JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

 FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND 

THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND PUBLIC POLICY

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 15^th May 2025 – Today, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE attended a ceremony, held at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Marine Branch,  to commission two new vessels, which have been provided to the Turks and Caicos Islands as part of a joint initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the Governor’s Office and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The two vessels, funded by the FCDO Border Security Programme, will form part of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force’s Marine Branch, complementing their existing fleet. The vessels enhance our capability to be agile in our maritime law enforcement efforts and strengthen our emergency response search and rescue capability. They will be named Sea Challenger and Sea Contender reflecting the spirit of the RTCIPF’s operations in keeping the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands safe.  The RNLI will provide training in the operations of these vessels later this month

At the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier also announced the arrival of regional resources to assist the RTCIPF:

• This afternoon, 10 tactical officers from the Barbados Police Service arrived in Providenciales to provide strategic and operational security assistance to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Upon arrival, the officers will undergo an initial orientation before being sworn in as Special Constables of the RTCIPF. Members of the team will be deployed to support tactical operations. A further deployment of 30 tactical officers from another RSS Member State is expected before the end of the month. As part of the agreement, the RTCIPF will be provided with expert surge support officers to augment the existing cadre and develop capability.
• Also, this month, CARICOM IMPACS will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands to deliver the first phase of a comprehensive Intelligence training programme to members of the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment, Border Force, HM Prison, Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Security Secretariat.

This package of regional security assistance follows the attendance of Her Excellency the Governor and Honourable Minister Arlington Musgrove at the 28th Meeting of The Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) in November 2024, and active discussions by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government with the Regional Security System (RSS) and its Member States.

The security assistance will significantly bolster national security and local law enforcement by enabling collaboration, resource sharing and strategic planning. More specifically, this will include:

• Joint Operations;
• Intelligence Sharing;
• Training and Capacity Building;
• Strengthening Border Security; and Combating Organized Crime Networks.

The Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE said:

The commissioning of these police vessels represents a critical step forward in strengthening our national security and safeguarding the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am grateful to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office for their partnership in providing these vessels, supporting my Government’s commitment to equip law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our borders and uphold the rule of law.

The Government welcomes the deployment of ten additional police officers from Barbados as part of our ongoing strategic efforts to bolster national security and enhance the operational capacity of our law enforcement agencies. This reinforcement solidifies the TCI’s regional collaboration framework and underscores the shared objectives within the Caribbean toward addressing transnational crime, ensuring public order, and supporting intelligence-led policing. We are grateful to the Government and Commissioner of Police of Barbados for this timely support and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a coordinated, regional approach to security and crime prevention.

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said:

Today marks a significant step forward in our national security strategy, as we commission two new maritime police vessels provided by the UK and welcome a contingent of tactical police officers from the Barbados Police Service. We are grateful to the FCDO, the Government of Barbados, Commissioner of Police of Barbados and the RSS for their valued support. These developments – alongside the launch of a targeted intelligence training programme with CARICOM IMPACS and a further regional deployment of 30 tactical officers expected before the end of the month – reflect not only the strength of our enduring partnerships and regional solidarity in tackling shared threats, but also the deliberate and determined efforts of the National Security Council to underpin law enforcement efforts and enhance our national defence posture. This is more than an operational boost – it is a step change in how we confront crime, secure our borders and safeguard our citizens.

Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic – History was made on the greens of Casa de Campo as the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA) secured an unprecedented third consecutive championship at the 29th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament, held from April 29th to May 2nd, 2025.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This remarkable achievement underscores a significant surge in the prominence of golf within the Turks and Caicos Islands, a success largely attributed to the strategic team assembled by Sean Wilson, Head Professional at the esteemed Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.

A strong contingent of 48 golfers proudly represented the TCIGA, competing fiercely across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. Their enthusiastic participation was duly rewarded with victories in the men team category.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Sports, Turks and Caicos Islands stated “On behalf of the Government and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our national golf team for their outstanding achievement at the 29th Caribbean Golf Classic. Securing a third consecutive victory is a testament to the team’s dedication, skill, and the growing stature of golf in our nation.  This accomplishment not only brings pride to our islands but also inspires our youth to pursue excellence in sports.  Let us celebrate this momentous victory and look forward to continued success in the years to come.”

“This three-peat victory truly reflects the growing passion and increasing involvement in golf within the Turks and Caicos,” commented TCIGA President Fraser Dods. “To bring home the coveted George Noon Cup for the third year running, after nearly three decades of competition, fills us with immense pride for Turks and Caicos golf.”

The team’s dominant performance stemmed from unwavering determination and exceptional play across all flights and categories. The men’s team clinched the prestigious Robert Grell Trophy. This near clean sweep across all team divisions highlights the burgeoning depth of talent within the TCIGA membership.

The Caribbean Classic, organized annually by the Caribbean Golf Association, unites golfers from its twelve member countries. The tournament features both individual and team competitions, with each participating nation fielding an unlimited number of players who compete over three days, playing eighteen holes each day.

Having captured the George Noon Cup in 2023 for the first time in 27 years of participation in 2023, 2024 and now again in 2025, Team Turks and Caicos once again amassed the highest overall points, solidifying their reign as champions. This three consecutive victory marks a significant milestone for sports in the Turks and Caicos Islands and for the burgeoning golf community.

Individual Stars Shine Brightly

Beyond the collective triumph, individual brilliance shone through from several TCI golfers. Andrea Todd delivered a stellar performance to win the ladies’ Flight 1. On the men’s side, Kurt Rivers, Jamie Gray, Dale Hodgkins, Simon Dobbs, Steven Kendrew, and Mark Fulford all showcased impressive form. Their individual successes were crucial in bolstering the team’s overall victory.

“This incredible team performance speaks volumes about the dedication and talent we have within the TCIGA,” stated Mark Fulford, Vice President of the TCIGA. “To witness such commitment and skill across all divisions is truly inspiring and signals a very bright future for golf in the Turks and Caicos.”

Looking to the Future: Building on a Legacy of Success

Jarrett Forbes, TCI Director of Sports, expressed his optimism for the future of the sport. “This victory underscores the tremendous potential for golf in the Turks and Caicos,” he noted. “We are eager to encourage more young people in our islands to embrace this fantastic sport.”

Sean Wilson, Head Golf Professional at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, echoed this sentiment. “This is a truly monumental achievement for TCI golf,” he said. “Bringing home trophies in two out of three divisions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TCIGA executive and all its players.”

Special thanks goes to Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, and the hard work of golf professionals

Ashley Gravett and Justin Simmons in bringing so many more new golfers into the sport.

President Fraser further commented that:

“Summer kids golf camps are a great way for children to receive a fun introduction to the game. These summer clinics run in June and July and all are welcome to attend and get a taste of the fastest growing sport in TCI”

This third consecutive victory at the Caribbean Classic establishes a new and impressive legacy for golf in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The TCIGA is managed by a dedicated volunteer executive committee comprising Fraser Dods (President), Mark Fulford (Vice President), Denise Douglas (Secretary), Dale Hodgkins (Treasurer), Andrea Todd, and Roberto Stipa. Through their collective efforts and the growing enthusiasm of TCI golfers, the future of the sport in the region looks exceptionally promising.

The Caribbean Classic remains a highlight on the Caribbean Golf calendar, bringing together amateur golfers from twelve nations, including the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and the USVI.

Deandrea Hamiltonian

Editor 

May 15, 2024 – Police in the Turks and Caicos Islands are investigating a double shooting that occurred late Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and one man injured.

According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF), the first shooting was reported around 11:12 p.m. on May 10 in the Kew Town area.  Officers responded to gunshots heard near Harmony Close and discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds at Cerasie Close.  Emergency medical services were called, but the victim—identified as 33-year-old Cyrildo Smith of Kew Town—was pronounced dead at 12:16 a.m.

While securing the scene, police located a second man nearby who had also sustained injuries. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment. His condition was not disclosed in the statement.

Shortly after, at approximately 11:25 p.m., officers responded to a second report of gunfire at Ralph Close in the Blue Hills area. There, they found a 20-year-old man inside a house with apparent gunshot wounds. He was also taken for medical treatment. Authorities did not release his name or details on his condition.

Police have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or using the P3 mobile app. The Serious Crime Unit is also reachable at 231-1842.

The RT&CIPF extended condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Smith.