Residents protest for Beach Vendor Rights  

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, January 28, 2022 – It may be out of the headlines, but it is not out of the minds of Turks and Caicos Islanders who believe a recently passed Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance is unconstitutional and aimed at disenfranchising local people in order to fatten up the opportunities for foreign investors.

“Get rid of this ordinance, it is unconstitutional rushed through the gate no problem quick quick quick. When we have other issues they aren’t rushed through. Come on TCI stand up before you lose it all.”

Those were the sentiments shared at the protest on Saturday January 22 organized by Berthalee Belle, a local attorney and advocate in response to the beach and coastal vending law.

The protest, which did not attract a huge turn-out, was held in both Grand Turk and Providenciales.

The Beach and Vending law was passed late last year in the face of much controversy as many residents felt the Bill was more beneficial to Carnival Cruise Line; it was passed just ahead of a return on December 13, 2021 of cruise ships to the capital island.

The PNP Government Administration has insisted that the new law was to the benefit of all stakeholders including Islanders, and improved safety and protected brand TCI from unlicensed and unscrupulous activities.