TCI News
Political leader calls for CCTV following another arson attack in Grand Turk
#Providenciales, August 10, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – An urgent call for CCTV to be activated in Grand Turk comes now from a businessman, Member of Parliament, victim of possible arson and government minister, Edwin Astwood who on Tuesday spoke out following another devastating fire, believed to have been intentionally set in the capital of the country.
“We have been disheartened to see a number of local popular businesses and historic buildings, like the historic, iconic Victoria Public library which was destroyed by fire on March 9,2017. The Victoria Public Library was one of the most visited sites in Grand Turk, it was the home to the Tourist Board’s Island Fish Fry and it had been standing, completed in that very spot since 1889; which makes it 130 years old.”
The Minister reminded that hardworking people are being adversely impacted by the repeated fires; a spree which has for years been raging with no significant arrests as the fires continue to happen.
The latest casualty was a tour bus, described as one of the most popular for transporting Carnival Cruise Line passengers.
Overnight Monday, the huge bus was torched and destroyed by a fire, which Minister Edwin Astwood believes was maliciously set by someone living in the close-knit island community.
“I was very upset to wake up to the news of another fire in Grand Turk, which in all accounts looks to be the act of an arsonist. Persons have work hard to build their business and properties, then this happens, some individual, or individuals, intentionally starts a fire with the aim to destroy your property or building.”
In February, a fire destroyed a restaurant and lounge owned by the Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South & Salt Cay; he and his brothers vow to rebuild their establishment. On Tuesday there was a direct plea for help in Grand Turk.
“We all must do everything we can to put a stop to arson in our communities. I, in my official capacity of Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South & Salt Cay, and as a resident and business person in the island of Grand Turk, will be calling for the urgent implementation of the CCTV system in our communities, with a greater number of camera locations. I will also be moving for an increase in the punishment and sentencing of those individuals convicted of committing arson, said Hon. Astwood in a media statement issued to Magnetic Media.
So far, thankfully, there have been no human casualties in the apparent arson-spree; but damages are immeasurable in some cases and in others, including at the H.J. Robinson High school where an entire school block was set ablaze in 2016; the price tag was purported to be $2 million for reconstruction.
The Minister with responsibility of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services had some advice for residents; Keep entry points to buildings secure, including sheds or garages, perimeter walls, fencing and gates; board up and secure unused or derelict buildings; prevent intruders and trespassing by making sure perimeters and buildings are well maintained and any damage is repaired as soon as possible; consider installing security systems such as CCTV, alarms and security lighting and keep any flammable substances stored safely and securely, not left in the open.
He explained that the person or people responsible for the insensitive, criminal acts are exhibiting classic signs of anti-social behaviour and the issue could be as extreme as a weapon of terror, to as devious as covering up a crime or exacting revenge or as frivolous as seeking attention because of boredom.
Currently ‘arson’ in that terminology is not on the law books in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Grand Turk still has no domestic fire unit, though one is promised for this budget year.
On Wednesday, TCI Police Commissioner Trevor Botting said CCTV installation in Grand Turk is started but Botting was unable to give a date for its completion.
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Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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