TCI: Statement on recent Provo Landfill Fires from Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams

#Providenciales, February 6, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – As the representative of Wheeland, I wish on behalf of my government to extend sincerest apologies to residents in my constituency and the surrounding districts who were affected by the toxic fumes that emanated from the recent fire at the landfill, which from all accounts, was a blatant act of arson.  We will be pursuing those who have perpetrated this unlawful and outrageous act and will see to it that they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Again, let me assure you that your health and well-being are of utmost importance to me and my government colleagues and I want to give you the reassurance that we will be relentless in our commitment to ensuring that there are significant and effective improvements in the systems that are in place to manage the facility.

I understand and hear wholeheartedly the concerns raised by the residents of Wheeland, Blue Hills, Kewtown, Chalk Sound and surrounding areas.  I would like to take this time to apologize and reassure the communities and citizens at large that the matter is still and will be an ongoing priority under investigation through the Environment Health Department and Police.  It has come to my attention that these heinous acts are link to one or more arsonist and as such I implore persons that if you know or see anything associated with these acts of crime, to please come forward and assist us with putting an end to the problem.  I would like to thank the Environmental Health Department, Domestic Fire, and the Provo Airport Fire Services for assisting with extinguishing the fire.

We have posted security at the dump and they do several rounds of patrolling. Furthermore, this weekend joint task force has identified and destroyed several illegal coal kilns being forested and harvested here on Providenciales.  This is a step in the multi-pronged approach in addressing our environmental health concerns and the perpetrators of these acts.

My government is currently seeking new modern and effective waste management and landfill control contractors after the issuance of the ongoing tender process.  We remind persons with the relevant skills and expertise to apply before February 20^th, 2019 so that we can together work with the best and brightest minds to rectify the current landfill matters.

Further information, requests for clarification and queries may be requested in writing, directly to the Secretary to the Procurement Board, via email procurement@gov.tc.

Release: Ministry of Home Affairs Communication and Transportation

Photo Credit: MM