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Successful Sustainable Energy Transition Requires Updated Regulatory Framework

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#TurksandCaicos, November 3, 2021 – A comprehensive review and update of the regulatory framework governing the electricity sector is needed to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy transition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes has stated. Speaking at the company’s first-ever Turks and Caicos Energy Forum held at the Shore Club on Thursday, October 21, Mrs. Forbes reassured all stakeholders that FortisTCI is committed to collaborating to create an energy future in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The forum brought together a wide cross-section of local stakeholders, including government, businesses and FortisTCI customers to discuss ‘The Future of Energy in the Turks and Caicos Islands’. Citing the rapid changes taking place in the energy industry due to climate change and technological developments, Mrs. Forbes noted that if the Turks and Caicos Islands is not part of this energy transformation, “we risk being left behind.” Noting that regulatory discussions are ongoing with Turks and Caicos Islands Government, she emphasized that a modernized regulatory framework is necessary to meet changing customer demands, effectively integrate renewable energy and/or lower carbon fuel sources, and bring certainty, independence and transparency to the regulatory environment. She also announced that the company has earmarked over $40 million to be invested over the next five years in renewable energy, lower carbon fuel sources, and fleet transition to electric vehicles.

Calling for a national sustainability effort to tackle climate change and create a greener economy for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mrs. Forbes stated, “We can and must embrace an energy future built on sustainability for our economy and planet. We have a unique opportunity to do so and to do it right. We recognize that there are no easy fixes, but I firmly believe that with collaboration and conviction, we can play our part in the global effort towards a more sustainable planet.”

Attending as the Forum’s keynote speaker, President of the Caribbean Bank, Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, delivered his address on ‘Advancing Economic Development in the Caribbean: The Role of Sustainable Energy.’ His message was that a sustainable energy transition is one of the most important trans-generational responsibilities for the Caribbean. “Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy,” said Dr. Leon. He noted that the Caribbean should focus on five critical priorities for a sustainable energy transition, namely improving energy efficiency, diversifying fuel sources, encouraging and incentivizing private sector investment, building strategic partnerships on a global scale to help achieve net-zero carbon emissions, and having in place flexible and affordable financing options to attract private capital.

Also bringing remarks was Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Honorable Charles Washington Misick. Both expressed the Government’s commitment to advancing the changes in the energy sector and noted that work is currently underway to create the legal framework necessary to make the types of changes needed in the TCI.

Other guest speakers and industry experts provided their perspectives on the sector’s transformation, touching on sustainability, clean energy initiatives, electrification of transportation, regulations, a plan for the TCI, and more. Representatives included Fortis Inc. President and CEO Dave Hutchens and LUCELEC Managing Director Trevor Louisy. There were also appearances by private and public sector officials from the United States, Bermuda, Cayman, Barbados, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

For those who could not join on Thursday, the full event is available for viewing on the FortisTCI YouTube page here. You can also visit www.tcienergyforum.com for more details on the conference and updates for 2022.

Release: FortisTCI

Photo Caption: L-r: FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes,  Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Charles ‘Washington’ Misick, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, and President of the Caribbean Development Bank Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon share a moment together following the first-ever Turks and Caicos Energy Forum held at The Shore Club in Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, on Thursday, October 21.

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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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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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