Turks & Caicos Islands: New guidelines for public access to cruise port facilities announced

The Turks & Caicos Islands Government, the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) and Carnival Corporation have reached agreement on new guidelines for public access to the GTCC facilities which reflect the shared desire for residents to continue to enjoy the facilities as well as provide a safe and secure environment for guests, GTCC employees and the Grand Turk community who are visiting. By promoting a family-friendly atmosphere, these guidelines will also maintain the popularity of Grand Turk with cruise guests, support local businesses and foster a welcoming and business-friendly environment for food, beverage, shore excursion, and retail partners. This policy will be effective on Thursday, August 15.

“We greatly appreciate the collaborative spirit of partnership from government and cruise center leaders to provide an added layer of security at the Grand Turk Cruise Center facilities, while also allowing residents all opportunities to enjoy the beach, shopping and restaurants,” said Juan Fernandez, vice president of Carnival Corporation’s destination operations.

Effective on Thursday, August 15, visitors from the community will be asked to follow new guidelines and procedures to access the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC):

• During operating hours (when a ship is in port), access to GTCC by the public is only granted to individuals who obtain a one-day identification (ID) badge.
• Access will be by the main entrance and will be free of charge.
• An ID badge will be issued to each individual at the GTCC’s main entrance guard gate.

• • Individuals 18 years and older must present a valid form of government ID.
  • Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid form of government ID.
  • The ID badge will be issued by officers of the GTCC at the main entrance. Individuals who have violated the code of conduct of the GTCC will be denied entry.
  • Any individual on the GTCC premises without an ID badge will be asked to leave immediately and will be referred to law enforcement.

Each individual seeking entrance must acknowledge and adhere to the Code of Conduct while at the GTCC:

• Visitors to the GTCC shall not engage in ANY business activities within the port. No sales or solicitation of any kind are permitted. Only tour operators approved by the GTCC, and with official tours sold by the cruise lines, can conduct business on port premises.
• No illegal activity will take place at the port. This includes but is not limited to narcotics sales or use, theft or attempted theft, assault or threats of assault.
• Visitors to the GTCC shall not interfere in work activities of GTCC employees or licensed tour operators in good standing with GTCC.
• Visitors to the GTCC shall not pose a public nuisance that interferes with GTCC employees, guests, or licensed tour operators.  A public nuisance is defined but not limited to the obstruction of the public right of way of pedestrian passage, or any act that endangers the morals, comfort level of the public, or obstructs the enjoyment of rights common to all.
• No weapons of any kind are allowed, which include but are not limited to firearm(s) or knife(s).
• No use of abusive, offensive, threatening language or behaviors.

Any violations of the above will result in removal from the GTCC property and the revocation of the ID badge by GTCC officers. Violators will also lose the ability to obtain an ID badge for a minimum of three months or higher depending on the severity of the violation.

Commenting on the revised Standard Operating Procedures, the Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, stated that “the Government’s role is to ensure that those with access to the facilities at the Grand Turk Cruise Center – be they cruise passengers, tour operators, vendors, and visitors to the port – have an enjoyable experience.  The Government is committed to working with Grand Turk Cruise Center to improve service delivery so that the destination remains competitive, whilst ensuring safety, and providing sustainable economic opportunities.”

Providing a safe and secure environment for guests to visit any destination is the joint responsibility of the operator, law enforcement and the government as well as the community at large. These new procedures are expected to ensure the welcoming atmosphere in Grand Turk and in Turks & Caicos Islands in general.

The article Turks & Caicos Islands: New guidelines for public access to cruise port facilities announced first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.