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Noxious fumes along with an unappealing look is how residents in Grand Turk would describe South Base
#TurksandCaicos, August 2, 2022 – It has been nearly 38 years since the US Air Force abandoned their military base located in Grand Turk.
Formerly known as Pan American Air Force base, this was a strategic auxiliary location for the US during the Cold War with Russia and Cuba. The base was equipped with a missile tracking station built as a joint agreement between the United States and Great Britain which went into operation in 1953.
The purpose of the base, and other tracking sites, was to track the long-range missiles launched from the United States as well as the satellites and manned flights launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida.
With the Cold War ending, the location no longer served the US interest, and they departed in 1984.
Now, years later, the base has hardly been touched, save for a couple of buildings being utilized as government office spaces.
Although it is still considered a decaying landmark, over the years, other concerns have emerged.
The dilapidated buildings have become an eyesore for cruise ships passengers as they make their way into town. Fortis TCI power station which is located in the area, is also still burning 100% diesel fuel as a source of energy supply for the island.
In addition, from what I have learned, there have been reported claims of the presence of asbestos.
What’s unsettling to the residents of GT, is the fact both past and present governments haven’t shown any sense of urgency to address the issue.
Multiple government tenders have been issued and retracted for one reason or the other. With the exception of
At this point, the residents in GT are tired of government putting bandaid on issues impacting our town and causing unnecessary spending.
According to a report published by the mesothelioma research center, Asbestos exposure can cause a wide range of diseases. This includes deadly cancers like mesothelioma and noncancerous illnesses like asbestosis.
In this particular case where alleged asbestos have been identified and such diseases are airborne, it could affect community well-being, physical and mental health.
Such buildings could also become an attraction for rodents or a safety hazard because of idle kids curiosity.
Evidently, finding the available funds to demolish the buildings is not the issue. This is because, a few years ago, the government spent over a million dollars to remove the “Mega One” Triton ship wreck on Governor’s beach in GT.
The push to remove the wreckage was its deteriorating condition that posed an increasing risk to the sensitive marine environment and the safety of the hundreds of visitors to this pristine tropical beach.
What about a cluster of buildings that contain airborne pollutants that could be harmful to a community?
Isn’t the protection of human health and safety more important? We have residents living in the vicinity, government offices and boat operators conducting their daily activities in close proximity.
Furthermore, vacant and abandoned properties are linked to increased rates of crime (particularly arson) in addition to the potential decline in property value.
Most citizens understand the procurement process could be rather lengthy, but in some cases, the lack of communication to the general public is our worst enemy. If impending plans are in the works to address this issue, let it be known.
Be advised, this article was not written to create an alarm or cast blame on any one particular government. It was written to bring more awareness and a sense of urgency to this matter.
With that being said, residents anxiously await to see the outcomes of the Grand Turk Enhancement and Sustainability Agency Bill 2022, that was recently proposed by Honorable Premier Washington Misick.
At the end of the day, we need action not just promises or proposals, especially when it comes to the health and safety of citizens. Therefore, the time to act is now.
Ed Forbes,
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk