Good morning, Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for God’s protection and mercies as I represent my people. Mr. Speaker this bill, the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill, is of importance to our tourism product. But Mr Speaker it is also important to the people of this country and future generations. God gave this country the best beaches in the world, Mr Speaker. He bestowed on this country a gift and we, and I mean all of us, are trustees of this gift. We have an obligation and duty to protect that gift so that our people and our visitors can enjoy the best beaches in the world right here in the Turks & Caicos Islands..
Mr. Speaker, members of this honourable house, my people of the Turks and Caicos Islands listening via radio or other means. I stand before you to present the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill. Mr. Speaker this is an important Bill. This Bill was crafted through many endless nights of civil servants wanting the best for our country. Local professionals deemed experts in their respective fields in this country. Mr. Speaker this is a controversial Bill, over the last week you would have heard, no doubt – like many of us, the many misconceptions that was spread about this Bill. In presenting this Bill Mr. Speaker, I will present the relevant sections of the Bill and explain the importance and the goal of each section. While doing so
Mr. Speaker, I intend for each section to correct the misinformation that has been spread on the various sections of the Bill.
But Mr Speaker before I say what the Bill is, let me first say what it is not. It is not a bill to stop our people going to the Beach, it is not a White Man’s Bill, it is not going to stop people playing with their boom box or having parties. Unfortnetly there are some in our community who love the soap box of social media, cannot pass a bandwagon without jumping on it and try to reduce complicated issues to slogans. The same social media warriors will be the first to ask where the government was when a child is killed by an unregulated water ski, or the Beaches end up dirty and dangerous. I am sure my friends on the other side have come to plead for the people, and I am ready to see if we can find ways to deal with their concerns, but I think it is intellectually dishonest to suggest no legislation is needed. So I hope we hear constructive suggestions not just slogans pandering to the people’s worst fears..
Mr. Speaker, the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill was released for a 1- week consultation, where residents were encouraged to read and submit their comments to vendingconsultation@gov.tc. Mr. Speaker, the Bill was then amended after the first reading in the House and released again for another week of consultations. Mr. Speaker, we have read the comments and hope to address the concerns of those submissions.
Background to the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill
Mr. Speaker allow me to give a brief background on why the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill is necessary for sustaining the livelihoods of our people.
Mr. Speaker, over the years, the success of TCI’s tourism industry, has been based on a coastal tourism product. In fact, most of our tourism infrastructure is within a mile’s drive from the coastline. This has created many entrepreneurs (including vendors) that operate especially on our country’s beaches. What happened is that beach vending spread across the Island without structure. Mr. Speaker, this means that there was a simultaneous increase of tourists along with the growth of vending on the Beach and Coastal areas. Mr. Speaker, the unregulated and unchecked increase in vendors will cause problems at some point in time. And it means that it has to stop, we have to be able to put solutions in place for the problems that have started arising. What were these problems, Mr. Speaker?
Overcrowding in vendor situation; vendor harassment; persons complaining about how the beaches are being utilised and cleaned; unattractive unstandardised structures on the beach.
In instances Mr. Speaker, when the police would try to intervene or make an arrest for certain illicit behaviour on the beach,the police business persons and members of the public complained that the laws weren’t strong enough; the fines were not a deterrent for them. the fines were not a deterrent for them the process wasn’t effective to deter illicit activities
While there was no specific beach and coastal vending license, vendors received business licenses and then a permit for vending. This too wasn’t structured, as there was an overpopulation of vendors in specific physical areas and areas of activity.There were gaps in the compliance framework between various licensing and compliance authorities.
Mr. Speaker, pre-pandemic, the situation of vending concerns grew. The vendors themselves, visitors and local users complained about the lack of safety and security on the beaches. There were complaints of irregular patrols, lateness in responding to incidents that would have occurred on the beach and among the tourists. Mr. Speaker, we live in a virtual world, where information is shared instantaneously and incidents that happen can be spread in a moment and have the potential to negatively impact our tourism dependent country. Mr. Speaker, there had to be a response. The response was for order on the beaches. This Bill is a response to the problems and any responsible government must act.
Mr. Speaker I mentioned last week about the ‘Common Good’. And Mr. Speaker, I noted that the responsibility of representing the rights of all our people, is not one that I take lightly. In my endeavours Mr Speaker, I strive to be fair, responsible, transparent and ensure that what is done is for the common good. It is said that if you do something for the ‘common good’ that you do it for the benefit or advantage of everyone. Whether material, cultural or institutional – it means for members of the community they address interests that we all have in common. Mr. Speaker it is with the understanding of this ‘Common Good’ that I believe our beach and coastal vending policy were developed.
Mr. Speaker the same is true today, this is about the Common Good. Mr. Speaker, the beach is for all of us, and this is our answer to ensure that it happens. Mr. Speaker while I will tell you about the various sections and what the sections aim to do and what they provide for. I must tell you that this is not a Bill that would seek to correct issues pertaining to Crown Land, The Rights and Ownership pertaining to land and issues related to parking. Those are subjects of other Bills, other areas, and other amendments. Rest assured though Mr. Speaker, that this Bill and the implications it has for other bills have been considered and that work will begin and has begun. But Today Mr. Speaker, I am here to discuss the Beach and Vending Coastal Bill.
That Bill followed months of consultation on the policy. It is with the understanding that the rights and interest of our citizens, visitors and in fact all users are to be protected and that it is in the interest of our citizens that the policy of the various sections of the Bill and the regulations to be made under it were developed. It would be remiss of me not to reinforce this fact Mr. Speaker as we have introduced this Bill to give effect to that policy which was the subject of an extended period of comments from the community.
Mr. Speaker, there is a delicate balance. We are aware that we must protect the environment and our product is centred around the environment. However, as stated the Beach and Coastal areas provide opportunity for entrepreneurship, for our local people to earn a decent livelihood. That is the balance which this Bill is hoping to achieve. Besides that, Mr. Speaker, we are all users of the beach.
Mr. Speaker, we are a progressive and proactive government, thinking of the future for all. We are no longer in the 1990’s where you had a few vendors on the beaches but now there is an accumulation of vendors and we must ensure balance Mr Speaker. It is a conversation that must be had and as a responsible government it is our task to do so. Mr Speaker we have been here before. There are many persons who have criticised without understanding, but who later saw the benefit of the action they had earlier opposed and have come to see the bigger picture.
Many policies done years ago such as the formation of the protected area system where we saw a third of the country protected was opposed by groups but now those protected areas are here for us to build our economy on and for us to enjoy.
Mr Speaker, those who were once in opposition to the change have since resigned from their positions and can now see the bigger picture and they are now enjoying the benefits. Mr Speaker this bill is no different.
Mr. Speaker, this Bill does not seek to disenfranchise any one, but by amalgamating existing policies and codifying good practice we will protect the beaches and the economy of the TCI. Mr. Speaker, we have real issues that need to be addressed. These issues have lingered for years, such as damage to beach dunes and habitats, impact on aesthetic appeal, improper conduct of some vendors, as well as inconsistencies in regulating the beach vending activities but nobody wanted to touch them and make it right. Mr Speaker I met on my desk a draft policy on beach vending prepared by the previous government. It had sat gathering dust not because it was not needed, but because the previous government did not want to deal with it. Mr Speaker I understand why previous governments and Ministers of Tourism have shied away from this bill, it is a sensitive subject. Easier to let it slide, leave it for the next guy. Well Me Speaker, I am the next guy and I will not shy away from my responsibilities to this country.
Mr. Speaker, these issues that I have referred to have interfered not only with the enjoyment of the beaches by residents but with the quality of delivery within our tourism product. Mr. Speaker, we are a beach destination, this drives our tourism industry which is our biggest economic sector. Mr Speaker, our pristine beaches put food on the table.
Mr. Speaker, this Bill is national and not specific to just one island as some have tried to notion. We need to be cognisant that the world is changing and we have positioned ourselves as 5 star and must deliver on such. In order to do so quality control is important as fallout is far reaching. With over 36 regional competitors alone we must get it right. Mr. Speaker, facilities were constructed in the 2000’s to accommodate vending activity in the coastal areas. Mr. Speaker, the demand for vending facilities at or near the beach and coastal areas, has outgrown the number of spaces available to accommodate vendors. Mr. Speaker, this has resulted in a high influx of vendors congregating near accesses where the density of tourists is predominantly high, in an effort to attract more customers for their goods and services.
Clean and well presented, non polluted beaches and coastal areas are crucial to establishing and maintaining our tourism product. Other jurisdictions have lost the charm of their beaches by pollution, overcrowding and disorder and as a result they have diminished their tourist product. Mr Speaker, if we are to maintain our status as the number one beach in the world , it is imperative that we keep to the high standards that we are known for so that we can all continue to enjoy the cultural and economic benefits from our beaches and coastal areas.
Beach Vending legislation
Mr. Speaker, currently, there is no comprehensive law that covers beach vending in the Turks and Caicos Islands that allows DECR to issue permits for vending. While most persons must have a business licence but not a beach vending licence or the authority to issue fines or tickets if persons are breaking any laws on the beaches. Mr. Speaker, the police have issued charges to users and others who have misused our beaches. They recently proposed amendments to strengthen the fines under the Offenses against the Persons Ordinance and the summary offences ordinance to act as a further deterrent to unacceptable behaviour.
Introduction of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill 2021 and What It Seeks To Do
Mr. Speaker, the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill 2021 addresses several issues regarding vending in the beach and coastal areas. Mr. Speaker, firstly, the bill seeks to provide for efficient regulation of beach vending activities on the beaches and coastal areas with the TCI. Secondly, The Bill seeks to respond to the major challenges and concerns resulting from an upsurge of vending activity on the beach and coastal areas of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, the Bill also seeks to provide a system of regulating beach vending in a way where persons can go through a transparent approval process to offer their services to the public with a spirit of excellence and professionalism in a well regulated vending industry worthy of the status of our jurisdiction. Lastly, The Bill also seeks to provide a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to ensure the safety and protection of all users of beaches and coastal areas where beach vending activities are conducted. Mr. Speaker, to achieve the objectives of the Bill has been divided into six (6) sections.
Explanation of The Bill
1. Mr. Speaker, Part 1 of the bill provides an explanation for the preliminary provisions. Where Clause 1 provides the short title and commencement of the Bill. Clause 2 offers the Interpretation of terms used within the Bill. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Clause 3 provides that the Bill will apply to vending in the beaches and coastal areas of the Islands, including those in national parks. Mr. Speaker, the major concern for Part 1 was the definition of the word “Beach”. Mr. Speaker we have noted the comments from the members of the public, but I must stress that it is not the purpose of the Bill to seek to define the term beach, but to regulate the vending activities undertaken there to ensure order safety and enjoyment in those areas. Clarifications about how beaches are defined in the islands is the subject of work that is underway through the National Physical Development plan in conjunction with the crown lands unit tand proposals to recognise the historic treatment of these issues will be brought forward in the new year.. Additionally, Mr. Speaker for the purposes of this Bill, we have focused on the definition of ‘zones’ and have indicated that zones will not be placed in front of existing properties.
Mr. Speaker, Part 2 of the bill provides an explanation for the administration relating to the authority who will be responsible for authorizing licenses and permits. Where clause 4 establishes the Beach Vending Committee which shall oversee all beach vending and coastal commercial activity in the Islands. Mr. Speaker, this technical committee is comprised of :
A. the Director or representative of DECR,
B. The Director or representative of whom is responsible for revenue,
C. a representative from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force,
D. The Director or representative of planning and
E. the Director or representative of the department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management.
We consider this a good step, Mr. Speaker, as it allows for a more coordinated approach to the issuing of licenses. So that we will ensure there is no overcrowding or too much of one licensing in one area. Thus, having fair distribution.
Mr. Speaker a person can have several business licenses, but they can only have one beach and coastal vending license that will permit them to operate on the beach. This would prevent them from tying up several booths while denying other local vendors the same opportunity to earn a decent living where there are vending facilities. Mr. Speaker, the committee is central, but will be accessible through the use of the internet as well as district Commissioners on the Islands outside of Grand Turk and Providenciales. Appeals lie from the Director in certain cases to the committee and from the Committee to the Hon Minister.
Mr. Speaker, Part 3 of the bill for the authorization of licenses for beach vending and permits for special events that shall take place on the beaches and coastal areas. Mr. Speaker there has been some controversy in this section, in particular Clause 16. Mr. Speaker there has been numerous discussions about the disenfranchisement of locals and their inability to use the beach and have parties on the beach. Mr. Speaker, that is simply not so. There are many activities that require permits to be held, especially with large numbers. Mr. Speaker, it has always been the case that parties apply for a permit from the DECR to hold certain activities on the beach. The reason for the application is that in many instances, the beaches are not restored to their original position – garbage is left, filth is left, structures are left, and no one is held responsible. Mr. Speaker, by having persons registered and identified for events over a certain number, it allows for the maintenance and preservation of our Number 1 product.
We are clear if there is damage or abuse to property on the beaches that we know who is held responsible. Mr Speaker, we care about and cherish our environment, the beaches are where we make our livelihood. Mr Speaker should we leave our beaches unregulated and unattended ? No.Mr Speaker, I think not. Our children and our grandchildren will question why we allowed such a precious resource to be mishandled and destroyed by carelessness and indifferance.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, clause 16 in the bill, working in conjunction with Regulation 3 spells out that for commercial activities and large gatherings DECR registration is mandatory except for proscribed special events set out in the regulations Regulation 3 of the draft regulations which have been circulated publicly and which members of this honourable house have in their possession , make clear that a family event is a special event , where there is no commercial activity, and that an application for a permit is not required for a family event. But where the family event is more than fifty persons, notification of the family event is required to be given so that there is an identifiable responsible person to ensure that the beach is cleaned after the event.
Mr. Speaker, Part 4 is a crucial subsection of the bill. It provides an explanation for the monitoring and enforcement. Mr. Speaker, clause 30 establishes the Beach Patrol Unit which shall be the enforcement unit to patrol and provide law enforcement on the beach and coastal areas. These will be assisted by the conservation officers appointed under the Fisheries Protection Ordinance, and the members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Mr. Speaker, these conservation officers will undergo training with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as well as be trained in Tourism. Therefore, it should be noted that these conservation officers cannot be interchanged with police officers. Mr. Speaker, Part 4, sets out the powers given to the officers of the Beach Patrol Unit to be able to conduct patrol and law enforcement.
Mr. Speaker, Part 5, provides an explanation for the offences, sanctions, and penalties. Under this Part, various sanctions are provided, including offences with a penalty on conviction by a fine or imprisonment, or ticket offences which can be discharged on payment of a fixed penalty. During the two-week consultation process, comments were raised about the amount of fines. Mr. Speaker, fines are to act as a deterrent to crime, people should not be comfortable enough to commit the crime because the penalty is too light.. Fines must dissuade you from acting and so that is the purpose of the fines. Extensive research was done to compare fines that already exist. These fines are proportionate and consistent with fines imposed in other areas for similar breaches. Mr. Speaker, we are a five-star destination, Mr. Speaker if fines are what it is going to have to take to raise standards, then we simply must do it. However, Mr. Speaker the goal is not to imprison people. So, once you are a law-abiding citizen, you have no need to worry about the fines. And that goes for users too, Mr. Speaker this is not only for vendors, but also for all of us.
Mr. Speaker, Part 6, provides an explanation for miscellaneous provisions. Where clause 51 empowers the Director to set out zones where various vending activities will take place. These will be specified in the license. And Clause 52 provides that all vendors and all employees must wear a uniform and use an identification card during the hours of operation. Mr. Speaker, Vendor identification is very crucial as this would allow our conservation officers to easily identify if a vendor is out of a zone or selling in unauthorized areas or selling illicit items. Mr. Speaker, identification is really for law and order; we must be able to identify persons more readily, just in the event where situations have to be instantaneously addressed. Moreover, Mr. Speaker, it is pleasing to the eye to have the standardization of vendor uniforms and identification. Mr. Speaker Clause 53 of the bill provides an appeal to the Minister for persons aggrieved by decisions taken by the Committee. While Clause 54 provides for the Fee schedule; whilst clauses 55 and 56 provide for the amendment of the Schedules and the making of regulations. Mr. Speaker Schedule 1 sets out the forms of application of license and permit; and the form of license and permit itself. Schedule 2 sets out the fees. Schedule 3 sets out the ticket to be issued for the ticket offence; whilst Schedule 4 provides for a list of fixed penalties to be paid to release from the ticket offence.
Mr. Speaker, I have the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands interest at heart. I believe in my heart that I am doing the right thing. Tourism is our life blood, 70 % of our GDP derives from Tourism. So we have to protect it for the future. Thanks to my team in the Ministry for all their hard work. I really appreciate it. Thanks Mr Speaker I look forward to the debate. God Bless you and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
REBUTTAL SPEECH: The Beach and Vending Coastal Bill
Mr. Speaker, Colleagues of this Honorable House, visitors in the gallery, those listening. Mr. Speaker I thank my colleagues and all members for their spirited contribution to the debate of this important Bill. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for the research of their contributions, to this debate- From this side. Mr. Speaker they correctly presented the aims and objectives of this Bill, putting clarity and passion to a number of concerns raised by a public that- most of all -wanted to be ASSURED that they were not being disenfranchised.
I must say thank you to them. And yes Mr. Speaker I thank the Leader of the Opposition and his colleague, for their contribution as well.
Mr. Speaker it is important to address some issues raised yesterday. To a public who were listening for answers – some of the dissonant voices may have only served to add more confusion and indeed caused more mischief in their mind- In wrapping up Mr. Speaker it is important that we clarify and bring light where there was none!
1. We thank the leader of the opposition for his suggestions for business license and providing discounted rates/fees because of the pandemic. I want you to know that we are not afraid to put measures in place to alleviate the plight of our people. Mr. Speaker we did that when we issued he stimulus earlier this year, Mr. Speaker we did that with we waived vendor market fees a total of over $75,000 we are introducing the Cruise Grants which starts from $3,500 to $10,000, Mr. Speaker we know about grants to assist our people. Mr. Speaker we have considered our vendors, especially those on Grand Turk where the industry is late to start up. Mr. Speaker you would have heard that we have purchased property to be allocated as a vendor facility this unit can accommodate 20 vendors as it is now but will be expanded with additional units as we move forward.
2. Mr. Speaker just for information sake, we will begin today and the rest of the week, a series of workshops for service providers and vendors. Mr. Speaker we promised vendors when we met with them earlier this year that my Ministry along with the Tourist Board will be working with vendors to assist with promotional and marketing strategies for their booths. On Wednesday we will be working closely with Invest TCI and Center for Entrepreneurial Development in capacity building for vendors and service providers.
3. Mr. Speaker we have to address the miscommunication about fees! Mr. Speaker The fees are set out in schedule 2 of the regulations Mr. Speaker- these fees are not new! Mr. Speaker there are new activities captured in the bill as I mentioned, but the fees are not different from what was paid. Let me give you an example Mr. Speaker. If you were or are a hair braider- you must have your business license- You must pay for a business license to do business right! Then to ply your trade in the space of the beach you pay a one-time yearly fee of 400 dollars. Always. This was paid previously under the National Parks Ordinance. Now Mr. Speaker you are paying the same fee but under the ordinance developed for this activity. Your rent is basically 400 to ply your trade on the beach for the year. Vendors please – do not be dissuaded your fees are not increased.
4. Mr. Speaker The leader of the opposition wants us to think that being responsible and paying your NHIP and NIB, paying for safety equipment and insurance is a burden- Mr. Speaker- Consider this please- in 2019 pre-pandemic we welcomed a little over 1 million visitors on GDT and over half million by air. Most of these visitors come from the United States. A highly litigious nation. Mr. Speaker we have also had our share of accidents and with the increases in guests and operators there is the risk of increased accidents. It is prudent that business owners now begin to think of coverage that would help cover them in the event of disasters. We have not set a minimum at this time- this can change over time Mr. Speaker for now we say adequate given that we know there is some difficulty in accessing various policies at this time.
5. Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition (quoted section 17 (1) (h) keeps inferring that we are over regulating. He seems to be saying there is no need for a license, no need for fees, that it is not in the best interest of the people to have insurance. Mr. Speaker we have had deaths, accidents and serious injuries in the past. Mr. Speaker we have been blessed that there has not been litigious action. [(17 (1) (h)]
6. Mr. Speaker we are acting in conjunction with Business License Ordinance. It is necessary by law to have these things if you are in a business and working. It is also prudent Mr. Speaker as service providers, providers of tours and activities that involve customers, it is important that we should have coverage, as much as possible, this is not a bad thing, it is a safety measure for the vendor especially if there are accidents, or loss Mr. Speaker It is in the best interest of the vendor and client.
7. Mr. Speaker safety equipment and training and orientation are provided for as mandatory training for those high-risk tours. I encourage all tour operators to ensure that safety equipment is on board, do not short change yourself nor your clients. These are necessary start up costs. Mr. Speaker apart from the Cruise Stimulus, Invest TCI is still available to assist small and medium sized enterprises.
8. Are churches to pay to gather , to baptize?- Mr. Speaker I am not sure why the leader of the opposition spent his time being disingenuous – Mr. Speaker, churches – as they do now must apply for a permit. Mr. Speaker the Churches know this because they have done this before, the reason for this is that we must ensure that we do have accountability. Pastors, leaders, please use your beaches to gather.
9. Mr. Speaker, the churches and NGOs will be allowed to conduct events however, they will be required to notify the DECR. This bill looks at vending for economic gain.
10. Mr. Speaker if there is doubt in the way this is articulated, we can make the amendments – this is the reason for the debate Mr. Speaker we agree with the Hon. Appointed Member that it is time to positively discriminate for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands! And this is what this bill does.
11. The Hon. Appointed Member inferred that this bill was rushed, may I remind the member that this bill came from a policy that was drafted and circulated online for the public to access. I will not rehash the outline on the consultation of the policy, you heard it from other speakers.
12. Mr. Speaker – this is a debate on a Bill that came out of a policy that was consulted on. Mr. Speaker we recognize that Bills can be amended, we are in the House to do just that later today. We also realize that we can place aspects of a Bill into regulations for the cabinet to agree on.
13. Mr. Speaker those are the means for changes in a Bill, we know that there will be teething problems, let us give our people a chance to make this work, to regulate this sector, to manage the zones, to improve law and order on our beaches.
14. Mr. Speaker, this bill seeks to regulate vending through the establishment of zones. The regulating of land and boundaries rest in another ordinance and division and will be addressed.
15. Mr. Speaker, the ability for the Director to establish zones is nothing new. Section 6(1) of the National Parks regulations provides for the director to establish Zones within the National Parks. Mr Speaker I do not like what the Hon Oppositions appointed members commented on the Director of DECR. He said that she has too much power, which at a time when we are trying to ensure Turks & Caicos Islanders are empowered is a strange comment. Mr. Speaker the Honorable members will know that if a regulation is to be amended or added, it must make its way to cabinet. That means that while the Director may identify zones, the regulation itself will rest with the cabinet who must agree to the recommendation and who, as it does in many instances may call for consultation on the matter.
16. Mr. Speaker, the questions was asked about Boat Captain Licenses for waters sport (17 a) operators. Mr. Speaker – why not? First Mr. Speaker safety, quality assurance, standardization uniformity are concepts of this bill. Mr. Speaker t is important for the operators to have Boat captains’ licenses. Currently all Boat Captains ae required to complete the Standards of training Certification for Seafarers conducted by Fisheries and Marine Resources. This is a standard training and covers safety and response. This ensures that they have to proper training to navigate and operate in our waters and they understand the signage and rules of the marine space. This is aligned to the orientation that must be put in place for water operators outlined in section 17.3
17. Mr. Speaker, there was a lot of doubt expressed about the Patrol Unit and their ability to properly manage the beaches by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Speaker the initial Training of our Beach Patrol Officers is for three weeks, however, there will be continued training with the police to ensure that the officers have the necessary skills and capacity to address the enforcement of this bill. Support of the Police is embedded in the law ( Part IV-31) I must add that one of thinking behind a special unit is that there is less risk to have these men transferred to other units- that is if they were police. This is a Unit committed to the patrol of beaches-Only
18. Mr. Speaker we must have more confidence in our young men and women and in the law we ourselves as legislators are passing for implementation. Mr. Speaker the police themselves made this recommendation, worked with us to develop the Patrol Unit and its training component and have committed to working alongside the recruits! This is another opportunity for employment and self-development for at least 15 young men or women, let us give it a chance to make it work
19. Mr. Speaker – (section 45 (1) (b) re-abusive language) – you have heard a lot about abusive and threatening language from the opposition. Simply put Mr. Speaker- we cannot police private and casual conversations. Mr. Speaker this is a problem, abusive behavior to vendors and from vendors and users of the beach. This section is designed to protect all users of the Beach. And- Mr. Speaker- We do not expect the officers to be listening to every private conversation. They will be taught the parameters of abusive behaviors.
Mr. Speaker we have to trust our people to enforce this bill as planned.
In closing Mr Speaker. I want to state firmly and without fear of contradiction the beaches are for the public. All licenses for Beach vending are for Turks & Caicos Islanders only. And moving forward all water sports license will be restricted to Turk s and Caicos Islanders only. Mr Speaker I was disappointed in visiting Sapodilla Beach that the Villa owners appear to be trying to hijack the beach y spreading chairs and umbrellas all across the beach. I could hardly pass. This type of action stokes people’s worst fears and I understand the concerns of my people. I wrote to the lawyer involved and shared my disappointed. My Ministry is involved in solving the problem
Mr. Speaker I close off with where I began yesterday that this is an important and long needed Bill to regulate a sector left un-regulated for sometime now.
Mr. Speaker this bill the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill is of importance to our tourism product. But Mr Speaker it is also important to the people of this country and future generations.
God gave this country the best beaches in the world, Mr Speaker. He bestowed on this country a gift and we, and I mean all of us, are trustees of this gift. We have an obligation and duty to protect that gift so that our people and our visitors can enjoy the best beaches in the world right here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
