TCI News
TCI: Child Abuse Prevention Month – April 2018
#TurksandCaicos, April 12, 2018 – Providenciales – The Department of Social Development within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication observes Child Abuse Prevention month in April. This year’s theme is “Hear the Children’s Cry.” Child abuse can affect children of all ages, race, ethnicity and religion. No child or young person is immune to it.
The Department of Social Development is the lead agency responsible for Child safeguarding/ protection and has zero tolerance to all forms of child abuse. In order to prevent Child Abuse, we must first know what it is.
Child Abuse is any act or series of actions, or failure to act by a parent or caregiver which results in any form of harm, potential for harm or threat of harm to a minor child. These acts of commission and omission may result in physical injury, neglect, emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation. Behaviors/ actions and Indicators exhibited may co-exist.
Types of Child Abuse:
Neglect
Physical abuse
Abandonment
Sexual abuse
Emotional/Psychological abuse
A Child is defined as a person under the age of 18 years old, according to the Convention on the Rights of a Child, which TCI is signatory.
Who abuses children: Children are primarily abused by familiar persons not strangers. People who they know and trust.
There are many reasons and factors where children and adults do report child abuse:
CHILD VIEWS ADULT VIEWS
Fear of removal and separation from families Fear of community backlash
Lives being threatened Belief the child will get over it
Shame, guilt, embarrassment Fear of negative consequences
People gossip too much and they wouldn’t want
anyone to know about it
It is important for everyone to report child abuse because:
- You are the voice of the child
- Stop the cycle of abuse
- Prevention is better
Mandatory Reporting
Professional bodies such as teachers, operators and employees of day care centres, health care professionals, social workers, have the legal responsibility to report all forms of child abuse including the clergy. The Children Care and Protection Ordinance 2015 stipulates the timing in which reporting should be…” without delay” (section 14. 1)
Methods of reporting
- Contact the police who will contact the Director of Social Development
- Anonymously
- Email: reportabusetci@gov.tc
The TCI government approved the National Child Safeguarding Protocols – Working Together in the TCI in Cabinet and an official signing of the document by all stakeholders took place on the November 16, 2017. This was a major accomplishment for the TCI in safeguarding our children and coming in line with our UK OT counterparts. The main stakeholders were:
- Education
- Police
- Health
- Legal Department – AG Chambers/ DPP
- Social Development
How you can help?
- Everyone has a role to play in combating child abuse in the TCI.
- If you see something, say something
- Do not hide incidences of child abuse – always operate in the best interest of the child
- Educate others about the signs and indicators of child abuse and what can be done to prevent it
Tips on managing CA
- Reach out to a parent who seems overwhelmed
- Set a positive example. Never use violence or put downs
- Treat all children and parents with respect.
- Be there for children. Listen and empathize
- Always stop to cool down before disciplining a child
Dos and Don’ts if a child discloses abuse
Dos
Reassure the child that you have listened to what he/she said
Ensure you have made notes using the child’s exact words (date, time, place, people present)
Ensure the report is made by contacting lead agency in child protection – Social Development and or the police
Don’ts
Do not contact the alleged or suspected perpetrator
Do not attempt to investigate the allegations yourself
Do not interrupt, ask leading questions or make the child repeat the account, if a child tells you that he or another child is being abused.
Commenting on Child Abuse Month, the Director of Social Development, Mrs. Tiffany Thomas-Browne noted; “Our children and young people are our most precious gems and TCIG is committed to preventing, reporting and managing all forms of child abuse throughout the country. The TCI National Child Safeguarding Protocol-Working Together in the TCI gives us leverage on the methods and approaches that must be taken in respect to a report of child abuse/neglect. It speaks to the various roles of stakeholders and more importantly, minimizing the impact of abuse on the child as well as having the child’s best interest as our priority. You are urged to do your part as a citizen to protect our children and ensure that they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care. Break the Silence – End Child Abuse/Neglect.”
The following activities have been planned for the rest of the month in observance of Child Abuse Month.
Activities in observance of CAP month
- Rap sessions with young people around the theme
- Focus groups with children and young people
- Child Safeguarding workshops for parents, teachers & Religious leaders
- Community Outreach (distribution of brochures and pamphlets)
- Jingle creation by students
- Presentations to schools
- Ecumenical church service on Provo
Release: TCIG
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards
Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2025 – On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, the United States Coast Guard Southeast (USCG), working
in coordination with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment, and the TCI Border Force, intercepted a vessel carrying 103 migrants bound for Providenciales.
The suspicious vessel, first tracked by the USCG, was stopped at sea and later secured by the Sea Guardian vessel, which towed it safely to South Dock Marina. Upon arrival, the migrants were disembarked and handed over to the TCI Border Force for processing.
A breakdown of those on board confirmed:
- 75 males (including two minors)
- 28 females (including two minors)
This interception marks the 18th such operation in 2025, bringing the total number of migrants detained this year to 1,510. The RT&CIPF thanks the USCG and local agencies for their close cooperation, noting that this successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of layered security measures protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Force reminds the public that illegal migration is dangerous and life-threatening, and violations of the law will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information on illegal migration is urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or via the P3 app.
Photos Courtesy: Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force
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