TCI News
TCI Customs Shines During Junior Officers Basic Training
#Providenciales, January 30, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Department, on the 25th of January 2019, concluded A three week Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council’s (CCLEC) Junior Officers Basic Training, which was commemorated by a closing ceremony. The Course was 
facilitated by Mr. Andy Fernelon, former Comptroller of the St. Lucian Customs and Excise Department. Thirteen Officers underwent this training, eight of which were Customs Officers, and five Assistant Customs Officers.
In an overview of the training course Mr. Fenerlon highlighted some of the arears covered; “We covered topics such as Legislation, baggage search, valuations, and classification, all of which are important to Customs Officers in the performance of their duties. There were three exams, one each week, and I must say that I am very satisfied with the results.”
The Collector of Customs, Ms. Chawa Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have obtained funding to facilitate the much needed technical training, and thanked Mr. Fernelon who is no stranger to the Customs Department for delivery of said training. In addressing the officers, she stated; “I am very proud of your achievements, and pleased with the results, which reaped an almost one hundred percent pass rate. We have invested in you, and we do expect a return on that investment. I am imploring all of you to not see this training as the end of things, but to also pursue your professional qualifications, whether it be an Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree, by tapping into the Deputy Governor’s Office Professional Development Fund. By doing so, you will position yourself to elevate through the ranks within the Department.”
Deputy Collector Linda Malcolm, who has direct responsibility for Training, also addressed the Officers, stating; “This is not the end, it is only the beginning. We want you to know that we will move off the scene and you will be the ones who will take over the Department. Like we always say, know your surroundings as a Customs Officer, know what you are supposed to do, continue to read the law, continue to know what your powers are, continue to do things based on what the Ordinance gives you the power to do.”
The top three officers receiving the highest result were Danielle Garland, Indiana Robinson, and Marylee Wilson.
Valedictorian Danielle Garland in her address to colleagues stated; “We have spent long hours studying and preparing, congratulations to us all. We have all done our best and we are now ready to hit the road running, and apply the knowledge we have worked so hard to gain… Remember success isn’t just about what you accomplish in 
life, but rather what you inspire others to do, as we leave here, let us never stop trying to inspire each other in a positive way.
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Anya Williams who was on hand to commemorate the occasion expressed her congratulations to the team stating; “We extend our sincerest congratulations to the graduates of this three week training program and hope that the lessons learned will have a real impact on your day to day work lives. I take this opportunity to thank you for the jobs that you do and to recognize and appreciate how important the roles that you play are to your country. It is true that Customs is indeed our largest revenue earner, but I admonish to look at your jobs not solely from a revenue collection standpoint, but rather from a law enforcement perspective as well. I encourage you to continue to take advantage of the training and other opportunities available to you to assist in your mobility in the service and to continue to serve our country well.”
Release: TCIG
Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Grand Turk has reached crisis levels, taking center stage at the most recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).
The session, co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, heard a sobering report from the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities on the worsening conditions at the country’s only correctional facility.
Officials revealed that HMP Grand Turk currently houses around 131 inmates in a facility built to accommodate just 104, representing an estimated 30 percent overcapacity. Structural damage from previous hurricanes and years of wear have further reduced usable space, compounding safety and management challenges.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office have repeatedly warned that the prison’s overcrowding could undermine rehabilitation and security efforts — and now, the NSC has declared modernization of correctional infrastructure a national priority.
The Council approved immediate-term relief measures and agreed to a comprehensive review of the prison estate, aimed at
identifying targeted infrastructure investments to meet the demands of a growing inmate population.
The NSC meeting, held on September 25, 2025, brought together the highest-level officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security apparatus, including the Deputy Premier, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, National Security Advisor, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Director General of Border Force, and NSS Threat Lead. Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister and Permanent Secretary of Public Safety and Utilities, alongside the Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services, who presented the update on the prison’s capacity challenges and operational concerns.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Maritime Security
Beyond the correctional system, members were also briefed by the Unified Command on ongoing multi-agency security operations, including efforts to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement and border protection entities.
Discussions also turned to the legal framework underpinning joint operations, with members emphasizing the need for coherent inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational threats, particularly those related to illicit migration and maritime crime.
The Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment presented plans for a new maritime operational base and docking facility, envisioned as a command-and-control center that would bolster the country’s ability to respond to maritime incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters.
Liquor Licensing Reforms and Regional Summit
The Permanent Secretary for National Security briefed the Council on the review of the current liquor licensing regime, with recommendations for a full restructuring and digital redesign of the licensing process to enhance oversight and efficiency. The Council supported continued reform work on the system.
In a forward-looking development, the NSC also endorsed plans for the Northern Caribbean Security Summit, to be hosted in Turks and Caicos under the theme “Dismantling Illicit Maritime Activities Through Enhanced Cooperation.” The summit aims to convene regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges, from smuggling to illegal migration and environmental crimes.
Security at a Crossroads
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s national security infrastructure and coordination mechanisms, describing the discussions as “critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and sovereignty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
With the prison operating well beyond its intended capacity, and a surge in complex maritime and border challenges, the NSC’s focus on modernization and reform signals an urgent recalibration of priorities.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands position themselves as a leader in regional cooperation on security, one message from the Council was clear: the nation must invest now — in its institutions, its infrastructure, and its resilience — to sustain safety and justice in the years ahead.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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