fp Turks and Caicos

Residents of Salt Cay shuddered recently after it was discovered more damage was done to their lifeline, the already dilapidated Dean’s Dock.

“Dean’s Dock is the lifeblood of Salt Cay. Without it we won’t have access to Grand Turk and things we desperately need on Salt Cay: food, medical service, gasoline, building supplies, just to name a few,” said Porter Williams, proprietor of Island Thyme on Salt Cay.

In June, Permanent Secretary of Finance Delton Jones announced that the dock would be getting its needed repairs later this year, but for residents the repairs can’t come soon enough.

In late 2009, the interim government announced a tender request for repairs to the wall, but when bids came in significantly over budget, Chief Executive Officer Mark Capes told Salt Cay residents they would have to wait until enough funds could be found to make the necessary repairs to the wall and dock.

The 200-year-old dock sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ike in 2008, and residents have lived in fear of the dock giving way ever since. With limited air service on and off the island, the dock provides the only access point.

The island relies on barges from Grand Turk to bring all supplies, including propane, gas and food to the nearly 100 inhabitants of the sleepy island three times per week.

As the deterioration of the dock increases, the future of livelihood for the island is put in jeopardy.

In addition to the dock falling apart, the airport is also in need of repairs, along with the roads. Currently there are no paved roads on the islands, and residents say they are getting worse with each drop of rain.

Jones said last month there are still a few technical issues to work out, but “They have the green light to go ahead.”

The funding is expected to come in August from a European Union Commission grant.