#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:
- Public beach access near passenger loading zone,
annex Carnival cruise center.
- Improvement of sanitation services on south beach.
- The need for a proper public ramp at south dock.
- 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.
- 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.
- Secondly, it will help with the enforcement of DEMA
and Fisheries regulations and protecting our marine life.
- 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