PUBLIC NOTICE

FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER FORCE

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force informs the yachting community and marina operators of a new requirement for using the SailClear platform. Effective 1 May 2024, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) implemented a $25 annual subscription fee for SailClear users. This fee allows unlimited application submissions, helps improve service quality, and expands SailClear’s capabilities.

SailClear, introduced by the TCI Customs Department in February 2023, provides a secure and efficient platform for submitting electronic customs declarations. The annual subscription ensures continued investment in maintaining rigorous service standards including system reliability and efficient processing of notifications implement upgrades and to expand the services to additional maritime jurisdictions.

Pleasure craft operators are reminded that electronic pre-arrival and pre-departure notifications via SailClear are mandatory. The master of a vessel must electronically submit a Sailclear notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the vessel’s estimated time of arrival at a port. Additionally, before departing, the master must submit a Sailclear clearance notification to Border Force at least 24 hours prior to the estimated departure time.

Failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an offence under the Customs Ordinance. Those found guilty of this offence will be subjected to a fine of $5000.

Important Reminder for Yacht and Watercraft Owners:

• Non-Registered Users: SailClear use is enforceable under section 5 of the Customs (Pleasure Craft) (Amendment) Direction 2022 (Legal Notice 82 of 2022). For those not yet subscribed to SailClear, visit sailclear.com and click “Subscribe Here” to follow the registration process.
• Pre-Arrival and Pre-Departure Notifications: All pleasure craft owners arriving or departing the Turks and Caicos Islands must submit pre-arrival/departure notifications to Border Force through SailClear. Failure to submit electronic notifications via SailClear constitutes an offense under the Customs Ordinance.
• For Inquiries: Contact support@cclec.org for further information or assistance.

This update ensures the continued efficiency and reliability of the SailClear platform, allowing for a seamless customs clearance experience for the yachting community in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Carlencia Lightbourne

Public Relations and Communications Officer

crilightbourne@gov.tc

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND COASTAL RESOURCES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 17^th September 2024 – In honour of Interantional Coastal Clean-up Day, on Saturday the Turks and Caicos Islands proudly participated in the 11^th annual nation-wide initiative to protect its pristine coastlines and marine ecosystems.  Residents, students, businesses and community groups joined the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) for a day of action aimed at preserving the natural beauty that makes our Islands a global treasure.

Organised by the DECR the clean-up day saw volunteers combing beaches, bays and mangroves to remove plastic debris, fishing gear and other pollutants harmful to wildlife and coral reefs.

Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Hon. Josephine Connolly, applauded the enthusiasm of the volunteers, noting the event’s importance: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are renowned for our stunning coastlines and vibrant marine life.  Protecting these resources is not just about today – it is about ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our islands. The outpouring of support from the community demonstrates how deeply we care for our environment”.

In Providenciales the Bight Park Beach Day was a resounding success this past weekend, bringing together families, friends, and organisations working towards a safer and healthier environment for us all.  Hosted at the scenic Bight Park, the event was a fun-filled day of beach clean-up, activities, music, and environmental awareness.

Sponsored by the DECR, the day highlighted the importance of preserving the Islands’ natural beauty – this was beautifully expressed through the official unveiling of the new mural, TheOctopus Garden, painted by volunteer Hernan Jurado Quintero (Visions4Nature), and sponsored by Andaz Resort and Grace Bay Paint and Supply.

The DECR would like to extend a big thank you to Dive Provo and Experience TCI for sponsoring great prizes! The Department would also like to thank the following organisations for assisting in making the Bight Park Beach Day great success:

– Department of Agriculture

– Department of Gender Affairs

– Department of Youth Affairs

– Red Cross TCI

– Salt Raker Swim Club & the TCI Swim Federation

– Turks and Caicos Reef Fund

– Levenia Bishop

– Turks and Caicos National Trust

– TCI Whale Project

– TCI Turtle Project

International Coastal Clean-up Day, spearheaded by the Ocean Conservancy, is the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean health. Each year, thousands of coastal communities around the globe participate in clean-up efforts to raise awareness of the importance of reducing marine litter and preserving the health of oceans.

For more information about how to get involved in future clean-up efforts or to learn more about sustainable practices in the TCI, please contact the DECR at environment@gov.tc or follow us on Instagram (@decrtci) or Facebook (@DECR Education and Outreach).

Turks and Caicos, September 17, 2024 – An operation involving officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has resulted in the seizure of marijuana with an estimated street value of $931,600.00.

The illegal find was made yesterday morning (September 16) at a location east of South Caicos.

Police reports indicate that a small vessel was seen acting suspiciously in and around the waters to the west of South Caicos. Via aerial surveillance, the vessel, which was grounded on the banks, was located, and three males were seen running off into bushes.

Given the difficulty of the area, the TCI Regiment was transported via the USCG helicopter and  located five bags containing thirty-eight packages weighing a total of 209 lbs.

The operation and the investigation are ongoing, and further inquiries will be conducted regarding the origin of the drugs and the individuals involved.

The RT&CIPF expresses gratitude to the Regiment and international partners as we continue to dismantle illegal organizations through coordinated and targeted operations.

We are asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.