PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM,
AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS,
AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 21 March 2025: The Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment, under the leadership of Minister Zhavargo Jolly, has successfully taken a major step toward reducing the cost of eggs for consumers in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Licensed importers can now import table eggs from the Dominican Republic following a risk assessment conducted by the Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA).
This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to increase food security, reduce dependency on high-cost imports, and provide affordable options for residents.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
Recognising the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable egg supply, the Department of Agriculture engaged CAHFSA to conduct a risk analysis on imports from the Dominican Republic. In formal communication to Director of Agriculture Ms. Kissoonsingh,
CAHFSA CEO Dr. Gavin Peters confirmed:
“Based on the preliminary assessment of the risk that can be posed by the importation of table eggs from the Dominican Republic into the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is our considered recommendation that import permits can be issued to prospective importers. However, the import requirements should be clear and make specific reference to the absence of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease, in accordance with the relevant Chapters of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of WOAH.”
CAHFSA further stated that engagement with the Dominican Republic will continue to finalize a full Risk Analysis for trade in animals and animal products, ensuring long-term compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.
Next Steps for Importers
The Department of Agriculture is finalising the import requirements, which will be shared with licensed importers in the coming days. Importers must obtain the appropriate permits before bringing eggs into the country.
Strict Enforcement Measures:
- Any eggs imported without a valid permit will be confiscated and destroyed.
- Fines and penalties will apply to individuals or businesses violating the import regulations.
A Milestone for Food Security and Affordability
The approval of table egg imports from the Dominican Republic represents a major milestone in the Government’s commitment to lowering food costs, diversifying supply chains, and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality food products.
Minister Zhavargo Jolly reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to sustainable agricultural development and regional trade partnerships, stating: “This achievement is a game-changer for our food security strategy. By expanding our import markets, we are taking real steps to lower the cost of living for our people while maintaining the highest food safety standards. This is just the beginning—we remain committed to strengthening local food production and ensuring better access to affordable products for all Turks and Caicos Islanders.”
For further details, licensed importers and stakeholders are encouraged to contact the Department of Agriculture at Agriculture@gov.tc.
