Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicosIslands, February 1, 2024 – A transformation of the country’s largest shipping port that will drive down the cost of shipping, goods and services is what the government is promising will come from the $8.9 million South Dock Port Redevelopment and Modernisation project.

“Phase one will consist of a new cargo terminal with two berths and a roll-on-roll-off ramp. The new dock will be approximately 374 feet long, varying between 98 feet and 131 feet wide; we are dredging two deeper and wider berthing pockets and a larger turning pocket for proper safer navigation as well,” said Tueton Williams, Ports Authority Board Chairman, at the January 25th groundbreaking. 

He was reeling off the benefits of an expanded dock; touting it as a step towards lowering the overall cost of living for Turks and Caicos Islanders. 

The project had been approved as far back as 2020.  At the time, South Dock was described by Delton Jones, Director of Ports, as nearing the end of its useful life after 25 years of acting as the gateway for all imports to the Turks and Caicos. 

With the country now expanding in almost every way from housing, population, tourism, to hotel room, it is expected that trade too will increase necessitating an improved ‘doorway’. 

“Today’s groundbreaking reflects years of input by my staff, government entities, consultants and stakeholders. It also marks the continuation of our collaboration as we aim to deliver this project in a timely manner. I thank successive governments and ministers with responsibilities for ports for recognizing the strategic importance of this redevelopment project,” said Jones. 

Ground was broken ahead of the scheduled date for the project which hadn’t even been included in the 2023/24 budget year. The funding was brought forward from the 2024/25 financial year and was approved in September 2023 via a Supplementary Appropriations Bill.

That $8.9 million allocation is the first tranche of a $41 million total cost and will cover Phases 1 and 2 of the redevelopment, which is one of the government’s 10 priority projects. 

To be completed with that cash is: 

• A new multi-purpose container yard with more storage;
• Terminal rows to facilitate smooth traffic
• A new  Port Authority Office.
• internal roads, and installation of a new scale. 
• A safe-water drainage system, 
• A larger turning basin, and
• Raising the port to improve climate resilience.

As for how the government envisions all of the work will eventually pay off, it’s expected that there will be a reduced cost of living, more efficient stevedoring process, reduced tariffs, reduced waiting time and other benefits.

The government says that as it is making infrastructural changes, upgrades will also come to the digitization of the ports and human resources to make sure that the staff is able to operate the modernized facility   

“[It] will not only shape the future of our community, but also leave an indelible mark on the global landscape of trade and commerce here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services. 

Washington Misick, TCI Premier, in his remarks, indicated that while the journey had been long, this was a significant milestone. He personally thanked the members of the Port Authority, who were in attendance for the hard work they put into making the project reality.

Misick had promised in early 2023 that a local contractor would be hired for the job, now entrusted with the large project is Island Site Development.

South Duck facilitated over $600 million in trade with and generated $6 million in taxes for the government in the 2022/23 financial year. 

Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.