Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
Garbage and other refuse left in the Turks and Caicos’ ports will no longer be tolerated according to The Port Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands PATCI following an April 09 advisory.
“To verify proper cleanup, port staff will conduct an audit of designated areas before a vessel departs. This ensures a clean and safe environment for everyone who uses our ports.”
The PATCI says this enforcement comes alongside comprehensive cleanup of ports across the islands; however, it isn’t a responsibility the Authority will take up regularly.
Instead, it’s up to vessels and their crew members to ensure that they leave the Turks and Caicos as beautiful as they found it.
“Before departing their berth, all vessels must ensure all garbage is properly disposed of. Failure to comply may result in a charge levied for the cost of cleaning up any waste left behind. The Port Authority is committed to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for everyone who uses our ports, be it in Providenciales, Grand Turk, North Caicos, or South Caicos. This commitment includes ensuring proper waste disposal by vessels berthing at our ports,” PATCI explained
Trade in the Turks and Caicos islands has experienced an exponential increase, due in part to the increase in tourism which places a higher demand on businesses, resulting in more imports.
The country also doesn’t produce much of anything, depending instead on imports to bring in everything from fresh food to furniture. In 2022 imports crossed the $600 million threshold.
Another factor that contributes to the activity seen at the ports is the growing interest in cruise tourism. In 2023 Cruise Arrivals numbered 924 thousand. All of those guests and the vessels that carry them make use of the ports.
All this means it’s especially important for the Ports Authority to clamp down on anything that could cause degradation of the natural environment and create seamless processes for the sheer number of vessels going in and out of its ports.
PATCI says it will even help make this process easier for vessels.
“We understand that waste management can be a concern for vessels. Therefore, PATCI offers a waste reception service that can be arranged prior to a vessel’s arrival. Please contact our office for further details on this service and any associated fees.”
The PATCI oversees the country’s government-owned ports including the Grand Turk Cruise Port and South Dock Port.
