We have got so many other issues that need to be addressed.

Introduction

There continues to be a lot of focus on RED and I understand the concerns of the other local watersports operators. However, RED is not a monopoly in watersports. If you are going to oppose the operations of RED, then attack the other major players in the market as well. They are no different from RED.

As far as I know RED has its own business and is also working with RITZ and the Grace Bay Club group of companies. They do not represent most of the tourism industry. In fact, they represent a small percentage of the industry and so the 150 local watersports operators will not be out of work. Their revenue may be reduced if they were lost customers of Grace Bay Club but how do they we know that.

Now if RED had contractual obligations with all the hotels and villas then yes this would be considered monopolistic but that is not the case.  

What really can the Government do? Can they revoke the business licence from RED. Isnt RED is legally operating in TCI? Are we suggesting that the local partner is fronting? If he is, then yes, the Government can intervene. However, the Government must have the evidence otherwise they will be faced with a major lawsuit. Furthermore, if the Government goes after RED, then they need to go after all the companies that are fronting.

It is my understanding that the Government recently enacted a policy that all new watersports operators must be 100% owned by Turks and Caicos Islanders. 

Yes, employees at the concierge are wrong in telling guests not to use other watersports operators.  Let us be honest, they are not doing this with watersports operators, they are also doing this with taxis as well.

While I do not want to see any business adversely impacted, the truth is there are bigger fish to fry than RED. This is election year and neither the Government nor the Opposition are addressing the other issues. It tells me that either they are out of touch, or they are being personal, political and reactive.

Using external companies who do not have a business licence in TCI

I have mentioned this in several articles, and this must be dealt with. Any business in the world can bid on a government job in Turks and Caicos. You do not have to have a business licence here. This is a big fish that needs to be dealt with. Imagine you and your supplier are bidding on the same job. You have people living abroad who is not contributing anything to the economy of TCI, but they are winning contracts. You have consultants who do not know anything about TCI but are being awarded contracts. This should not be the case, and they should have a local partner, or certain bids should not be open to outsiders.

Not only does this apply to the Government, there are private companies also using external companies that are not based in TCI, but they want the support of the TCI locally based companies and individuals.

Local brokers in the Real Estate Industry

In 2003 the Government passed legislation whereby only Turks and Caicos Islanders can be brokers. However, despite the legislation, work permits are still being issued to brokers. Real Estate is a big industry, and this is a great opportunity for more Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate.

We even have real estate agents abroad conducting sales. They are using our local real estate for information and then turn around and do the sale themselves. This should not be allowed. You must be registered locally to conduct a sale.

Reserved Category

There are many areas reserved for Turks and Caicos Islanders. I know the Government is reviewing tis again whereby the reserved category must be only 100% owned by TCI Islanders. I think this would be great if this was done. Too many of us are fronting. I am not talking about RED, but I am talking about other individuals who are fronting in the Reserved Category.

Conducting business on the sides of the streets

We have several people conducting businesses on the sides of the streets and many of us are enabling this by buying from them. Do these vendors have a business licence? Some of these vendors are in the face of the business licence department. This should not be allowed.

Illegal transportation

Illegal jitneys continue to grow in TCI. This is illegal and it seems to be ignored. This is very dangerous. It is alleged that some staff at the hotels are calling their jitney friends to transport guests to and from. This is a serious allegation and can hurt our industry as these jitneys are not regulated.. These illegal jitneys are illegal, and it is reported that some of these drivers are assaulting some of these guests. We need a proper public transportation system, and I think a group of us should come together and start a public transportation company.

Illegals continue to increase

We have too many illegals in our country. As a result, they are competing with legal individuals. Some of us are employing these individuals. Some of these individuals are also utilizing our health system under the disguise of emergencies.

Not embracing the opportunities

There are many opportunities in TCI but some of us are not embracing them. We sit and complain about the “foreigners”. Rather than complaining, let us use our mouths and act. Yes, there are issues with getting access to capital, but have we tried. I can tell you many non-locals have secured financing from the non-traditional financial institutions to construct these buildings. Maybe some of us need to do that. We need to take the risks.  We also need to invest in condos, rather than building big homes, we should use that money to buy condos. So many tourists are coming here, open a business and cater towards the tourists.  Entrepreneurship is the key. If you do not have enough capital, join up with other locals. This is one of our problems. We do not trust one aother.

Health

Too many people have health issues in this country. This is very alarming. We must educate the public monthly about the importance of maintaining your health otherwise we risk losing many of our people.

Crime

Crime is out of hand and too many murders are taking place. As a result, we are losing too many young men. This is a serious issue as some of the seeds for the next generation are being destroyed.

Conclusion

There are too many misleading and false narratives about RED. Quite frankly, no matter who the Government of the day is, RED would still be here. Elected officials are not involved in the distribution of business licences. There is a department that specifically deals with the approval and issuance of business licences. Of course, Government can pass policies and legislation, but we cannot be hypocritical. If we deal with one business, then we need to deal with all the other businesses.

Finally, there are too many other issues in our country that appear to be overlooked. In my opinion, the RED issue is insignificant compared to many other pressing issues.