Jean,  Constable Jermaine Jackson, Shawna Gray, Rohan Pennant, Dujuana Fulford, Durando Pinder,  Foline Dor, Domareo Outten, Wisline Claire, Royan Manning and Travis Robinson for their  swift response to a medical emergency on April 05th, 2024. 

The officer’s quick action at the Chalk Sound Police Station saved the life of a visitor who was  suffering from chest pains, collapsed and was unconscious. 

Additionally, Officers of the Month awards were presented to Constable Austin Etienne  (February) and Constables Alesa Brown and Shawna Gray (March), while the Traffic  Enforcement Unit received Team of the Month (March). 

Constable Tyrone Cox was named “Best Turn Out Officer”.

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.

This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.

Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.

These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.

In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.

In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”

The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.

Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”

Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.