Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council Meeting

#TurksandCaicos, January 26, 2018 – Providenciales – His Excellency the Governor, H.E John Freeman, and the Hon. Premier, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson co-chaired the TCI National Security Council (NSC) at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building in Providenciales on January 15, 2018.

In attendance as members of the NSC were Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Anya Williams, Hon. Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Vaden Williams; and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trevor Bottin.

At this meeting, the NSC:

-Received an update from the Deputy Commissioner of Police on:

• Recent successes in the fight against crime including joint operations with partners
• Immediate priorities for enhancing the capability of the RTCIPF
• Post Hurricane Irma and Maria damages on Estates noting that the Headquarters is now operational.
• UK National Crime Agency in its effort to provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of a defense building.
• Custody facilities in Providenciales: making court time more efficient to minimize travel
• 911 system challenges and strategic provisions for addressing this matter
• Further efforts to engage the Tourism sector to discuss a strategic collective approach in the fight against crime
• Air Crash Incident that occurred on December 23, 2017; which was handed over to the Air Accident Investigation Bureau in the United Kingdom to proceed with the investigation.
• The recent gun related incident that occurred on January 1, 2018
• Crime; trajectory showing a downward trend. Crime Report will be published in the coming weeks.
• Progress made for the installation of a CCTV’ system in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
• Community Policing around the Turks and Caicos Islands with emphasis on challenges in Salt Cay and South Caicos.

-Received an update from the Minister of Home Affairs, Telecommunication and Communication on:

• The continuing challenges at the prison and strategic steps to remedying.
• Human Resource matters at HM Prison following the departure of the current Superintendent of Prison.

-Received a report from the Deputy Commissioner of Police on TCI National Security Strategy that addresses the current and long term security issues facing TCI.

-Discussed the Drafting of the Security Bill, Interception of Communications legislation and Policing and Community Engagement (PACE).

Press Release: TCIG