Turks and Caicos, September 12, 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) would like to remind all property owners, accommodation providers, and operators within the tourism sector that conducting business without obtaining the appropriate license from the Department of Tourism Regulations violates our newly implemented regulations. Under our ordinance, offering rental accommodations to tourists without an accommodation license from the DTR is illegal.

It has come to our attention that there is some confusion regarding the licensing process, particularly among those who already hold a business license from the Revenue Department.

It is important to note that having a business license does not exempt property owners and managers from acquiring an accommodation license. The Department of Tourism Regulation’s role exceeds that of business registration. Our mandate is to assure that the quality, safety, and general standards mandated in our licensing guidelines are being met and maintained for all tourism rental properties in the TCI.

In summary

• All tourism accommodations (regardless of size) need both a tourism license and a business license to operate. Without them, you cannot legally operate a tourism accommodation rental property in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• All rental accommodations must be inspected and certifiedby the Department of Tourism to meet the required standards.
• The Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023 came into effect in May 2024.However, those who are unaware of the changes mandated under this ordinance are still subject to regulation.

The Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations, Avi Adams, commented on the licensing requirements: “While we understand that it takes time for changes to take full effect, our stakeholders must stay informed about the evolving regulations in the tourism industry. We will continue to do our part and issue reminders and updates to ensure everyone remains aware of these developments. Our goal is not to issue fines or enforcement letters but to ensure compliance. We strongly encourage all operators to come in and complete their registration with us to avoid any penalties.”

The Department of Tourism Regulations would also like to encourage TIDES Ambassadors to come in to collect their TIDES cards and certificates at our offices. You can contact us at tourismregulations@gov.tc or by phone at +1 335 5349.

Turks and Caicos, September 12, 2024 – Grand Turk faces a unique challenge: an uncontrolled animal population that poses a real threat to both wildlife and human life. Animals, particularly donkeys, roam freely on the roads, often darting into traffic without warning.

There have been multiple incidents of vehicles striking these animals, sometimes in broad daylight. As a careful driver, I always thought I was prepared for such surprises. But a recent close call proved me wrong.

A few weeks ago, I was driving along Lighthouse Road, admiring the stunning views and serenity of that area, when two donkeys suddenly dashed across my path locked in a scuffle with one another. I slammed on the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision.

Luckily, my family and I were wearing seatbelts, but the shock of the near-miss left us shaken. This incident, and others like it, underscores the urgent need for a solution.

My own ambivalence about the animals reflects the perspectives of many people in Grand Turk. Yet, the answer is not simple. There’s a delicate balance between controlling the animal population and preserving the unique character of Grand Turk.

Donkeys and stray dogs, like the humpback whales that pass through our waters, are a unique draw for tourists, who flock to the island to experience its distinctive charm. On cruise ship days, visitors literally line up to feed and photograph these animals. For an island with limited attractions, they are an unexpected economic asset.

However, the growing problem of road accidents and an increase in dog attacks—sometimes in packs—is unacceptable. We can’t afford to overlook the dangers posed to both residents and tourists alike.

It’s a rallying cry for stronger animal control measures. Previous veterinarians have voiced frustration at the lack of government support, citing inadequate resources like transportation and staffing.

Despite these challenges, some local groups and the Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TCSPA) are working hard to address the issue, but they can’t do it alone. It underscores the need for a full time veterinarian.

There have been discussions about transporting some of the donkeys to other countries, which may be a practical solution, but who will bear the cost?

More sustainable options could include a combination of increased sterilization, targeted translocation, or even creating a petting zoo. Each of these ideas requires substantial planning and investment, but they could balance the needs of safety, tourism, and animal welfare.

Ultimately, the current situation cannot be ignored. The island’s beloved animals deserve protection, but so do its residents and visitors.

It’s time to act: to find innovative, humane solutions that recognize the value of both people and animals.

Grand Turk is at a crossroads. It increasingly seems that until a major crisis is already upon us, successive governments hope that nothing bad happens. Both parties should already know that this strategy is a failure.

Can we find a way for humans and wildlife to coexist peacefully, or will we allow this problem to escalate until it’s too late?

The choice, and the challenge, lies with us.

Ed Forbes 

Wilkie Arthur 

Eagle Legal News Media

Turks and Caicos, September 12, 2024 – Despite the discovery of nearly $3 million worth of drugs, along with illegal migrants—including minors—on vessels found on August 16th and 17th, 2024, no one has been charged with drug trafficking or human trafficking.

However, on Monday, September 2nd, four individuals were brought before Resident Magistrate Mrs. Oreika Selver-Gardiner, charged with illegal entry in relation to the vessels discovered hidden in North Caicos.

A large quantity of cannabis (Sativa) and illegal migrants were found aboard, including minors. One of those charged, Jamaican Lennox Samuels, born in 1989, pleaded guilty to unlawful entry.

In court, Samuels, seen in a video hiding his face by pulling his shirt over it, begged Magistrate Selver-Gardiner to impose a fine instead of a prison sentence. He explained that he has three young children, and his wife is pregnant with twins.

He claimed he entered the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally to help “build up the country.”

The magistrate fined Samuels $1,800 or four months’ imprisonment.

Haitian citizen, Peterson Petit-Homme, 21, also pleaded guilty to unlawful entry. He was fined $2,500 or five months’ imprisonment.

Petit-Homme received a higher fine than Samuels because immigration authorities presented evidence that this was not his first illegal entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands. He had previously been deported or repatriated to Haiti.

The cases of two other Haitians, Devil Penode, 25, and Veniel Telusma, 31, were adjourned.

Magistrate Selver-Gardiner could not accept their guilty pleas due to their claims of misunderstanding.

Penode stated that he believed he was en route to Miami and was unaware he was headed to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Telusma claimed he did not know he would be charged and was unaware the vessel would stop in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Their cases will be addressed later this month.

Wilkie Arthur – Court Correspondent | Eagle Legal News Media (For advertisements, sponsorships, or donations to support this growing media network, contact us at 342-3407)