Requirement for Special Events Permits for Beaches and Coastal Areas

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).