TCI News
Turks and Caicos DDME at 10-year condemned building, no budget for new home
#Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday June 25, 2018 – For a decade the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies has occupied a space that is condemned and today the Director of the DDME, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux explained that it is because there continues to be no money allocated to get them out of the structurally unsound building.
While the DDME is tasked with promoting building back better to the nation, the organization is forced to occupy a space that is on paper not fit for use – both in Providenciales and Grand Turk.
The situation is not a new one, but remains a shocking and lingering problem given the litany of catastrophes which are now increasingly possible including over 200 m.p.h. wind hurricanes and earthquakes.
The Appropriations Committee is currently scrutinizing the spending allotted in a $290 million Budget presented by the Premier and Finance Minister a week ago today. The DDME appeared before the Committee, in the Capital Grand Turk, just before lunch.
‘When I got to the building, I met it with an ‘X’ on it,’ said Dr. Virginia Clerveaux in responding to the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Douglas Parnell.
It was also explained by the Director that, “we are far from satisfied and will continue agitating for better…”
It is unclear when “better” will come for the DDME, which has received high commendation for its handling of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and a special Star Award from the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association due to its fortitude in the aftermath of the storms.
It was pointed out during the sitting today that the request has been made for a new home for DDME in Providenciales, still there are no funds allotted to constructing that alternate site.
Quizzed about what will happen if there is a major hurricane for the Turks and Caicos Islands, when it comes to the DDME and its mandatory establishment of a Command Centre in the event of such a weather event; the Director explained that there is a back-up plan.
In Providenciales, the options are to move their operations to the Office of the Premier, Flow or Digicel. In Grand Turk, the option is to take refuge and set-up a Command Centre at the Office of the Deputy Governor.
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies is under the umbrella of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Telecommunciations.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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