#Providenciales, April 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – There are 4 important initiatives I think the government should embark on. All of which are extremely beneficial to this country and local businesses in the nations capital “Grand Turk”. But the most important issue pertains to the perceived lack of support for our local Marine branch.

Here are the initiatives:

1. Public beach access near passenger loading zone, annex Carnival cruise center.
2. Improvement of sanitation services on south beach.
3. The need for a proper public ramp at south dock.
4. A permanently stationed Marine vessel in Grand Turk.

On the behalf of the boat operators and concern citizens alike in Grand Turk, we are making a public plea for a marine vessel to be stationed here.

We understand the Government has austerity measures in place due to other capital projects, nevertheless, I think the welfare and safety of citizens should always be high priority for any government.

I have personally sent letters to the past and present respective government departments addressing these concerns. There has been discussions but little to no action taken.

We have a dedicated team of individuals working in our marine branch in Grand Turk, they just need the proper tools and resources and to do their jobs.

It’s No fault of their own. I have seen them up on south beach doing the jobs of local law enforcement and regulatory departments. Such as, confiscating illegal sale of alcohol, dealing with vendors over arguments with chairs, etc.

That should be No, No..their expertise should be much better utilized.

There is a host of benefits to government allocating a decent vessel just for Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and having a more robust marine branch.

1. First of all, it will provide a means of transportation for rapid response in case of an emergency or a serious illness with our fellow citizens in Salt Cay.
2. Secondly, it will help with the enforcement of DEMA and Fisheries regulations and protecting our marine life.
3. Thirdly, it will helps to support the local boat operators especially in search and rescue operations not to include, Interception of Poachers and boarder protection.

Their presence alone in our waters is a show of force and added protection for cruise ship passengers embarking on our shores. On any given day, when the cruise ships are in, we literally have thousands of sunbathers on the beach or in our waters. Many of them stray in non swim zones with no security, available marine patrol or DEMA presence to assist if needed. This is a huge safety concern.

Boat tour operators are required to pay annual fee for radio licenses for each vessel. If there is no readily available marine rescue vessel, what’s the purpose or the value?

What are we waiting for; something drastic to happen before reacting?

It goes beyond just what can the government do for the people or boat operators. It’s common decency and making public safety and security a priority.

With Tourisim being our bread and butter particular in Grand Turk and Salt Cay, we need to be more proactive with matters of this nature. It’s not rocket science. What we have to do is start holding the folks we elected to represent us much more accountable. They were placed in office to be the voice of the people and this is an area where they have failed us miserably in Grand Turk.

For those who may not have been made aware, there has been a number of various serious boating incidents occurring right here in Grand Turk. I can name a hand full of them. There needs to be a paradigm shift in how we look at Grand Turk in terms of resource allocation, how things use to be and the growing demand for change. Still quaint, but Grand Turk is no longer a small sleepy town. Criminals and weapons are entering our boarders which ever way they can. We can not and should not stand by idol or turn a blind eye. Wake up my people!

Ed Forbes 

Concern citizen