Broken Bones & Amputations? TCI Law firm calls for Regulations and Leadership

#TurksandCaicos, April 22, 2022 – Increased incidents of broken bones and amputations and intoxicated jet-ski and boat operators in the water sports industry has attorneys at ParrisWhittaker & Geordins Law Firm calling on the government for mandatory regulation and insurance for TCI water sports and ATV operators.

A statement from attorney partner, George Missick informed that “a booming tourism industry for Turks and Caicos has led to more tourists on the water. We’re seeing an unprecedented number of people trying their hands at watersports such as jet skiing, kite surfing, e-foil surfboarding, as well as more tiki bars and ATV rentals popping up.”

The results are mostly pleasurable, but the occasional accident is undermining a buoyant sector.

 “As popular as these things are, this part of the tourism industry is dangerously unregulated. We’re seeing an increase in watersports and motor-related accidents, and far too many incidences of uninsured or underinsured motorists,” said George C. Missick.

 Missick is convinced that the sector urgently requires regulating which includes adequate insurance coverage for the business and for any accident victim covering health care and injury.

“This isn’t a future problem. This is a major problem right now! We’re already seeing heavier traffic on the water that includes intoxicated jet-ski and boat operators. Over the last few months alone, we’ve tragically seen an increase in visitors sustaining serious injuries that have led to amputations and broken bones.”

 The team at ParrisWhittaker is calling on government officials to take real action that can save money and save lives.

“Perhaps the biggest tragedy is that this can be solved by enacting some very simple regulations. That’s why we are calling on our local government to step up, recognize this growing problem, and show some real leadership,” said Missick.

 These incidents are bad for everyone involved. The injured parties may face life-altering ailments, while local business owners face lawsuits that could close their operations forever. At the same time, our local tourism industry’s reputation can be hurt for years to come, which impacts local businesses that weren’t even involved in the incident.

“If no action is taken, and taken right now, our government will be wondering why tourists have stopped choosing our community for their vacations. Please, help us maintain our reputation, protect our local businesses, and keep our visitors safe.”