Government Moves to Regulate Sapodilla Bay Vendors; Assures No Jobs Will Be Lost

 The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs at Sapodilla Bay while ensuring beachside business operations comply with national planning and environmental regulations.

This announcement comes in the wake of vendors being given a deadline of November 6 to vacate the property or face consequences, following directives issued by the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).

Premier Hon. Washington Charles Misick stressed that the ongoing regulatory actions taken by the DECR and Department of Planning are not intended to deprive vendors of their livelihoods, but rather to ensure that all activity at the popular beach destination is lawful, safe, and sustainable.

“This Government has always stood for empowering our people through opportunity,” Premier Misick stated. “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.”

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove (left) and Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon Zhavargo Jolly

Authorities report that five vendors have been instructed to remove unauthorized structures. One vendor in particular erected a permanent structure in violation of planning regulations, DECR ordinances, and business licence conditions that permit only mobile operations. Government officials note that several warnings were issued prior to the enforcement action.

TCIG says new notices will be issued, giving vendors a 28-day extension before any demolition begins. During this period, they will be permitted to continue operating on the beach under temporary tents to be provided by Experience Turks and Caicos.

In the long term, the Government is developing plans for a modern commercial facility across from the beach entrance. The site will house purpose-built vending units, restrooms, and designated parking, improving the business environment and elevating the visitor experience. Vendors will be relocated to this new space once it is complete.

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Hon. Arlington Musgrove said the initiative is part of a wider effort to promote fairness and protect public space.

“Our priority is to bring order and fairness to how public spaces are used,” Musgrove said. “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.”

Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Hon. Zhavargo Jolly added that the initiative aims to enhance, not remove, opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“We are not taking away opportunities to earn but enhancing them by ensuring our vendors operate with pride and professionalism,” he said. Jolly noted that the Government is exploring the acquisition of nearby beachfront property to establish a permanent facility for vendors.

TCIG maintains that the Sapodilla Bay intervention is part of its broader mission to empower Turks and Caicos Islanders, protect public land and coastal resources, and promote sustainable tourism development for generations to come.