Corruption, unchecked development, and Haiti’s crisis fuelled Dock Yard’s rapid growth – study reveals

BY OLIVIA ROSE

An unwillingness to disrupt the status quo at the level of government, deep-rooted corruption, ease of land sale, and a protracted crisis in Haiti are some of the key contributing factors to the growth and development of Dock Yard—TCI’s most populated informal settlement.

This was revealed in a pilot study conducted on Dock Yard in 2022, by the TCIG Statistical Department.

Dock Yard, sometimes referred to as Duck Yard, is a predominantly informal and unregulated Haitian Community located at the back of Kew Town, Providenciales.

As part of the government’s efforts to regularise housing in the TCI, an in-depth study of Dock Yard, which was identified as the most prominent of these communities was undertaken to better understand the ecosystems of these communities.

The proliferation of informal settlements in the Turks and Caicos Islands has presented several national challenges, which, if not addressed, can have dire consequences.

The study aimed at improving and reshaping these communities to facilitate service delivery, and ensure sustainability and security, was recently made public by the ISU.

The data-driven study which used an evidence-based methodology to gather baseline information, exposed the realities of the situation in the community.

Key Contributing Factors

The study pinpointed some of the key factors that have contributed to the growth and prosperity of Dock Yard which includes the ongoing crisis in neighboring Haiti, as well as the pull and push factors such as opportunities for work; romantic and familial relations; lack of opportunities and conflict/insecurity in the home country.

“Dock Yard attractions and strengths: support systems; wellserviced community; reception system and protections for irregular persons; employment through community networking.

Other contributing factors such as; “Attraction for criminals, High cost of accommodation in the TCI, living standard, TCIG challenges: resources; corruption”, were outlined in the study.

Findings And Analysis

The study revealed that Dock Yard is located on private land and evolved over time through the settlement, sale and resale of portions of parcels of land; the legality and legitimacy of most are in question.

It noted that Dock Yard’s inferred population size is just under 3000 persons, having increased approximately four (4) times the rate of the wider TCI population over the last 10 years, and 69% of this population identified as being status holders, with 25% confirming that they are not.

Further, the report pointed out that Haitians account for 88% of the Dock Yard population, with the majority being females between the ages 30-39 years, while Turks and Caicos Islanders account for approximately 4%.

“Dock Yard is part of the locality Honda Road and can be divided into three (3) distinct areas: i. Dock Yard Central (the original settlement –1970’s): − a single parcel of 12.21 acres; belongs to several members of one family, portions (100x100 feet) have been resold; several cautions are on the parcel.”

The study also revealed that during 2010, Dock Yard expanded east of the original settlement and several parcels were sold and legitimately subdivided with further unauthorized subdivisions of 10x10/20 feet, while in the 2020’s the community expanded north and west of the original settlement with not as densely populated; groups of structures but there is evidence of ongoing construction.

According to the study, the area is predominantly high-density with sub-portions of land well below the prescribed acreage.

“Many structures are small wooden shacks, but an increasing number are being constructed with more permanent materials.

“Most residents are renters, 18% claim to own the land that they reside on, while under 10% admit to be squatting. Planning records indicate that 17 of the 38 parcels in Dock Yard are legitimately owned by Haitians”.

Another shocking revelation detailed in the report is the internal systems in the community for managing ‘intrusions’ from law enforcement ranging from gatekeepers to escape tunnels.

The findings further disclosed that Dock Yard has a very vibrant commercial economy accessing both legal and illegal goods and services.

Some 12% of homes have businesses attached, while most work in less technical roles in hospitality, home care and construction, enabling easy access to Employment, the report noted.

The Dock Yard community has been likened to Brazilian Favelas and Haitian slums in the study due to the similarities such as irregular self-constructed housing that are occupied illegally, and often crowded; poor sanitation networks, electricity, water and other basic necessities

“Dock Yard does not have access to some standard utilities such as sanitation infrastructures, networked plumbing nor pipeborne water.

“10.98 % of homes have electricity, some of which are serviced by meters (the validity of which is questionable); many however are connected through unauthorised redistribution, at a cost.

“Formal water pipelines do not enter the Dock Yard community, as such residents purchase truckborne water, which is often connected to a standpipe system for redistribution at an inflated cost", the report stated.

Coupled with this, the study pointed out that there are “no formal systems for sewage disposal and limitations to garbage collection which results in unsanitary conditions, infestations and a persistent stench throughout the community”.

As it relates to some cultural practices and norms that are accepted within the Dock Yard community, the report noted that these differ from those of TCI’s native population.

Additionally, several shortcomings within enforcement systems have handicapped control measures: resource limitations –human and financial; expansive unmanageable remits and the lax in due diligence processes were highlighted in the report.