“To Serve and Protect”

#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2021 – Law enforcement departments across the globe have coined this phrase “To serve and protect”. I find this title very fitting, especially for some of the challenges our local law enforcement agencies in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been faced with over the years while carrying out their duties.

This fundamental principle should apply indiscriminately across the board be it on land or at sea.  This should involve our government and chief law enforcement department heads, prioritizing what’s best suited for each Island or community in terms of manpower and resources.

With that being said, it has been over four years now since a designated marine vessel has been stationed in Grand Turk.  Promises have been made by the previous government to provide a vessel, but have yet to come to fruition.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with the marine branch in Grand Turk on emergency matters, and I truly appreciated their dedication and commitment to serve and protect.  Unfortunately, it has been a few years now since the Grand Turk branch closed their doors; due to their facility being damaged and or lack of proper resources.

Therefore, technically the Grand Turk marine branch no longer exists, which is no fault of their own.

With that being said, it leaves our borders wide open to illegal immigration, poachers scavenging our marine livelihood and limited search and rescue operations for local fishermen and boat operators.  With the only active branch being in Provo, logistically, it will be a long shot for vessels in distress needing rescue or police interception of any illegal activities in the waters near Grand Turk or Salt Cay. With illegal migration being at the top of the threats for national security, it is of grave concern and is certainly not in our best interest.

Also, what message does this send to the concerned residents of Grand Turk and Salt Cay?

Do our lives matter, be it on land or at sea?

We certainly understand the financial challenges our country has been faced with, dealing with this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.  As a matter of fact, I applaud the Governor, the current and previous administrations for their leadership and decisive action as it relates to controlling this deadly virus and stabilizing the economy.

Nevertheless, the matter in question was a pre-pandemic concern. It has come to a point where a decisive decision must be made in terms of prioritizing what’s in the best interest of the country, when it comes to protecting lives and livelihood.

Ensuring internal and external security and protecting citizens from impending threats or identified vulnerabilities, are some of the core responsibilities of any government.  This includes following through on critical issues impacting the livelihood and safety of its citizens and visitors alike.

In addition, we are trifling with a very delicate product “Tourism”. Therefore, why aren’t we doing everything within our power to serve and protect our interest?

With that being said, how long will our request for a permanently stationed police marine vessel in Grand Turk continue to land on deaf ears?

How many more illegal vessels have to make landing in Grand Turk and Salt Cay? Or better yet, how many more vessels have to capsize or near drowning incidents have to occur before something is done?

This is totally unacceptable for the nation’s capital. We are not living in a third world country and as a civilized society we are better than that.

Fisheries and marine resource management (FAMRM) in Grand Turk are also in a similar position. The departments do not have a proper vessel to operate on high seas.   Not having these resources at their disposal, limits their ability to serve and protect our vital coral reefs and enforce regulations.

With the return of cruise ships to Grand Turk, is there a plan in place as it relates to this crucial matter? If so, please share with the public.  Having thousands of cruise passengers embarking upon our shores, additional vessels and motor crafts operating in waters, such matters should not be taken lightly.  This is a long term problem that requires both a short and long-term solution and commitment.

Below are a few suggestions that could be considered.

1. Provide the departments in question with the needed resources to do their jobs. This will enable them to properly execute their responsibilities and protect the people they serve.
2. Temporarily outsource or lease a local vessel for Grand Turk, if the government is not in position to purchase one due to other austerity measures.
3. Allocate funds for the purchase of a jet ski for FAMRM which can be used to help police the swim zones and protect reefs.
4. Carnival cruise lines have a vested interest. Why not make it a joint effort.

As a small developing country, while we would gladly embrace a feasibility study for the formation of a Coast Guard unit, we need action now.

The old adage of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is what’s at stake here. This can be done by making sure the necessary precautions are in place to prevent a crisis before it occurs, as opposed to damage control.

Ed Forbes 

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk