#TurksandCaicos, May 27, 2022 – The growing demand for better control of solid waste management in TCI still remains a challenge.  In recent years, what have we done differently to improve or expand in scope the existing resources to support our current solid waste management situation?

Polluted air has plagued residents of Grand Turk and Providenciales for years. The lingering question is, can we get control of the situation before it becomes a crisis? This is the concern of many citizens across the country.

As a resident of Grand Turk, I have experienced first-hand the impact it can have on this tiny island. Due to the location of the dump site, some residents are in a more vulnerable position to toxic fumes then others.

Citizens are relieved to hear the recent announcement that a dialogue is set to take place among a newly established Solid Waste Management Task Force.  It should also be noted, within the last couple of years, the occasional flare-ups has declined. Nevertheless, to my knowledge it’s yet to be determined whether the fires were the work of an arsonist or uncontrollable combustion.

In all likelihood, until a viable plan is put in place and in motion, I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time. With the damages it could cause to human health over time, even one flare up is to many.

What is even more concerning due to the potential impact it could have on our sanitation services; is the fact that Carnival Cruise Line recently added their largest ship to the fleet and is now embarking on our shores.   This particular ship has a capacity that exceeds 6K passengers. Now imagine the additional number of recyclable cans, bottles, human waste etc. that will be added to our inadequate landfill.

It’s pretty clear as to which companies and or facilities in these islands are generating the lion share of the waste.  The question remains, are they doing enough to support the country as a whole in this area.  In a small developing nation like TCI where the economy depends primarily on its pristine coastline and ecotourism, a lot more can be done by big players like the Ritz-Carlton, Beaches, Carnival Corporation and others.

With the recent opening of the Ritz-Carlton in Providenciales and the newly signed Carnival contract, it was a pivotal time to bring this issue to the table. If provisions were not included, in my opinion it should have been.

Our country is in a financial position right now to lead the way on this issue and not just follow or propose Band-Aids. Any government must have a commitment to put a solid plan of action in place based on reasoning and evidence of critical issues impacting the country.

Therefore, it’s imperative that critical issues such as this, is placed at the forefront of any cabinet discussion. This will help to raise the level of accountability for those responsible for protecting the health and well-being of our citizens.

Here are some proposed ideas to expand upon.

First and foremost, government must provide more support for local level sanitation services and strategies, to include restructuring the existing processes and procedures for garbage collection and disposal.

Grand Turk in particular, the constant easterly winds blows garbage from the dump site towards the leeward side of the island. Rather than having a chain link fence to contain it, erecting a wall will help to alleviate this issue.

Secondly, we must get serious about recycling. The existing company that is undertaking this initiative, why not expand their reach to the other developed islands.

Let’s start with educating and exposing our elementary and high school students to the importance of recycling instead of disposing of garbage. This will help to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Let’s incentivize the private sector to set up local food banks or soup kitchens and encourage resorts, hotels and restaurants to donate their nonperishable and unspoiled perishable foods instead of disposing them in the landfill.

Long term solutions needs to be explored, to include being more open to outside investors with genuine interest and expertise in this arena.

The infrastructure for getting rid of recyclables is partly there. For example, there is a high volume of containers coming into our country on a weekly basis via these cargo ships.

This is a great opportunity to broker a deal with a foreign recycling company. Recyclables can be shipped out in those empty containers on un-laden vessels that are heading back to home base or other ports of departure.  We realize this initiative is a monumental task, but we must act fast as time is running out.

Until the country is ready to tackle this issue head on, we will probably continue to see spontaneous combustion as the cause of landfilled fires.

As concerned citizens, we must become a stronger voice in the push for clean air and continue to sound the alarm before it’s too late.

Ed Forbes 

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk