TCI News
Tasers training started, Body Cams here for Turks and Caicos Police
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Tuesday, May 1, 2018 – A partnership between Miami Beach and Turks and Caicos is delivering on a training program for Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Officers, who are today learning how to use electroshock weapons, better known as ‘tasers’.
“We are about to see the introduction of new technology to the force, including Taser; Taser is a brand name which is now well known across the UK, Europe and the Caribbean and Taser is a less lethal option to be used and deployed by officers from our Tactical Team, our armed response officers and some of our patrol officers,” said Commissioner James Smith in a press conference today, May 1.
Training was started this morning explained Commissioner Smith, adding that local trainers were leading the session at the Chalk Sound station and supervised by an instructor from Miami Beach Police; described as partner in the readiness effort.
“The Tasers go to trained officers who are currently trained in the use of firearms; so tactical unit… we are looking to deploy, following training, a number of patrolling uniformed officers. Very often Tasers are used in incidents where firearms are not the appropriate methodology and officers can walk into these scenes without any prior notice.”
TCI Tactical Police to be Taser trained. File photo
During a media meeting, Police Commissioner James Smith said that patrol and tactical unit offers will be armed with the ‘shocking’ devices, which he noted are safer and effective for subduing aggressive suspects and offenders.
Also in country already are the previously heralded body cams which are also meant to bolster evidentiary information for criminal proceedings, while simultaneously working as a monitor of police behavior.
“Every patrolling officer, will have a body cam,” said Commissioner Smith, “Officers will be receiving training online. We have docking stations being installed at the police stations so that very soon you will see patrolling officers with body cameras that will record their every action and action of those individual s in the front of them that will allow us to present the best evidence in court and of course allow us to check on the behavior of our officers as they go about their daily business.”
Legislative changes were made to prepare for the introduction of the ‘body cams’ which have been cited to have a string of pluses attached to their introduction including decreasing bad behavior by police officers and improving evidence collection for accident and domestic violence scenes.
“What we need make sure that we manage them properly, the policy is there and officers understand exactly how that will change the rule…”
Body Cams as a standard part of the uniforms of patrol officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police will not begin immediately; but it was said the activation of the cameras is soon to start.
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TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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TCI News1 week agoIllegal Structure Removed During Crown Land Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays