Bring back the Marine Branch to the Capital

#TurksandCaicos, January 11, 2023 – It’s a new year with new possibilities and we are calling on the Governor to bring back our marine branch to Grand Turk, the Capital of Turks and Caicos Islands.

To serve and protect is what all branches of law enforcement are known for. This fundamental principle should apply indiscriminately across the board be it on land or at sea.

With that being said, it has been over 4 years now since a designated marine vessel has been stationed in Grand Turk.

The island of Grand Turk itself, is in a strategic position to support the ongoing efforts with battling illegal immigration and poaching on our banks. There are several reference points to support this request.

First and foremost, the marine unit was designed specifically to protect our boarders and to work in concert with our DECR and Fisheries departments to help enforce regulations.

Having said that, this should be cause for our government and chief law enforcement department heads, to prioritize what’s best suited for each island or community in terms of manpower and resources.

With marine life and ecotourism being the bread and butter of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, why aren’t we doing everything within our power to protect it?

Apart from boarder control, don’t the lives of residents and visitors in these two sister islands matter? Whilst citizens commend the progress being made with the coordination of efforts to intercept illegal migrants’ vessels, more could be done.

Stronger effort and commitment should be made to close every loophole and continue building a redundant and resilient internal and external force to deal with potential challenges and safety issues of all islands, particularly the ones that are most vulnerable.

Frankly, having a marine vessel show up to the Capital once or twice a month does not provide real security and is unacceptable.

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 several years now since the Grand Turk branch closed their doors; due to the facility being damaged and or lack of proper resources.

With that being said, it leaves our borders wide open to illegal immigration, poachers scavenging our banks and depleting our marine livelihood. In addition, there are limited search and rescue operations for local fishermen and boat operators, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

For this same reason, back in 2018, concerned citizens such as myself and others, took the initiative to create a grassroots search and rescue operation.

In terms of the number of reported incidents on the water, since the inception of the operation we have responded to and or assisted in over 25 emergency calls.

With the only active marine branch being in Provo and South Caicos, logistically, it will be a hit or miss to assist vessels in distress 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 list for threats relative to national security, it is of grave concern and is certainly not in our nation’s best interest to leave these two islands exposed.

How many more illegal vessels have to make landfall 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?

Having thousands of cruise passengers embarking upon our shores, additional vessels and motor crafts operating in the waters, such matters must not be taken lightly.

This is a long term problem that requires both an immediate and long-term solution and commitment. The share number of reported incidents over the years, including the recent plane crash near the island of Salt Cay, underscores the urgent need for a vessel in Grand Turk.

As a small developing country, depending solely on tourism, the time to act is 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