TCI News
TCI: Taxi Driver license in jeopardy; aggressive behavior with tourists caught in the middle
#Providenciales, May 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A taxi driver’s rantings captured on cell phone video and shared on social media has drawn comment and action from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is responsible for licensing of the drivers.
Minister Delroy Williams issued a statement today condemning the behavior of the driver, who is licensed by the Road Safety Department and who is caught raging over a pick-up job at the Seven Stars resort; all in plain sight of tourists. An investigation has been launched, said Minister Williams.
“The type of behavior that is being displayed in the video has no place in our jurisdiction and will not be tolerated by individuals to whom we grant permission and entrust confidence to provide public transportation of the highest standard and quality to locals and guests visiting our Islands from overseas. It is even more regrettable that this incident occurred while service was being provided to passengers given our reliance on the tourism industry. I wish to assure the public that we do not take this matter lightly and it will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
A video, seemingly captured by the taxi operator himself never reveals his identity or that of the taxi driver whose vehicle he stopped and checked, but the audio is clear. The confrontational situation exposed what can only be described an embarrassing scene played out in front of guests to the country.
In the recording, a driver opens the door to what appears to be a taxi with two guests who had just climbed into the vehicle. The guests are questioned about how they came to be in the taxi; the female tourist looks confused and frightened as she and her male companion are told that there is always a problem of drivers picking-up jobs out of turn.
The female guest actually says: “…cause you scared me..” and laughs nervously as it is explained by the ‘aggressive’ taxi driver that all is well.
The driver of the taxi carrying the tourists did demand that the disgruntled driver to move away from the taxi. The angry taxi driver was also asked firmly by an employee of Seven Stars to leave the property and not to return.
An investigation has been launched into the incident and a negative outcome could have dire consequences for the taxi driver.
“Section 11 of the Road Traffic Ordinance provides for the revocation of a licence on being satisfied on reasonable grounds that the licensee has failed to comply with any of the conditions to which the licence is subject. It further provides for the suspension of a licence for any period up to six months on being satisfied that any person to whom such a licence has been issued has conducted himself in such a way as to cause annoyance or nuisance to any member of the public, or generally to bring himself, the Islands or the operation of tourism in the Islands into disrepute.”
The video was circulated on May 2 and the media release today added that, “The Minister’s decision is final should the decision be appealed.”
#magneticmedianews
#taxidriverranting
***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.
-
Caribbean News7 days agoCayman Relief Mission to Hurricane hit CARICOM nations
-
Caribbean News7 days agoCARICOM raising profile and priority of its Migration Policy; curbing challenges ‘a tall order’
-
Caribbean News1 week agoHurricane Help; Money donated to Jamaica, Barbados, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia and Grenada
-
Caribbean News7 days agoJamaica’s Hurricane Recovery Efforts Bolstered by Donation from Cayman Islands
-
Bahamas News7 days agoPrime Minister Davis: Cannabis Reform Compendium 2024 ‘a long time coming’
-
News7 days agoWhat the new UK Prime Minister had to say about the Rwanda Deportation Plan at his first press conference
-
Bahamas News1 week agoBahamas Celebrates 51st Independence – ‘United In Love & Service’
-
News7 days agoTurks & Caicos’ E.J Saunders part of Election Observer team in UK on July 4