Connect with us

News

Why wait TCI? let’s lead the way on Green energy

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, June 22, 2022 – It may seem far fetched for a small developing nation like TCI, but I’m optimistic we could lead the way by becoming an all green country.   As a small island nation, we should be taking advantage of the proven cutting edge technology that’s out there, such as wind power, or solar energy which are alternatives to burning fossil fuels.

Our country is in a good position to become Trail Blazers in this arena and not just followers of the free world.  For this dream to become a reality and take shape, every developer would have to contribute a small percentage of their profits into a green energy fund.

With TCI  being blessed with sunshine practically 365 days out of the year, and strong eastwardly winds particularly on the island of Grand Turk, we are in a position to generate either solar or wind power.  With the ongoing war in Ukraine, we have seen the geopolitical landscape of global energy production changing very rapidly. It’s a perfect storm to push for green energy especially in Caribbean countries.  With that being said, a sizable investment in this area will be well worth it in the long run.

Let’s use Uruguay as an example, a relatively small country in South America. In 2020, over 40% of their electricity capacity and generation derived from solar and wind power. So what can we learn from them?

I strongly believe small countries like TCI with relatively low level of energy consumption can also champion such initiative.

Big energy companies like Fortis Inc. with approximately $58 billion in total assets, should be in a position to step up to the plate and provide a broader market of solar driven power in TCI.  It’s doable because for many years, Fortis TCI have had the monopoly and made a fortune on the backs of our people.

A starting point should be with slowly eliminating those existing diesel generators, ramping up the project with burying power lines and taking on a stronger roll in supporting more homes on the “UORE” program etc.

For readers who aren’t familiar with the “UORE” program, these are customers who have been outfitted with solar panels to power their homes. These customers are also eligible to receive a monthly fixed credit from Fortis TCI, for rooftop space and an annual variable incentive based on system production.

It should be noted, Fortis TCI, is playing a much more active role within our communities with respect to the recent launch of a scholarship apprenticeship program which is commendable.  I still believe more can be done, such as Fortistci working in tandem with the government and other NGOs to provide solar training classes at the local community colleges, opening more investment opportunities, etc.

Government should also push big co-operations like Carnival and Beaches resort to make a greater effort to reduce their carbon footprint.  Instead of just touting our reliance on more brick and mortar investments, our government should embrace a wider vision and lead the way on this initiative to help improve our basic infrastructure.

TCI can become the envy of the Caribbean by starting with investing in solar powered vehicles, solar lights, green building materials, acquiring green buses to support public transportation etc.   By investing in green busses, the health and safety of our citizens would also be at a lesser risk from harmful emissions.

Furthermore, not only will it be a cost savings to consumers, but the spin-off will result in more job creation.

We must act now! if not, in the near future, we could be faced with potentially devastating consequences like, changes in the rainy seasons, longer droughts and  increasing intensity of hurricanes as we have seen over the past 10 or so years.   It’s time to get out of our comfort zone and diversify our energy portfolio.

Let’s not continue to put all of our eggs in one basket like we do with our tourism sector.   Let’s not wait to be broadsided again like we were with the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted our way of life and significantly impacted our fragile tourism economy.  Let’s challenge our politicians who will dare to muster up the courage to put this front and center on their agenda.

Big oil companies continues to reap the profits while energy consumption around the world soar and the power cost adjustment in TCI keeps getting higher.

With that being said, there has never been a more crucial time for our country to explore green energy on a larger scale.  We must get serious about clean energy and chart a path toward a fossil-free future. The aim and objective should be to strengthen our country economically and the resolve of our people.  This is also a great way to draw down carbon emissions, while supporting the global initiatives to combat climate changes, giving everyone access to clean energy.

 

Ed Forbes 
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

Published

on

NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

Continue Reading

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING