TCI: DECR Hosts Mandatory Training Session for Providenciales Watersports Operators

#TurksandCaicos, April 6, 2018 – Providenciales – The Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR), assisted by Ms. Blythe Clare, Training Manager of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, hosted a training session for operators within the Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park (PALSNP).

The training workshop, held on Wednesday, 28 March, addressed customer service and appropriate etiquette to be applied when undertaking business within the national park.

The DECR is mandated to manage the natural resources of the TCI, in a manner that all stakeholders can legally and sustainably enjoy these delicate ecosystems.  The success of this mandate depends heavily on the effective implementation and enforcement of the relevant environmental laws, and compliance by the public.

“With the vendors and tour operators being at the frontline of TCI’s tourism product, their actions can potentially have a detrimental impact on the environment as well as a visitors’ perception of the destination.  Hence, the DECR is continuing its efforts to educate all stakeholders, so that persons would be aware of what is permissible within the law and what actions are grounds for prosecution”, said Mr. Luc Clerveaux, Assistant Director of Law and Enforcement, DECR.

The workshop was designed to ensure that vendors and park users adhere to the regulations of the National Parks Ordinance, and to provide users with an opportunity to discuss the operational challenges that they face on a daily basis.  This was the second vendor-oriented workshop hosted by the Department this year, as the Department strives to improve the operations and working environment within the PALSNP.

The Department would like to thank everyone who attended for their cooperation, and would like to encourage stakeholders to attend future sessions as we work together to sustain the Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands, and provide the best possible service and environment to our guests and visitors.

Release: TCIG