Two reliable sources within the interim government in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have independently leaked a so far unannounced consideration of a move of the capital from Grand Turk to Providenciales (Provo).
This possibility had been raised early in the previous Michael Misick administration and it now appears that the reasons for considering the move have actually become more cogent.
Currently, many government services are duplicated, with the largest operations in Provo. Moving the capital would save residents expensive travel costs and time traveling to Grand Turk to conduct Provo and Caicos Islands-based business. Land records currently being upgraded by British adviser Jon Llewellyn, who divides his time between London and Grand Turk, are located exclusively in Grand Turk, while the mass of real estate both public and private is in the Caicos Islands.
The first possible evidence of such a move is the planned reduction in electoral districts on Grand Turk from four to two. In the event the government’s administrative functions move to Provo, the population of Grand Turk could drop significantly.
It is anticipated that in the coming election 13 of the elected representatives will reside in Provo or the Caicos Islands with only two likely to be based in Grand Turk. This would require extensive travel and accommodation costs to government to use the current Parliament chambers on Grand Turk when conducting government business.
Reasons given in the past for not making the move was that, prior to the cruise ship port being established on Grand Turk, the capital island’s economy depended almost exclusively on governmental activities.
Meanwhile, since Club Med built the first large resort on Provo in the 1980s, numerous resorts, including a greatly expanded Beaches Resort, have been built. This has expanded the population of Provo and its economic base to ten times the size of Grand Turk. Private industry serving the needs of this greatly increased population has expanded equally by a factor of ten.
One other factor, the sources say, is the possibility of even larger economic growth on Provo and the other Caicos islands due to the soon to be completed Provo Airport expansion. Provo is anticipated to accommodate international wide bodied flights, as well as larger, more frequent flights from the nearby United States. Grand Turk airport currently is equipped to accommodate full size commercial narrow body aircraft.
In the meantime, Grand Turk is becoming a popular cruise ship destination but due to the low ($3.50) per passenger arrival fee, the government is not benefitting from the port at the same level as other cruise ship destinations. Reportedly, The Bahamas collects arrival fees in the $20 range.
To encourage cruise passengers to lay over in Grand Turk and spend money on accommodation and restaurant taxes, a new hotel is being planned. To interest potential stay-overs it appears there are plans under consideration to expand tourist sites on Grand Turk. Short side trips to nearby historic Salt Cay are also another possibility.
The inside sources have speculated that Waterloo, the British Governor’s residence, could be turned into a historic attraction for stay-over tourists. Governor Tauwhare, the last full term governor to rule while an elected government was in charge, actually resided in Provo, leaving Waterloo vacant.
Another factor behind the scenes is said to be concern that American Airlines, which has filed bankruptcy and is raising fares and baggage charges, may prove too expensive, discouraging tourist travel. Spirit Airlines, which previously flew from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Turk and then to Provo, is now reconsidering resuming service as American Airlines costs escalate. This would provide full bodied service to Grand Turk, enhancing that island as a unique tourist destination.
Carnival Cruise Lines could then originate cruises from Grand Turk and initiate one way cruises from the United States and from Grand Turk. This, separate sources say, is under consideration.
Another factor that sources say has given rise to Spirit’s review is the growing population of US-based TCIslanders now leaving the Miami area and taking up residence in Fort Lauderdale’s Broward County, Spirit’s hub.
The largest islands and possible sites for future growth are the islands of North and Middle Caicos, which are connected to Providenciales via two ferry services and the North/Middle Caicos Causeway. Medium term plans have long included causeways joining East and South Caicos to Middle Caicos.
By Caribbean News Now contributor
