News

Commissioner message on crime

Published

10 years ago

February 7, 2017

Providenciales, TCI, February 7, 2017 – The recent incident involving ex-Premier Mr. Galmo Williams has brought into sharp focus public concerns in relation to crime in the country. Despite rumors circulating to the contrary, crime overall is down significantly, particularly in Providenciales. I would wish to reassure the public that the RTCIPF is fully committed to tackling all crimes and has had significant success in bringing offenders to justice in this last year.

The force has mobilized a large number of CID and Uniform officers since the middle of last year, and as a result of that, members of the public will have seen police raids and traffic checks across Providenciales. Our actions have led to the arrest of a number of wanted men, and we have detained a large number, over 150, illegal migrants. Additionally, our detectives have arrested and charged five persons with Murder, two others are on bail for separate murders, eight individuals have been arrested as part of other murder enquiries, and four others have been arrested and charged with firearms and conspiracy to commit robbery charges.

We continue to take an intelligence-led proactive stance to stem the flow of violent crime, and again we ask the public for their help. We will relentlessly track down these men of violence and bring them to justice. There are still too many crimes of violence, and our focus remains firmly on bringing those responsible before the courts. The police continue to respond to reports where victims are leaving their homes and properties unsecured. Persons are encouraged to read our crime prevention safety tips to safeguard themselves and families.

Personal Safety Tips on the Street

* If possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.

* Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.

* Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.

* Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places.

* If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.

* Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Don’t stop to talk to strangers.

* Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.

* Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.

* Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.

* Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Police at 9-1-1.

* Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public. Basic Street Smarts

* Wherever you are—on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a taxi—stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.

* Send the message that you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going.

* Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

* Know the neighborhoods where you live and work.

* Check out the locations of police and restaurants, or stores that are open late.

If Someone Tries to Rob You

* Don’t resist. Give up your property—don’t give up your life.

* Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Self defense measures are most effective when applied as preventive steps—avoiding the crime in the first place.

#MagneticMediaNews

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

4 days ago

August 27, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Murder
Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

RBPF, PACD

News

Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

Published

6 days ago

August 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

2 weeks ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band