Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 7th November 2025 — The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG) wishes to assure the public that it remains fully committed to supporting local entrepreneurship and creating long-term, sustainable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to thrive within the tourism industry.
The Government assures that no jobs or opportunities are being taken away from local vendors operating at Sapodilla Bay and that recent actions taken by the Department of Planning and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) are not intended to disrupt livelihoods, but to ensure all vendors operate safely, legally, and within the standards expected of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ luxury tourism offering.
This Government has always stood for empowering our people through opportunity,” says Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Charles Washington Misick. “What we are doing at Sapodilla Bay is not about removing livelihoods, it’s about ensuring those livelihoods are sustainable, safe, and in keeping with the laws of our land. We are creating a long-term framework that gives Turks and Caicos Islanders not only the chance to earn today but to build lasting businesses that will thrive tomorrow.”
Currently, five vendors operating at Sapodilla Bay have been notified that their unauthorised structures must be removed. One vendor, in particular, has erected a permanent structure in violation of planning regulations, DECR ordinances, and the conditions of his business licence, which stipulates mobile operations only. Despite several previous warnings, the infraction has persisted.
New notices will be issued, granting 28 days’ notice before any demolition occurs. During this time, the vendors will be allowed to operate on Sapodilla Beach under temporary tents supplied by Experience Turks and Caicos.
Plans are underway for the development of a modern, purpose-built vendor facility across from the beach entrance. The facility will feature aesthetically designed booths, restrooms, and dedicated parking to enhance both the vendor and visitor experience. Once completed, the vendors will be relocated to this new facility.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, said: “Our priority is to bring order and fairness to how public spaces are used. While we support our local entrepreneurs, we must also ensure that all activities align with planning and environmental regulations. The new vendor site will provide a proper, beautiful, and safe space for business to flourish, one that reflects our national standards and preserves the integrity of Sapodilla Bay.”
“The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos are dedicated to ensuring the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from the tourism industry,” said Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “We are not taking away opportunities to earn but enhancing them by ensuring our vendors operate with pride and professionalism. To that end, we are looking into the acquisition of the adjacent beachfront property for a permanent facility for our vendors.”
Through this initiative, the Government reaffirms its commitment to empowering locals, protecting public spaces, and ensuring the sustainable development of the Turks and Caicos Islands for generations to come.