Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson Turns on Channel Demarcation Lights in North Caicos

#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2018 – Providenciales – Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson along with other Ministers, members of the Ports Authority staff and members of the North Caicos community ceremoniously turned on the main switch of the demarcation lights of the channel between North Caicos and Providenciales this past Wednesday.

The Premier in her remarks said that she and her government were happy to celebrate the significant milestone of the Ports Authority and that she was happy to be a part of the project.  Stating how important the newly erected navigational lights are in mitigating safety challenges experienced by mariners during travel at night and noted that she also fell victim in the past.  Hon Cartwright-Robinson went on to wish mariners safe transit through the channel and pledge her commitment to provide financial assistance in future projects to assist these communities.

Also addressing the gathering was, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ralph Higgs. He stated that the lights would better facilitate the travelling public and movement of cargo between the twin islands of North and Middle Caicos as the channel is the sole transportation mode.

The Chairman of the Ports Authority, Devon Williams, also brought remarks.  Mr. Williams recalled his days as a young boy observing his uncle, who was a seaman, traverse the channel on many occasions and that his life has come full-circle to now serve as Chairman of the Ports Authority Board improving lives of the people of his hometown, North Caicos and by extension Middle Caicos.   Mr. Llewellyn Handfield blessed the channel for safe passage.

According to specifications given by the Senior Port Facility Security Officer, Mr. Walter Hanchell of the Ports Authority, the lights are categorized as guiding lights that meet international standards on boats entering harbours.  The lighting path measures 2.5 miles long and has a visibility up to 3 miles. The Ports Authority, as part of its mandate is committed to providing safety navigational aids and markers to ports in the TCI.

Also on hand to celebrate this significant milestone was the TCI Boating Club and other well-wishers.

Release: TCIG