Connect with us

News

Requirement for Special Events Permits for Beaches and Coastal Areas

Published

on

PUBLIC NOTICE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT

AND COASTAL RESOURCES

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 16 December 2024: The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) would like to remind the residents of, and visitors to, the Turks and Caicos Island that a Special Events Permit is needed for all events occurring on a beach or coastal area on all islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Permits are required to assure that large-scale users of the beaches and coastal areas are held accountable for any environmental damage or nuisance that may result from large events.

This is particularly important for upcoming New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

Permits are required in accordance with The Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance Part III Section 14 (1) states that: A person shall not conduct any special event on any beach or coastal area without a permit.

Section 44(1)(e) states that: conducting a special event without a permit warrants $1000 fixed penalty.

Events requiring a permit include but are not limited to:

  • Wedding ceremonies
  • Bonfire events
  • Non-governmental organisation events
  • Carnival/ J’ouvert
  • Christmas and New Year’s celebrations
  • National Festivals
  • Beach Parties
  • Sporting Events
  • Fishing events
  • Fundraising activities
  • Family events of 50 or more persons

Application Process:

Application forms are available at the DECR offices on Providenciales or Grand Turk or by email from

 

jahowell@gov.tc

ATGrant@gov.tc

smawilliams@gov.tc  or

dasmith@gov.tc

All information fields requested must be completed. Completed forms may be submitted directly to the DECR or the emails listed above, with two forms of government-issued identification.

For major events (those involving placement of infrastructure or with attendance proposed of over 50 people), a schematic of the event layout is to be submitted. The application will then be processed over the next 3-5 business days.

Once approved, a payment voucher will be issued to be paid at Turks and Caicos Islands Treasury. The Treasury receipt must then be returned to the DECR for issuance of the Special Events Permit and letter of approval and conditions (if applicable). DECR may request additional information when necessary, which can delay the application process. The DECR reserves the right to approve or deny an application.

All applications must be submitted a minimum of seven business days in advance of the event.

Conditions of Approval:

Once the Special Events Permit is approved, terms and conditions of approval of the permit will be issued.  These include but not limited to:

  1. This event must be equipped with portable toilets and security arrangements relevant to the size of the event;
  2. Hotels and residents in the vicinity of the event must be informed of the event at least three days in advance of the event;
  3. All garbage, litter, structures, equipment, and any other like items must be cleared from the beach before 12:00 pm the following day after the event;
  4. The holder of the Special Event Permit is held responsible for event attendees’ parking. Individuals attending this event shall not block any public and residential entrances.”

Failure to adhere to the conditions (A) above may result in the Special Event Permit being revoked and the event being closed down. Failure to adhere to the conditions (B) above may result in a fine of one thousand dollars ($1000.00).

News

TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

Continue Reading

News

Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

Published

on

Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

Continue Reading

News

SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

Published

on

12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING