TCI News
TCI braces for scrap metal trade but must also brace potentially for scavengers
#Providenciales, August 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The PDM Administration announced in the House of Assembly last week that it is creating an environment to encourage the export of scrap metal; Premier Sharlene Robinson rolled out the plan in her ministerial statement.
“Mr. Speaker, Turks and Caicos Islanders will not only have an opportunity to strive but thrive in the exportation of scrap medals.”
Three significant incentives, for the removal of scrap metal have been announced by the Premier as: “…approved through cabinet a policy to incentivize the removal of Scrap Metal from the TCI for a period of twelve (12) months; My Government has set the rates of cargo dues payable during the period of the policy to zero percent for a period of twelve (12) months and my Government has set the rate of security dues payable during the policy period to zero percent for the first six (6) month of the twelve (12) month period.”
Zero rates to export the eyesore of derelict vehicles, for example, is likely to be welcomed news; and admittedly for the Premier, cleaning the country up is a major driver for the decisions.
“The Turks and Caicos Islands currently does not have in place an effective and enforceable regime for the disposal of imported vehicles that are at the end of their useful lives. As a result, vehicles are abandoned and left at mechanical workshops or remain on the owner’s premises. Mr. Speaker, it is not uncommon to see abandoned vehicles in vegetated areas along streets and unpaved roads throughout the Islands. These vehicles would soon become derelict/ scrap metal. Mr. Speaker, these conditions constitute a defacement of the environment becoming an ‘eyesore,’ bringing down community aesthetics and a breeding ground for mosquitos, rodents and pests. Consequently, our health is threatened.”
But there is a caveat worth the mention here; regional neighbours have found that this lucrative industry has created a new kind of crime.
Jamaica found the increased rate of theft for metals like copper soared and in 2011, scrap metal trade was banned there. A recent announcement hinted at a return of the scrap metal industry to Jamaica, but with stringencies.
Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Anthony Hylton is quoted in media saying, “Any proof of theft of scrap metal that is exported by the company will result in stiff penalties and cancellation of the licence to export,” he said. “The penalty will be J$5 million and the company will have to post a bond of $5 million.”
It is not just Jamaica, but Antigua, Grenada, Montserrat and The Bahamas which were all sent reeling as the scavenging was so serious that historic sites were robbed of copper artifacts and utility companies, like BahamasTelecommunications, were hit in the hunt for copper wire. BTC was robbed of a reported $1 million in copper.
Payouts for scrap metal continue to soar; it is a good industry and sensible, profitable business.
Imagine being paid for computer motherboards, car alternators, aluminum sheets and cans, steel or cars, which iScrapp lists as attracting $110.00 for a complete car.
Scrap metal is big business and Premier Robinson, said her campaign promise was to ensure more islanders got a bite at big business.
“Mr. Speaker, my Government was approached by several persons in the community seeking ways to partner with the Government to assist in the removal of scrap metal and derelict vehicles. My Government immediately explored possibilities and created a policy which would assist in meeting the environmental challenges whilst creating opportunity for the local businesses.”
The TCI must obviously ensure its laws discourage illegal activity in this new scrap metal industry, but for now, the Premier is calling it a ‘win-win’ for business and environment.
#magneticmedianews
#tciscrapmetaltrade
#potentialscrapmetalscavengers
TCIG knew from April that fuel factor could surge almost 80%; Minister says $500 cost-of-living payment was part of Government’s response
PROVIDENCIALES — The Turks and Caicos Government knew months before July’s shocking electricity bills that consumers faced a potentially massive increase in the fuel factor.
Minister of Information Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders revealed Friday that Pelican Energy warned his Ministry in April that generation fuel costs were projected to rise from $3.09 per gallon in May to $4.79 in June and July.
That translated into a projected fuel factor jump from about 17.5 cents to 31 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of almost 80%.
Saunders said he personally advised Cabinet of the projected increase and presented options for cushioning the impact.
He characterised Government’s $500 cost-of-living payment as its “initial response” to rising fuel costs, before a separate fuel-factor subsidy was approved.
Cabinet records show Government agreed on June 24 to provide funding to mitigate the fuel-factor impact, with the relief programme approved July 8.
Eligible residential customers — those averaging less than $1,500 monthly over the previous three bills — are capped at 22 cents per kWh from July through October.
Pelican confirmed Friday that Government’s contribution was already applied to July bills, meaning the bills now triggering widespread public outrage would have been even higher without the subsidy.
Saunders did not disclose the programme’s total cost.
His admission that Government knew since April, however, raises another question amid the backlash: why were consumers not directly warned by Government about the scale of the approaching increase?
PROVIDENCIALES — New commercial Crown Land applications are facing a six-month pause as the Turks and Caicos Islands Government takes inventory of its holdings.
During Cabinet meetings held July 15 and 16, an immediate six-month moratorium was approved on the acceptance, processing
and approval of new applications for commercial Crown Land grants, leases and allocations.
The pause will remain in place pending completion of the Crown Land Inventory Review. Cabinet’s summary did not state what prompted the review or indicate whether availability of commercial Crown Land is a concern.
The two-day meeting also advanced major consumer legislation. Cabinet approved the National Fair Competition Policy 2026 and drafting instructions for a Fair Competition Ordinance, moving TCI toward stronger consumer protection and fair competition rules.
In Grand Turk, Cabinet approved rezoning land in the North West Suburbs from low-density to medium-density residential use to facilitate a new apartment development.
Cabinet also advanced fisheries reforms, water legislation allowing private and public-private investment, minerals legislation and appointments across tourism, health and finance.
Progress toward establishing a TCI Credit Union was also noted.
PROVIDENCIALES — Major development projects outside Providenciales received Cabinet attention on July 8, with Government approving agreements connected to the redevelopment of Dellis Cay and a resort development in North Caicos.
Cabinet approved a Development Agreement between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Desarrollos Hotelco DC Ltd. and
Desarrollos Hotelco Astoria Ltd. for the redevelopment of Dellis Cay.
The long-discussed private island development sits between Providenciales and North Caicos and its return to Cabinet signals another step toward redevelopment.
Cabinet also approved amendments to an agreement involving SPR LND Ltd. (Royal Reef) and TCIG Development Agreement for a resort/hotel development in North Caicos.
Other decisions included approval of the First Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 for onward transmission and the appointment of Cindy Ewing as Chair of the Invest TCI Board, effective August 1 for three years.
Cabinet also noted consultation outcomes concerning changes to business licensing, approved professional membership expenses for qualifying Telecommunications Commission staff and approved advice relating to the Interim Clinical and Estates Services PPP.
The July 8 meeting was chaired by Acting Governor Anya Williams.
Photo Credit: Royal Reef (Keith)
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