Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

Police have responded, succinct and to the point, to an explosive letter penned by an anonymous writer claiming to be an officer, alleging corruption.

“The RTCIPF is aware of the anonymous letter in circulation,” they confirmed after Magnetic Media queries, Denyse Renne, Media Relations Officer told us the only response the police would be making had already been delivered in the swearing in ceremony of Edvin Martin, Police Commissioner, by the man himself.

Remarks included ; “The public deserves an accountable police force, a police force that is professional and responsive to the needs of its citizens. One that is trusted and has the support of the people it serves. In this context, as a service organisation, and with any such organisation, there will be allegations which cause the public to question our integrity. As law enforcers, we must seek out and purge the organization of any semblance of bias, corruption, and malfeasance. It cannot be a case of doing as I say and not as I do. Simultaneously, at the Executive level, we must address the issues that negatively impact morale and motivation – particularly ensuring fairness and impartiality in providing opportunities and ensuring the best candidates are promoted to ensure continuity and succession planning,” Martin said.

The remarks, though they came before the anonymous letter, are particularly poignant when taken in context of the complaints fielded by the individual claiming to be an officer.

“In order for us to create safe and wonderful communities there must be an internal clean up,” said the letter from the Police Commissioner.

“For years hardworking police officers were treated unfairly , with injustice and their careers crippled at the hands of the executive team while all of their friends benefit from promotions, training, conferences and are placed in areas of the force to work where they cannot function,” the writer claimed boldly.

In the letter observed by Magnetic Media, the writer, who could be anyone, gave not only examples of cronyism, but shared enough information with the public to directly identify those he/she is accusing;especially in the small close knit islands of the Turks and Caicos.

Upon receipt of the letter Magnetic Media had included this fact in our questions giving the force the opportunity to clarify whether the allegations were true and under investigation; or whether they were false and dispel them; protecting the reputations of those mentioned and the integrity of the force. They did not respond to this line of questioning.

Included in the allegations cited by this mystery writer are:

• Cronyism, with promotions being given to a select group of favored officers even without the requisite expertise.
• Favoritism to romantic partners resulting in promotions or changes in assignment.
• Favoritism regarding opportunities for training
• Officers facing difficulties receiving their due overtime pay
• Misconduct
• Misuse of police assets including vehicles

The alleged officer claims that these actions are directly impacting the force by grinding down officers’ morale and making them disillusioned with the force. The writer cited this as a serious concern.

“We have seen hard working police officers lose motivation, become fed up and left the police force without any care to the force executive team and the HR Department who cares not about retention of good officers,” the writer accused

As for why the individual didn’t identify themselves, this reason was shared

“There is a lack of trust with some of the members of the force executive team and we all have seen countless police officers treated unfairly and victimized for highlighting issues in the organization.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is asking all clients seen at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center Emergency Department on April 21, 2024, April 22, 2024, and May 3, 2024, to remain vigilant for any signs and symptoms of Measles. Any signs and symptoms noted must be reported immediately to your doctor.

As a reminder, the signs and symptoms of measles are:

• Fever
• Red rash (starts behind the ear and then spreads to the head and neck then body)
• Coryza (runny nose)
• Cough
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Body aches

Small greyish-white spots with a bluish-white center inside the mouth, cheek, and throat.

Measles is highly infectious and can be spread quickly in persons who are unvaccinated. If you think that you have been in contact with someone with symptoms of measles, please do not hesitate to see your doctor. For more information please call (649) 338-5469. For further information please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government cannot comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts but confirms the following four (4) US nationals have been charged for possession of ammunition offences against the Firearms Ordinance (as amended).

• MICHAEL LEE EVANS, 72, of Texas, pled guilty to possession of seven (7) 9mm rounds of ammunition. Appeared before the court on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, via video conference link. Currently on bail, with sentencing hearing adjourned to June 18th, 2024.

• BRYAN HAGERICH, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to possession of twenty rounds of ammunition  (rifle rounds). Currently on bail. Scheduled to reappear in court on May 3rd, 2024.

• TYLER SCOTT WENRICH, 31, of Virginia, is currently remanded at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Grand Turk). He is charged with possession of two (2) 9mm rounds. He has not applied for bail.

• RYAN TYLER WATSON, 40, of Oklahoma, currently on bail, charged with possession of four (4) rounds of ammunition. Appeared in court on April 24th, 2024. The matter was adjourned to June 7th, 2024

 Persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands do not have a constitutional right to carry firearms. The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes all visitors but reminds travellers that the importation of firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons is strictly forbidden unless licence to do so has been issued by the Commissioner of Police.

 The Turks and Caicos Islands have clear laws against the possession of firearms and or ammunition and strict penalties in order to serve and protect the community. Firearm and or ammunition offences carry a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of twelve years plus a fine. An Attorney General’s Reference to the Court of Appeal certified that where a court finds there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has discretion to impose a custodial sentence (less than the twelve years) and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory with a common law legal system.

 Travellers are strongly advised to search their luggage before they travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure they do not bring in forbidden items inadvertently. The Turks and Caicos Islands reserves the right to enforce its legislation and all visitors must follow its law enforcement procedures.

 The Transportation Security Administration screening in the United States may not identify ammunition in a traveller’s baggage; it is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of ammunition and/or firearms. Permission from an airline carrier does not constitute permission to bring firearms or ammunition into the Turks and Caicos Islands and will result in arrest.