TCI News
TCI: Commissioner James Smith on Yearly Crime Statistics for April 2018 – March 2019
#Providenciales, April 30, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is pleased to report that we have seen a continued drop in crime overall when compared to the same period last year. We have achieved a reduction of 3% when compared to 2017/2018, with 94 fewer crimes reported. While we welcome this decrease, it is concerning that the murder count has risen from 4 in 2017/2018 to 8 reported during the 2018/2019 period. These crimes have a major impact on the country and we continue to use all available investigative means to arrest those responsible.
Burglaries and aggravated burglaries have also increased by 36 percent with 377 burglaries reported in 2017/2018, compared to 510 burglaries reported 2018/2019.
In drug-related crimes, persons reported for the possession of drugs has seen a decrease. In 2017/2018, 79 crimes were reported compared to 66 crimes in 2018/2019. Offences of possession of drugs with intent to supply are from 16 crimes to 13 crimes for the same period.
The use of firearms in committing crime puts citizens in fear and always has the potential to end in tragedy. I am pleased to report that firearms-related crimes are down by 48 percent with 137 reported in 2017/2018 compared to 72 from the period 2018/2019. In reference to the recovery of firearms, for the 2018/2019 period, a total of 13 firearms and 178 rounds of ammunition were recovered. We continue to look for ways to restrict the availability of illegal firearms coming into the country and work closely with partners in law enforcement to tighten control and make full use of our ballistic examination technology.
We are also pleased to report a 17 percent decrease in the number of Robberies across the country, these are down to 98 offences for the period 2018/2019 when compared to 2017/2018 when there were 118 offences reported. This decrease has been the trend over the last two years and we will be keeping a strong focus on these crimes to continue to bring these numbers down further.
Following the implementation of CCTV in Providenciales and the second phase due to commence in Grand Turk along with the application of other technology and our increased vehicle fleet numbers, we anticipate continued success in this regard.
We work very hard to protect our highly valued tourist sector and compile statistics to re-assure visitors and investors that the country remains a very safe destination. In this regard crimes against tourist have seen a modest reduction from 64 in 2017/2018 to 62 in 2018/2019. Again, this follows a downward trend from the year 2016/2017 when there were 108 incidents.
For the 2018/2019 financial year, a total of 214 persons were arrested and charged and have faced or are facing the courts for crimes committed, while a total of 230 persons were arrested on suspicion for crimes committed and further enquiries ongoing.
This year we have placed a strong focus on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults with the provision of a purpose built centre and specialist training. We continue to invest in training for our officers to ensure they are properly prepared to deal with the many and complex issues they face on a daily basis. We rely on the active participation of our communities to assist in the fight against crime and anti-social behavior.
I would ask householders and businesses to do everything they can to make it difficult for burglars to enter their property, perhaps by installing a home security system, keeping all doors and windows closed and secured when not at home or during the hours of darkness, and keep shrubbery and trees trimmed. Be a good neighbor and keep an eye on each other’s property, reporting anything suspicious to the Police.
Release: TCI Police
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
Caribbean News
Turks and Caicos Retains Championship at 28th Annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament
Please note:
Photos by TCI Sports Commission
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – In an historic showing, the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA) dominated the 28th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament, held in Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic, from April 25th to 27th, 2024. The victory marks a turning point for TCI golf, and much of the credit goes to the exceptional team of players assembled by Sean Wilson the Head Professional at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Course.
56 golfers, playing under the banner of the TCIGA were rewarded for their enthusiastic participation across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.
“This back-to-back win is an indication of the growing interest and increased participation in the sport of golf in TCI,” stated TCIGA President Fraser Dods.
“We’ve been competing at this tournament since its inception almost 30 years ago, and finally bringing home the George Noon Cup two years in a row is a truly proud moment for Turks and Caicos golf.”
Clean Sweep for Team TCI
The team’s success was based on strong and determined performances in every flight and category.
The Turks and Caicos men’s team secured the Robert Grell Trophy, while the ladies claimed the Jodi Munn Barrow Trophy.
This clean sweep across all team divisions highlights the growing depth and talent within the TCI Golf Association membership.
The “Classic”organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, brings together golfers from the twelve membercountries of the CGA. The Caribbean Classic is an individual and team event, competed for by teams of unlimited number of players from each participating member country, playing eighteen holes of golf each , over 3 days.
Team Turks and Caicos amassed the most points overall and won the George Noon Cup last year, for the first time in 27 years of competing at this event. To repeat as champs is a proud moment for TCI sports in general and for TCI Golf specifically.
Individual Accolades Abound
Beyond the team triumphs, individual golfers from TCI shone brightly. Female players, namely Wendy Ayer, Christine Dickenson, Tazmaraa Gowans, and Andrea Todd, all secured podium finishes in their respective divisions
The men’s side also saw impressive performances from Justin Simons, Mark Fulford, Arthur Lightbourne, Mervin Cox, and Simon Dobbs. Their individual excellence contributed significantly to the overall team victory.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
TCI Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes is optimistic about the future. “This win exemplifies the immense potential of golf in the Turks and Caicos,” he stated. “We encourage young islanders to take up this fantastic sport.”
Head Golf Professional at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, Sean Wilson, echoed the sentiment. “This is a monumental achievement for TCI golf,” he said. “Bringing home trophies in all three divisions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TCIGA and its players.”
The Caribbean Classic second victory creates a new legacy for golf in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TCIGA is administrated by a golf-loving volunteer executive comprised of Fraser Dods, Mark Fulford (VP), Denise Douglas (Secretary), Paul Murray (Treasurer), Andrea Todd and Roberto Stipa.Through their collective efforts, and the growing participation of TCI golfers, the future looks bright for this sport in the region.
The Caribbean Classic is one of the highlights of the Caribbean Golf calendar. Organized by the Caribbean Golf Association, it allows participation of amateurs from 12 countries, including the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and USVI.”
-
Health7 days agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
TCI News1 week agoBomb Threat No 6. In TEN days
-
Caribbean News4 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News3 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News3 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
world news5 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Caribbean News4 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
Bahamas News3 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays