Vandalism brings Grand Turk roadworks to a standstill, Premier and MP speak out

#PalmGrove, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – November 8, 2018 – Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South earlier today expressed extreme disappointed as he reported that road works in Palm Grove, Grand Turk have been sabotaged, a vandal striking in a mischievous and deliberately wicked effort to stall improvements to streets there.

“Some person or persons have cut all the hydraulic lines on the asphalt paving machines that were located in  Palm Grove, for the asphalt paving  of the roads in North and South Backsalina. Police were on  the scene to investigate a few moments ago,” said Astwood, who is also the Minister of Health, Human Services, Sports and Agriculture.

Minister Astwood believes the act is politically motivated.

Island Drill of Grand Turk owns the equipment contracted by TCIG for the long anticipated roadworks.

Tonight, the Premier as acting Minister of Infrastructure also commented in a media statement which was part appeal, part warning, part effort to bring understanding of how the deliberate damage hurts improvements in Grand Turk.

“As Acting Minister of Infrastructure, we are extremely disappointed that this would be done and I am urging those responsible to refrain from acts of this nature that does more harm and no good. We are seeking to carry out  important, long overdue road works in some areas that have never had paved roads and this will only enhance the Island’s appearance and pave the way for other opportunities on an Island that is receiving nearly one million tourists per year. This of course is paving the way for the critical projects that will come under the Infrastructure Account and under the Government’s Capital Program. We crave your partnership in order to deliver on the long awaited and much needed works for the Nation’s capital and to make life better for all. I can say that the Representative for GT South and Minister of Health, Hon Astwood is most disappointed and like me is appealing to anyone who may know anything to assist the Police with their investigations but above all we appeal to the person or persons responsible, we are urging that you refrain from doing so. We are happy that some of the equipment has now been repaired for use.”

Grand Turk has been plagued with vandalism and arson cases for nearly three years now.