Discussions around continuing to support work in Turks & Caicos Islands towards improving the maritime environment and safety have been held this week.
The Minister for Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management, Hon. Ralph Hicks has been meeting with Alison Leighton who manages the Conflict Stability and Security Fund programme on behalf of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.
Their discussions also involved Dr Muhammad Rahman, who is working with the Attorney General’s Chambers on TCI’s maritime legislation and focussed on training of surveyors, pollution and search and rescue coordinators and responders. They also looked at how pollution response equipment could be procured.
Alison said that with TCI being a main cruise ship destination point and having a large domestic fleet, it was vital to have solid maritime foundations.
She said: ‘We want TCI to have and to be able to support a vibrant maritime industry. They need to make sure everything they have and do ensures the safety of all vessels navigating within its territorial waters and its beautiful marine environment and we will support them where they need us to do so to be able to do that.’