The Waste Dilemma in TCI: Promises made with an Uncertain Future
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), long celebrated for their pristine beaches and marine life, face a growing conundrum that threatens the foundation of our ecotourism industry: solid waste mismanagement.
Despite promises from government officials and major tourism players, conditions on the ground hasn’t improved much. The landfills still struggles under the weight of ever-expanding waste.
For years, Grand Turk and Provo residents living near the dump site have endured toxic fumes, endangering their health. While reports indicate a decline in dumpsite fires, the root causes—whether arson or poor waste management—remain unaddressed. The ongoing pollution signals a lack of urgency in implementing lasting solutions.
The impact of these environmental hazards extends beyond local communities, which can affect the nation’s long-term sustainability and global image as a tourist destination.
TCI’s reliance on cruise tourism on the island of Grand Turk, has intensified waste production, especially with larger ships making port calls.
In 2023, Carnival and the government established the Community Enhancement Sustainability Account (CESA) with $6.8 million designated for environmental initiatives. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed to launch a recycling program.
Now more than a year later, no substantial updates have been provided, and the progress remains unclear. Meanwhile, thousands of cruise passengers continue to arrive each week, increasing the strain on an already overburdened waste management system.
Without a functioning recycling initiative, the waste generated by both locals and tourists piles up and are often burned or buried on the dump site with no sustainable means of disposal.
Sewage management presents another urgent challenge. Without a proper treatment facility, waste disposal methods threaten water sources, further endangering public health and TCI’s delicate marine ecosystem.
The proximity of sewage sites to coastal areas raises concerns about contamination, potentially harming marine life and damaging the coral reefs that draw tourists to the islands. Officials must act swiftly to prevent long-term damage. The health of the environment and the economy are deeply intertwined, making effective waste management not just an ecological necessity but a financial one as well.
Beyond government inaction, businesses that profit from TCI’s natural beauty, particularly in the tourism sector, must take responsibility. Sustainable waste management cannot be an afterthought. Recycling, composting, and food donation programs—especially from grocery stores and restaurants—offer viable solutions.
Strategic partnerships with foreign recycling firms could establish a sustainable system for exporting recyclable materials, reducing the burden on local landfills. These efforts require cooperation from both the public and private sectors to be successful.
Community education is equally critical. A culture of environmental responsibility must be fostered to ensure lasting change. Schools, businesses, and local organizations must work together to improve waste management practices at every level.
If future generations are not taught the importance of sustainability, the cycle of poor waste management will continue, and the consequences will only worsen. Programs that educate youth on the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling must become a priority.
At this stage in our development, the country should be far beyond just placement of additional collection bins.
Infrastructure development must match TCI’s rapid growth. Without decisive action, sanitation and waste disposal will become unmanageable, placing both the environment and the economy at risk.
There is a synergy between us, the reefs and sanitation. Therefore, a long-term plan must include waste reduction, proper landfill maintenance. Having stricter regulations and enforcement for waste disposal is critical, regardless of which political party holds office.
The promise was made. The promise must be kept. Immediate, transparent, and effective action is the only way forward. If these issues remain unaddressed, TCI could become a cautionary tale of paradise lost.
* Ed Forbes is a native Turks and Caicos Islander, who spent 30 plus years studying and working in the USA. He holds an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and an Honorary degree in Criminology along with various legal and professional certifications in crime prevention and journalism. Ed resides in Grand Turk and is the co-founder and operator of Exclusive Escapes Tours.
Despite promises from government officials and major tourism players, conditions on the ground hasn’t improved much. The landfills still struggles under the weight of ever-expanding waste.
For years, Grand Turk and Provo residents living near the dump site have endured toxic fumes, endangering their health. While reports indicate a decline in dumpsite fires, the root causes—whether arson or poor waste management—remain unaddressed. The ongoing pollution signals a lack of urgency in implementing lasting solutions.
The impact of these environmental hazards extends beyond local communities, which can affect the nation’s long-term sustainability and global image as a tourist destination.
TCI’s reliance on cruise tourism on the island of Grand Turk, has intensified waste production, especially with larger ships making port calls.
In 2023, Carnival and the government established the Community Enhancement Sustainability Account (CESA) with $6.8 million designated for environmental initiatives. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was also signed to launch a recycling program.
Now more than a year later, no substantial updates have been provided, and the progress remains unclear. Meanwhile, thousands of cruise passengers continue to arrive each week, increasing the strain on an already overburdened waste management system.
Without a functioning recycling initiative, the waste generated by both locals and tourists piles up and are often burned or buried on the dump site with no sustainable means of disposal.
Sewage management presents another urgent challenge. Without a proper treatment facility, waste disposal methods threaten water sources, further endangering public health and TCI’s delicate marine ecosystem.
The proximity of sewage sites to coastal areas raises concerns about contamination, potentially harming marine life and damaging the coral reefs that draw tourists to the islands. Officials must act swiftly to prevent long-term damage. The health of the environment and the economy are deeply intertwined, making effective waste management not just an ecological necessity but a financial one as well.
Beyond government inaction, businesses that profit from TCI’s natural beauty, particularly in the tourism sector, must take responsibility. Sustainable waste management cannot be an afterthought. Recycling, composting, and food donation programs—especially from grocery stores and restaurants—offer viable solutions.
Strategic partnerships with foreign recycling firms could establish a sustainable system for exporting recyclable materials, reducing the burden on local landfills. These efforts require cooperation from both the public and private sectors to be successful.
Community education is equally critical. A culture of environmental responsibility must be fostered to ensure lasting change. Schools, businesses, and local organizations must work together to improve waste management practices at every level.
If future generations are not taught the importance of sustainability, the cycle of poor waste management will continue, and the consequences will only worsen. Programs that educate youth on the benefits of reducing, reusing, and recycling must become a priority.
At this stage in our development, the country should be far beyond just placement of additional collection bins.
Infrastructure development must match TCI’s rapid growth. Without decisive action, sanitation and waste disposal will become unmanageable, placing both the environment and the economy at risk.
There is a synergy between us, the reefs and sanitation. Therefore, a long-term plan must include waste reduction, proper landfill maintenance. Having stricter regulations and enforcement for waste disposal is critical, regardless of which political party holds office.
The promise was made. The promise must be kept. Immediate, transparent, and effective action is the only way forward. If these issues remain unaddressed, TCI could become a cautionary tale of paradise lost.
* Ed Forbes is a native Turks and Caicos Islander, who spent 30 plus years studying and working in the USA. He holds an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and an Honorary degree in Criminology along with various legal and professional certifications in crime prevention and journalism. Ed resides in Grand Turk and is the co-founder and operator of Exclusive Escapes Tours.
