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The Worse is Yet to come as FortisTCI gives disheartening outlook on electricity bills

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 5, 2022 – Residents’ reactions ranged from shock to outrage last week when their June electricity bills revealed massive jumps driven by an increase in the fuel factor for everyone. Even more shocking are the widespread instances of heightened consumption. Residents say this in particular needs immediate investigation.

But according to FortisTCI, the costs are going to get worse.

“Based on the latest information received from our fuel supplier, the cost of fuel will rise significantly over the next several months, which will cause a further increase in the fuel factor and ultimately an increase in electricity bills.” FortisTCI said.

The nation’s electricity supplier explained that the global increases across food, gas and other sectors was affecting them in the utility sector as well. Based on the outcry after the June bills residents simply cannot afford another increase, nor can they afford to live without electricity.

FortisTCI has also warned that consumption was likely to increase next month.  Hotter temperatures which may require the use of air conditioning and children now being home all day for summer break are certain to raise consumption a little.

The news is disheartening for residents who have been absorbing price increase after increase over the past several months. Also disheartening is the silence on the issue from the government. To date there has been no official response to the issue from any member of government.

Magnetic Media has sought to get some response from Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs which has oversight of the Energy and Utilities Commissioner and E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier & Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, which is the home ministry for the consumer protection department.

Meanwhile FortisTCI says its aim is to allow residents some legroom for payment.

Effective immediately there will be no penalties on late payments during the months of July and August 2022, no disconnections for balances less than 60 days overdue from July to August 2022 and finally some residents will benefit from payment plans which will be done on a case-by-case basis.

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Nominated for Nine World Travel Awards  

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce that the Turks and Caicos Islands has been nominated in nine categories in the 2026 World Travel Awards.

These nominations once again underscore the destination’s strength in offering a diverse and high-quality tourism product across our multi-island landscape.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has been nominated in the following categories:

  • Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Dive Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Family Travel Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination
  • Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board
  • Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination

Interim CEO Consultant, Mr. Paul Pennicook, welcomed the nominations.

“The World Travel Awards is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious recognition programmes in global tourism, and the Turks and Caicos Islands has consistently featured among its top honourees. We are delighted to see our destination recognised across key niche areas, which speaks to the dedication of our stakeholders and partners in strengthening and elevating our tourism offerings,” he said.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination award for 11 consecutive years and has also secured the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination title for seven consecutive years.

Voting is now open across all regions, with both industry professionals and consumers invited to cast their votes. To participate, visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote and register to vote.

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Experience Turks and Caicos Launches Strategic Travel Advisor Education Program in Partnership with Travelview International

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The Initiative Expands Marketing Efforts with a Video Driven Campaign Reaching 80,000 Travel Advisors Across the U.S. and Canada

 

 PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS: Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce its partnership with Houston-based Travelview International to launch a video-driven travel advisor marketing and education program across the United States and Canada – markets that collectively represent about 90 percent of the destination’s visitor arrivals.

Through this initiative, Experience Turks and Caicos will leverage Travelview International’s established platform to engage approximately 80,000 travel advisors across North America, including members of leading luxury consortia, through a series of highly targeted video campaigns on the Turks and Caicos Islands, including its lesser-known sister islands.

The program distributes twice-monthly emails featuring short informational videos that function as a “video FAM trip,” helping advisors quickly build destination knowledge and stay current on the islands.

The campaign underscores Experience Turks and Caicos’ ongoing commitment to deepening its engagement with the travel advisor community, as luxury travelers increasingly turn to these trusted professionals to curate and secure highly personalized, bespoke experiences.

“Our partnership with Travelview International reflects the critical role that travel advisors play in shaping high-value travel decisions and driving meaningful demand for destinations like Turks and Caicos,” said Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos.

“Advisors are indispensable partners in how luxury travel is planned and experienced today, and by investing in direct, consistent engagement, we are ensuring they are equipped with the insights and inspiration needed to confidently position our islands at the forefront of their recommendations.”

The content features concise, expertly narrated informational videos crafted for efficient learning and lasting recall. These videos highlight the destination’s defining attributes, including its geography, heritage, and cultural character; a curated overview of its resorts, villas, and accommodations; and distinctive experiences and excursions that set the Turks and Caicos Islands apart within the Caribbean luxury landscape – all while visually showcasing the natural beauty that the destination is renowned for.

As a respected publisher within the travel industry, Travelview International is recognised for delivering credible, non-advertorial content that advisors rely on to make informed recommendations for their clients. The platform seamlessly integrates editorial programming produced by Travelview with video contributions from private sector partners on specific resorts, villas, experiences, and services with direct pathways to additional information and booking opportunities.

To view the full collection of the Turks and Caicos Islands videos, please visit: https://tci.travelvideo.com/

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Bahamian Man Extradited to Florida on Cocaine Trafficking Charges

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USA, April 23, 2026 – A Bahamian man has been extradited to the United States to face serious drug charges stemming from alleged offences committed several years ago.

Lernis Cornish Jr. was handed over to U.S. authorities on April 17, 2026, following extradition proceedings in The Bahamas. The case was heard before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley, who ordered that Cornish be surrendered to American officials. Cornish did not challenge the order.

He has since been transferred to Florida, where he is expected to face trial in connection with alleged drug-related activity dating back23 to 2020.

According to reports, Cornish is accused of possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to supply. Related U.S. law enforcement notices also indicate that the matter is being pursued in Collier County, Florida, where authorities have listed charges including trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic cocaine, involving quantities of 400 grams or more.

The case now falls under the jurisdiction of the Florida court system, where prosecutors are expected to advance the matter through pre-trial proceedings ahead of any potential trial.

Extradition from The Bahamas to the United States is governed by bilateral treaty arrangements, allowing individuals accused of serious offences to be transferred to face justice in the requesting country once a Bahamian court is satisfied that legal requirements have been met.

Cornish’s extradition marks the continuation of a multi-year case, moving it from preliminary proceedings in The Bahamas into the U.S. judicial system, where the allegations will now be tested in court.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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