News
PDM ‘black power’ icons turn out to Party Convention Prayer vigil in Grand Turk
Providenciales, 05 Jun 2015 – The People’s Democratic Movement got off to a riveting start based on reports reaching our news room late last night; the party held a candle light vigil at the National Memorial in Grand Turk in memory of the Most Excellent James Alexander George Smith McCartney, the country’s first national hero, the country’s first Chief Minister and a founder of the PDM party.
The event drew iconic figures from the early days of the Black Power movement which history tells us, unearthed British stronghold to see the PDM institute a new country constitution, take hold of ministerial government and daily country operations and radically curtail the powers of the Governor in the mid-1970s. Ninety-four year old MaDookie was there; the oldest surviving member of that movement led by JAGS; Charlie Garland, also an early freedom fighter was there; a member of the 1976 first PDM elected government, Leon Wilson was there; Noel Skippings credited with being the only PDM to upset the PNP stronghold in South Caicos when he won that seat, was there; the first PDM elected woman, Carol Misick and former first lady, Lolita Taylor – wife of Derek Taylor were there too and also at the prayer service was Dorothy McCartney, also a former first lady and wife of Most Excellent JAGS, who brought three of their grandchildren.
Magnetic Media was informed that party leader, Hon Sharlene Robinson was quite pleased to be rejoined by the party’s Deputy Leader, Hon Sean Astwood who made his first public PDM appearance since overcoming a bought with illness earlier this year.
The PDM, as the country’s oldest political machine commemorates 40 years with a National Convention this weekend where among the highlights will be a street affair at the site of the Junkanoo Club on anniversary day, June 6th; where a police and civilian gun battle, hostage situation and 24 hour stand-off – 40 years ago – led to a revolution in local politics which gave Turks and Caicos Islanders more power in managing the affairs of its people.
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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