Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) residents no longer have to make costly trips to New Providence to renew their U.S. passports or receive other consular services.

The U.S. Embassy this week officially opened its remodeled Consular Agency Office in Providenciales, TCI, marking the establishment of the first “brick and mortar” presence of the U.S. Embassy on that island.

A consular agent has been working in Providenciales since May 2011.

On hand for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony were U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard District Seven Rear Admiral William Baumgartner, and His Excellency Governor Roderick Todd.

Mr. Dinkelman noted that with roughly 3,000 American citizens residing in TCI, and over 700,000 Americans expected to visit in 2013, the timing is ideal for the establishment of a permanent facility in Providenciales.

“With the opening of this office, we are celebrating the strength of the ties between the United States and the Turks and Caicos Islands, ties that unite us through our common concerns for tourism and the safe travel of our citizens,” he said.

The chargé also expressed gratitude to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force for providing unending support in cases involving American citizens.

The official address of the new office is 2 Venture Ct., Grace Bay Suite 102E, Providenciales, TCI.