TCI: Police Heads Tours South Caicos

South Caicos, November 3, 2108 – Turks and Caicos – Residents living in South Caicos met with officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on November 1st, 2018, Thursday night for a Town Hall meeting.

“We encourage meetings like this because it’s our opportunity to let the community know what’s important to us and gives us the opportunity to find out what’s important to them,” said Divisional Commander for Grand Turk and South Caicos, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pascal Bacchus.

ASP Bacchus during his presentation spoke to the five priorities as a police service and plans to revamp and build community policing on both South Caicos and Grand Turk.

ASP Bacchus said, “The primary goals of this special town hall meeting are making things safe for people on South Caicos and promoting better relations between residents and the police department.”

About 25 residents showed up to the Town Hall Meeting to voice their concerns about Policing on South Caicos. Many asked questions about certain department policies and confidentiality.  The main issue though was not having a stronger police presence on the Island.

“As your Police Service we understand the importance of our role and the need to have additional police personnel on South Caicos,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rodney Adams.  “We will try our best to provide the essential numbers, because we want to be able to respond more effectively to the needs of the community, to make it a safer place for all to live and work, as we continue our efforts to apprehend those that chose a life of crime”.

ACP Adams added, “It’s important that we engage with you and listen to your concerns. I’m grateful to all of you for coming out and having this open dialogue with us.  There is always work to do in building a trusting relationship between the police and a community and you have our commitment as we work together as partners”.

Despite the many concerns raised, those in attendance gave positive feedback for the newly placed Sergeant Ignace Louima.  According to the attendees, Sergent Louima brought much-needed change to policing on South Caicos.

Sergeant Louima in addressing the audience said “We’re here for you, we’re here to protect the innocent.  I know and understand the importance of building a relationship with the people of South Caicos.  I do not want you to look at me as only a Police Officer but as your friend or family”.

The South Caicos visit also saw meetings with the District Commissioner, The Pastors Fraternity, Schools and other Government partner agencies.

Meanwhile, residents on the Island of South Caicos are reminded of their Police Contact numbers; 338-6362, 338-6363 and 231-0248.

Press Release: RTCIPF