News
Enhancing Solid Waste Management in the Turks and Caicos Islands: A Call for Urgent Action
Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a jewel in the crown of Caribbean ecotourism, is currently under threat due to escalating issues surrounding solid waste management.
In recent years, TCI has faced significant challenges in managing solid waste effectively. This situation has led to a growing demand for improved waste management strategies. The persistent issue of polluted air, particularly in Grand Turk and Providenciales, has raised concerns among residents about the potential health hazards and the urgent need for political intervention.
Residents of Grand Turk, particularly those located near the dump site, have been directly impacted by toxic fumes, emphasizing the urgency of this environmental problem. The recent announcement of a recycling program by Carnival Corporation was a promising development, yet the lack of public updates and progress raises questions about its implementation.
While there has been a noticeable reduction in dumpsite fires, the underlying causes – whether arson or spontaneous combustion – remain unresolved. The potential health risks associated with even a single incident cannot be overlooked.
The environmental challenges are compounded by the increasing tourist influx, especially with the addition of large cruise ships like those from Carnival Cruise Lines. These ships bring thousands of passengers, generating more waste and putting additional strain on the already inadequate landfill facilities.
The management of sewage and its impact on the environment is another critical issue. The proximity of sewage disposal to water sources and the absence of a sewage treatment plant are concerns that need immediate attention.
In a nation where the economy relies heavily on ecotourism, this calls for greater environmental responsibility from
key stakeholders in the tourism industry as they all have a significant role to play in waste management.
The government and elected officials must demonstrate commitment and take decisive action to address these pressing issues, moving beyond temporary fixes to implement sustainable solutions.
Effective solid waste management in TCI should encompass comprehensive strategies in waste generation, collection, processing, transportation, and disposal. It is essential to identify the major waste generators and ensure they are actively participating in waste management efforts.
Proposed solutions include strengthening local sanitation services, reengineering garbage collection and disposal processes, and addressing specific challenges not only in Providenciales, but the entire Turks and Caicos Islands that are growing exponentially.
Exploring long-term solutions, such as partnerships with foreign recycling companies, can help to capitalize on existing infrastructure, like utilizing empty containers from cargo ships, for efficient recyclable waste export.
Promoting recycling and educating the younger generation about its importance is also crucial for long-term sustainability. Additionally, teaching and encouraging the private sector to participate in composting, stronger push by grocery stores for food donation programs rather than it being discarded. These are all initiatives that can significantly reduce landfill waste.
TCI faces a complex challenge that requires a holistic approach, transcending financial constraints and demanding political will and foresight.
The country’s development should not outpace its ability to manage sanitation effectively.
The newly contracted company, TCI Green Ecological Corporation LTD, their role in this context will be pivotal, and their commitment to fulfilling their contractual obligations is crucial.
As concerned citizens, it is imperative to advocate for clean air and environmental sustainability, urging swift and decisive action to address these long-standing issues before it’s too late.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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