News
Assurances from Premier & Tourism Minister ahead of Beach Vendors Bill DEBATE
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, November 30, 2021 – “I want to be clear from the outset; this Bill is in no way going to impact any family or individual who wants to enjoy the beaches of Turks and Caicos.” This was Premier Washington Misick’s response to public outcry surrounding the new Beach and Coastal Vending Bill.
The Bill, laid in Parliament last Monday, had several sections of concern to TCI Islanders and Premier Misick sought to explain in an exclusive interview with Magnetic Media.
He first addressed the issue of permits for special events on the beach assuring islanders they were not being ousted, saying.
“This Bill is in no way to restrict anyone from their public enjoyment of the beach…A special event has nothing to do with a family who wants to have a picnic on the beach…Once the regulations are public you will see that.”
He had a reminder for islanders though.
“The beach is a public good and it has to be regulated. If everyone is allowed to do what they want on the beach then nobody gets to enjoy the beach.”
In response to claims that the Bill was a result of Carnival Cruise’s imminent arrival the Premier stressed that the Bill was to protect TCI islanders and resources.
Tourism Minister Connolly also impressed the importance of the Bill, reminding TCI Islanders that tourism was a major source of income and that by protecting that industry that everyone would benefit, she said.
“This Bill is here to protect our people and to protect our beaches. Tourism is our greatest asset, we have to protect it.”
In defense of the policy Missick cited issues that had been reported saying that though the public might not be aware, they got reports about incidents of ‘vagrancy and miscreant behavior’ often.
“We’re getting reports of people walking beaches waking people from their naps and trying to sell them stuff… Even worse we are getting reports from the cruise center in Grand Turk that there have been incidents of people selling
In response to the rearranging of vendors from their current positions Minister Connolly said that the new facilities were an ‘upgrade’ and there were provisions in place for every licensed vendor on Providenciales and Grand Turk.
Misick assured islanders that tourist traffic and revenue would not decrease in the new locations.
“When there is a cluster of businesses that are similar or ancillary to each other they end up feeding each other so this enhances people’s ability.”
Connolly also promised that the actual process of getting licensed and getting a space in these areas will be smooth.
“We are making it very easy for our people, you fill in your application…and we make sure that it is processed expeditiously.”
The licensing body which will have the power to approve, revoke and suspend licenses will comprise one individual each from the Police force, DECR, Planning industry, Marine office and Revenue Department. There was no mention of a representative from the Vending community.
The Bill mentioned that there will be a specific number of vendors in designated zones. When asked whether the number that was quoted would be sufficient for demand the Premier said.
“There will always be scarcity… but the whole thing is to have things properly organized and opportunities for people who bring different skills and products.” He also mentioned that they were working on creating even more spaces for vendors.
The Premier said that this Bill would put a stop to vendors having others ‘fronting’ for them. He dismissed any concern that the application process would be held up by any conflicts of interest or ‘family ties’ expressing complete confidence in the TCI auditing system.
The enforcement of these regulations would be carried out by the new Beach Patrol which would be trained and assisted by the police force and have power of arrest. The Tourism minister dismissed staffing concerns saying that they were in the process of training and shortlisting candidates.
The Beach and Coastal Vending Bill 2021 will enter debate stages on Tuesday, (November 30) the Premier invited islanders to attend and listen in for themselves.