Historic Clifford Leroy Brooks Marine Lab opens to fanfare in TCI

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 30, 2023 – A first of its kind marine lab has been opened in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  On Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources cut the ribbon on the Clifford Leroy Brooks Fisheries and Marine Laboratory. 

During the National Budget Debate, days earlier, Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism with responsibility for Fisheries had said: “It will be the first centre of excellence for marine and fisheries research in the Caribbean— this is the only lab in all the Overseas Territories so we are blessed.”

Brooks was chosen as the centre’s namesake because he dedicated over thirty (30) years to fisheries research and management in the Turks and Caicos Islands from 1987 to 2020.

“Mr. Brooks is one of the most dedicated and committed individuals to the fishery sector in the Turks and Caicos,” she said.

The ribbon was cut by Brooks’s widow along with Connolly; Washington Misick, TCI Premier; and Acting Governor Anya Williams. attendees, including top government officials were taken inside the lab and allowed to see scientific demonstrations as well.