TCI News
TCI: ‘Wheelanders’ fed-up with toxic air from dump site
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 27, 2019 — Even right now the air is stink; putrid with the smell of a mix of garbage and smoke and residents are threatening to protest in the name of good health and quality living for themselves and their families.
“The situation is getting worse. The disposal of waste is polluting the air we breathe and they have no alternative to get rid of the waste here.”
A comment from a resident of Belglade Parker Gardens, who like many of her neighbours, no longer believe the dump is plagued by surrounding coal kilns or spot fires within it. This resident, a mother of four, believes the dump is being lit to cope with the overwhelming amounts of rubbish coming in from across the fast-developing island of Providenciales.
Photographs used to support the comments of this news report were shared with Magnetic Media by a male home owner of the community; he prefers to remain anonymous.
The home owners of the phase one affordable housing are getting the worst of the smoke, they especially from dusk to dawn.
“Last night was the worst. I turned on my A/c and my entire bedroom was in smoke. I’m ready to work on my placard to go protest if need be.”
The woman says her son is coughing continuously now. She too has developed sinusitis since last September as a result of the consistent burning of the dump, she said. “The slightest smoke and other air particles trigger my sinus. I have no recourse, no one is responsible enough to take charge of this recurring plight.”
The sentiments of this resident are common and have been taken to government officials before. In fact, a meeting was granted to residents of both Belglade Parker Gardens and Millennium Heights, where Minister of Health, Edwin Astwood and his Permanent Secretary, Desiree Lewis were present with the Environmental Health Director, Kenrick Neely and the Member of Parliament, Delroy Williams. At the time, the MP was acting Premier.
Among the actions which were to be taken as a result of the meeting, which was held at the Office the Premier in Providenciales in November 2018, was an air quality test.
It was also in 2018 that the Turks and Caicos Island Cabinet approved a loan for a solid waste management consultancy through the Caribbean Development Bank.
Member of Parliament for Wheeland, Delroy Williams has informed Magnetic Media that over the weekend government officials, including the Premier Sharlene Robinson, will update the thousands of residents affected by the toxic air, on a resolution.
The Providenciales landfill or dump is currently being managed by the Ministry of Health after the contract for Turks and Caicos Environmental Management expired as of October 28, 2018. ((CORRECTED))
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is elated to announce that the construction of the new air traffic control tower and combined services building at Howard Hamilton International Airport is almost complete. The state-of-the-art facility has a tentative finishing date set for November 30th, 2024. This project, following the execution of its contract on May 21st, 2020, officially commenced construction on May 18th, 2022, marking a significant milestone for aviation safety and efficiency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Despite the challenges that typically come with pioneering large-scale infrastructure projects, TCIAA remains focused on delivering a facility that will enhance air traffic management and streamline operations for both current and future demands. Here’s a look into some of the key project highlights:
- Critical Phases: One of the key phases already underway is the installation of the Control and Broadcast (CAB) unit, a pivotal component that will enable the new tower to be fully operational.
- Budget Adjustments: The original forecasted budget underwent uplifts primarily due to the significant costs associated with the CAB procurement and installation, as well as redefining provisional sums that were not outlined in the initially proposed project scope.
- Collaborative Efforts: The main contractor for the project is AE & S Construction Ltd, with BCQS Ltd serving as the Project Management Firm. Additionally, Aeronav has been engaged as a subcontractor responsible for the installation and configuration of the CAB unit. Together, these partners have played a significant role in driving the project forward, ensuring quality and adherence to the established timelines.
As a Design and Build project, a primary focus was aligning the architectural and functional design with the operational requirements of air traffic management while adhering to international regulatory standards. Given the inherent complexities of such construction projects, including defining project scope and ensuring accurate budget alignment, the TCIAA team underwent specialized training. This training
equipped team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the contract, resulting in enhanced project oversight and rigorous cost verification.
“Through this project, we have gained invaluable insights that have informed our approach to future developments,” said Wellenica Williams-Quant, the Projects Manager at TCIAA. “We have been able to refine our processes to ensure that we meet our strategic objectives.”
The completion of the new control tower is poised to deliver long-term benefits for The Howard Hamilton International Airport. The new tower will support safer, more efficient air traffic control operations, improve communication with aircraft, and will accommodate the increasing air traffic demands as Turks and Caicos Islands grow as a world-class destination. The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and our external aviation partners, for their continued support and collaboration throughout this project.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 11th October 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force led a successful operation in South Caicos on 9th and 10th October 2024, targeting illegal work activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including two females and five males.
Four of the apprehended individuals are currently detained by Border Force for illegally working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are being processed and face potential legal consequences. The remaining three individuals are in the custody of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) following the discovery of cannabis during the operation prompted by indications from the Border Force canine unit. One of these individuals will also face charges for overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This operation highlights Border Force’s strategy to combat immigration and customs offences throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The inland operations, including workplace enforcement, aim to address the root causes of illegal immigration by tackling illegal working. Border Force is committed to not only apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants but also prosecuting both undocumented workers and employers who facilitate illegal employment.
Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force stated “Our recent operation in South Caicos demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our obligations to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws through inland operations throughout TCI. I am incredibly grateful to our officers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their invaluable assistance.”
Border Force is issuing a stern warning to businesses and individuals alike: Employing undocumented workers is an offence. Those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, undocumented workers themselves are subject to deportation upon conviction. Individuals who harbour illegal immigrants or facilitate their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands face even stricter penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to illegal immigration to the following channels: TCIintel@gov.tc, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tipline at 866-347-2423, or online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, October 11, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has identified 28-year-old EVANSON WALKIN, also known as “Archie,” as the victim of the fatal shooting that took place last evening (October 10).
At approximately 9:00 p.m., multiple calls were made to the Police Control Room, reporting that gunshots were heard in an area called Club Med in Five Cays. 
Upon arriving at the scene, detectives from the Serious Crime Unit found a male lying motionless, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was later positively identified as Mr. Walkin.
This investigation remains ongoing, and we are urging the public to provide any information that may assist in solving this crime.
If you have any details about this incident, please get in touch with your nearest police station, call 911, or reach the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers P3 app, where video footage and other information can be shared discreetly.
We thank the public for their cooperation and assistance as we continue our efforts to bring justice to Mr. Walkin and his loved ones.
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