#Providenciales, September 18, 2019 – Turks and Caicos –We have in recent weeks seen a spike in gun related offenses and reports of home invasions and robberies has caused great unrest for the victims as well as residents. A few days ago, we saw for the first time 10 murders.
I begin by offering my condolences to the families who have lost
love ones to violence not only this year but over the years and special prayers
are continually offered up for those who have not received the justice they
seek. I understand this pain and know exactly what it feels like to have a
loved one snatched away by senseless violence and to await the perpetrator’s
being brought to justice. Whilst this cannot bring back a loved one, it is
important I know to healing. I note with great excitement the recent activities
that demonstrated that our people may be at a place of understanding that we
must do something and some have made steps that they feel allows them to
contribute to the fight. I ask that we use this energy to do two things: prayer
and reach out. What do we do in this moment of wanting to do more? Talk to our
young men; give one a job; mentor another; help a parent; parents: plead with
your children; civil society; we stand ready to support programs for youth and
for parental support. And the aged old cry remains the same. Crime Stoppers is
safe and callers are treated anonymously. You can deal the biggest blow to
crime by helping to bring a perpetrator to justice and give victims and their
families justice.
I believe that last year July/August fully revealed to us what the
challenge is and we must plan accordingly.
I am pleased to be here today in this setting for the first time
with our new Governor and new Commissioner of Police. I choose today to offer
to you a full update on how the matter of crime is being approached as a whole
Government, to provide support to our Police and to make several announcements
and appeals.
National Security Strategy
Residents would have heard we speak of a
NSS for more than a year and I am pleased that we have made considerable
progress today. Thanks to or new Governor who has been hands on. For the first
time in the history of these islands, a comprehensive National Security
Strategy is being developed to effectively confront the complex issue of crime
throughout our archipelago. This multipronged approach will effectively and
efficiently manage the resources that are currently available, procure
additional tools and resources to the entities tasked with internal and
external security, strengthen partnerships internally and with regional and
international agencies to effectively collaborate on security initiatives and
engage the Turks and Caicos community as a valuable resource in the fight
against crime.
Though we must evolve and adapt to the
changing circumstances that fuel crime, there are tried and true strategies
that have a profound impact on its reduction, elements of which my Government
has nurtured to implementation in advance of the rollout of the National
Security Strategy.
Community Policing
Chief among them is effective community
policing. The relationship between the residents of these islands and the Royal
Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is critical to discouraging criminality.
The manner in which our communities are patrolled by RTCIPF Officers has been
reassessed and there are not only more boots on the ground on foot patrol, but
a strategic presence to ensure heightened security in communities that are hot
spots for activity. Increasing the engagement between Officers and the
community gives residents the opportunity to engage, inform and build
relationships with those charged with their safety.
CCTV
In addition to effective community
policing, modern crime fighting tools are essential to deter and detect and
solve criminal activity. Among the TCI’s current arsenal is the Closed Circuit
Television (CCTV) system which has entered its second phase through its
expansion to the nation’s capital. Its capabilities will include an automatic number
plate recognition system.
Border Protection Agency
On the matter of entry of weapons, we have budgeted in this year scanning devices for gate
keepers and we are moving ahead on a more joined up border protection program
which will be executed through our Border
Protection Agency. The formation of a Border Protection Unit and Central Intelligence
Unit will unify our forces in defense of our country. On the high seas the
acquisition of drone aircraft and additional seacraft will support this
convergence of entities and bolster our current ninety percent (90%)
interception rate of sloops breaching our borders.
Many
have called for more policing and stiffer
penalties. Since coming to Office we have increased the mandatory 5yrs to
7yrs. Effective policing leads to incarcerations so the redevelopment of the Prison to
focus more on rehabilitation remains a key objective of my Government.
In addition to investing in crime fighting
tools this Government is committed to continuously investing in our most
valuable resource, our people. The Chance
for Change Programme, which launched in July of 2019, aims to
rehabilitate offenders through programs administered at Her Majesty’s Prison in
Grand Turk and decrease the rate of recidivism. This initiative offers drug and addiction rehabilitation programs, skill development in agriculture at the
on-site farm, culinary skill development, educational opportunities and anger management sessions to support the
transition of offenders into wider society upon release.
Even more critical to rehabilitating an
offender is to decrease the likelihood of becoming an offender. As parents,
educators, church groups and civic groups, we are all accountable, in our
individual spheres of influence, for the environment in which our children
bloom. It is imperative that we unite to safeguard, motivate, educate, equip
and inspire our youth to become productive participants in Turks and Caicos
society. We stand ready to support all Youth Programs as we continue to manage
a robust Youth Program under our remit.
Trade School
Additionally,
we believe that we must make our people more employable and the young men spoke
directly to our Minister of Youth when she took her Listening Tour to the
streets: they want a trade and we are hastily working towards commencing a Trade School at the start
of the next School year. These are all critical programs in train: prevention,
intervention, enforcement and rehabilitation are key drivers in our policies to
stem the current tide.
My Fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, in
the coming days and weeks, I look forward to sharing with you in detail the
strategic priorities of this comprehensive National Security Strategy. My Government will not shy away from our
responsibility in ensuring a safe and secure Turks and Caicos. Crime affects us
all, it doesn’t discriminate. My Government is resolved to address this ever
evolving challenge and ask you to partner with us to ensure that we all enjoy
of a safe and secure nation.
Joining Hands Across the Region
Make no mistake about it, what is happening in TCI is regrettably
happening in our region and we intend to join hands across the region. It was
only on Thursday past, I used the opportunity to raise the matter of gun
violence and gun entry into the region with CARICOM Chiefs. We plan to bring
this dialogue to the forefront among regional leaders having recognized that we
are facing the same challenges and more the importantly the importance of
addressing it together. We must get guns off the street but likewise we must stop
them from coming in.
Fire in Grand Turk
Stiffer Penalties for Arsonist and Investment in Domestic Fire
Truck
I turn my attention briefly to the ongoing criminal activity of
arson in Grand Turk. During the last House of Assembly Meeting, I addressed the
House and the people of this country on the increasing number of fires in Grand
Turk. I share my thoughts for emphasis again calling on the arsonist(s) first
to stop this deviant and seriously harmful behaviour and then to again call on
the residents to not only condemn these actions but to assist in finding this
person or persons.
These acts are so detrimental to the Island. The interruption to
comforts and regular activity is understandably frustrating to the Island’s
residents having over the last years seen flights interrupted due to poles
being lit, the Control Tower being lit or the usual of the Airport Authority’s
assisting in community fires; the closure of schools or the serious discomfort
of residents whose homes are nearby particularly the Dump Site which saw
multiple acts of lighting.
The setting of fires has negatively impacted local businessmen who
have sacrificed and made investments on the Island of Grand Turk and they too
have become victims. This is equally concerning as we are keen to encourage the
expansion of existing businesses. Equally troubling, as shared in the House of
Assembly, are the concerns of potential investors who have already raised this
with me as Minister of Investment.
The increasing sites of burnt out buildings is giving the Island a
unsightly and unaesthetically appealing image. Resources will now have to be
diverted to demolish these structures which could be otherwise used to build up.
I note the stinging criticism at successive governments for the
lack of domestic fire coverage and the presence of one fire truck.
As a matter of fact, Domestic Fire Services on all Islands except Providenciales
was suspended during the Interim Administration. My Government is the second
Government to be elected following the reinstatement of the Constitution. My
Government made a decision in its first Supplementary early 2017 to purchase a
Domestic Fire Truck for Grand Turk signaling the restart of Domestic Fire
Services on this Island. The funding continued to be allocated in subsequent
Budgets signaling my Government’s commitment to delivering on our Plan. We are
advised that a Fire Truck has been secured during the last Budget cycle and
will arrive on Island during the Fall. The need for this over the years has
increased and so has the need for fire fighters on the Island of Grand Turk: a
new career opportunity as well as an opportunity for volunteer services.
With the presence of the DFS, the Airports Authority will continue
in its primary critical role of providing coverage at the Airport. I use this
opportunity to share that the site for the Fire Hall destroyed by Ike is now
being prepared for construction and the procurement of additional Fire Trucks
for the Airports Authority will enhance coverage. Persons must know that Fire
Trucks are built to order and are not readily available for purchase; easily
costing about $1m each.
As a matter of record, I want to encourage all of us to consult
with the leaders on Grand Turk to understand how much is being invested on that
Island to rejuvenate that economy and the ongoing fires is a threat to the
Island’s economic recovery and must cease.
I am urging those setting fires to give their Island the much
needed chance to recover and the chance to attract the level of internal and
external investment that is poised to come; Your actions are illegal and
abhorrent and I am appealing to you to be good law abiding citizens. You are
hurting the Island.
My Government remains committed to the rebuilding of the
Capital in every way. Today I commit to a review of the Ordinance and to
bringing a Bill that will introduce stiff penalties for arson. You can look
forward to this.
We will do everything in our power through resources and laws to
stamp out undesirable behaviour and it is important not to be caught on the
wrong side of the Law.
Thank you to those who will do more especially our clergy for the
start of the shift in mind sets and attitudes in TCI; and thank you to those
who will from this day play a consistent role as the police’s greatest resource.
We must get into the minds of our young men and all residents.
There is much more we can each do as individuals. The Police and its resources
require its greatest partner: the people they are sworn to protect. Policing
needs the assistance of the people to be effective; ironically, the police need
the people to deliver the environment that the people crave and need. I appeal
to abled bodied young Turks and Caicos Islanders, you can give the ultimate,
join the Force. Our country need you to step forward in this role as well.
More Resources for Police
Thank you HE and Commissioner for what I am sure will be a great
partnership. I am happy to have received a Plan from the new Commissioner of
Police who having in the first few weeks of his Term together with his Senior
Executive Team conducted a review of his Force against the direction and vision
he has. And I have agreed to provide funding to recruit 20 Police Officers
and to support his vision for the establishment of a Gun Squad. I believe that
these enforcement efforts together with other preventative and rehabilitative
measures will yield the results we seek but again you the people are key.
CONCLUSION
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, we
have arrived at a crossroads with regards to the internal and external security
of our nation. Our individual and communal safety and security in addition to
the ripple effect that incidents of crime and violence can have on our tourism
based economy makes us all equal stakeholders in this vexing problem.
We all have a role to play in addressing
crime and the myriad of variables that fuel it; however, my Government stands
squarely with the Governor and the Commissioner of Police in the path ahead to
arresting the increase in incidents of violent crime and maintaining the peace
and tranquility of these islands.
May God deliver those who continue to run afoul of the law into the hands of the Police, may He convict the hearts of those who know the culprits until they do their part, may He convict and convince those who can do more to act, may He give the Commissioner and his Team wisdom to apply their resources and may he guide us as Leaders to provide the support the right places and may He bless these our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm Editorial Staff
It is a brand new minister heading a somewhat new ministry and when Kyle Knowles, the member from Wheeland made his debut as a front bencher during the recently concluded Budget session in the House of Assembly, he announced his mission in a ministerial statement under the theme: “Forging Ahead: Building A Stronger, More Sustainable Ministry.”
There are seven departments within the newly minted, Public Safety and Utilities and the allocation for tops $16 Million for areas, listed by Minister Knowles as: Water Undertaking; Customer and Government Information Services; Postal Services; Correctional Services; Domestic Fire and Rescue; Energy and Utilities and Rehabilitation and Community Services.
The minister announced his spending priorities and on the table is an $850,000 allocation for the completion of the Halfway House in Providenciales; another $300,000 is allocated for the Community Enhancement Program to assist rehabilitation efforts and community projects, while $613,763 will go to the establishment of the Multi-Sector Regulatory agency.
“The Ministry’s mandate is an important and critical one and I pledge my full support to ensuring that we continue with renewed momentum and zeal to deliver for the people of these islands.
Mr. Speaker, my Ministry’s mission is to consistently excel in service delivery, produce high quality products, enhance customer service experiences and uphold the highest standards of excellence and accountability, while safeguarding the well-being, safety and security of the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Minister Knowles.
An electronic monitoring system, to the tune of $384,900 was allocated for the Parole Board and $1,615,420 is earmarked for enhancing security across the prison, bringing increased training and staffing resources and broadening of the farm activities at His Majesty’s Prison, also known as the Department of Correctional Services.
A common criticism of ministries of government is their inability to spend the funds allocated, funds which are often announced as necessary to advance development of the society. Minister Kyle Knowles reported on last year’s performance where there was a shortfall in spending.
“Mr. Speaker, as a brief recap of the Ministry’s 2023/2024 performance, total actual revenue for the Ministry was 1.85 million dollars ($1,852,199.40) against an projected 2.35 million dollars ($2,352,025.98). While this was a shortfall of twenty-one percent (21%), this was due to external factors – a planned grant from Expertise France for the RESEMBID programme was not implemented.
The operational performance for 2023/2024 saw the achievement of ninety-five (95%) of the revised estimates being spent. Total expenditure was 13.24 million dollars ($13,237,019.75) against the projected 13.92 million dollars ($13,922,059.92).”
Still he seemed pleased that projects, namely: Construction and renovation of structures for Water Undertaking; Construction and renovation of structures for the Department of Correctional Services and Purchase of plant and heavy machinery for Water Undertaking were on the previous fiscal period’s agenda, adding that most program strategies were completed with a focus ramping up the ministry’s performance.
“As I deliver remarks in this new capacity, I accept the mantle and carry it forward, building on the foundation and accomplishments of the former Minister and his executive team.
It would be remiss of me, if I did not pause to express gratitude to the Minister for Home Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications Commission and in that same vein to thank the Executive Team of my Ministry, led by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Teann Thomas, Head of Secretariat Ms. Shanetta Thompson, all Heads of Departments and support staff for the warm welcome I have received and I look forward to building on the Ministry’s successes as together we chart the way forward.”
GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS, 18 APRIL 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th February 2024, Her Excellency the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams. appointed a Boundaries Commission to review and alter the present boundaries and make changes, if necessary.
The following persons were appointed as members of the Committee:
Rev Dr. Julia E Williams Retired Civil Servant and Methodist Minister (Chairman) Hon Justice K Neville Adderley M.B. (Member) Ms Tremaine R S Harvey LLB(hons) Attorney at Law (Member)
The Constitution also stipulates that a Commission after appointment may regulate its procedure and, with the Governor acting in her discretion, may confer powers and impose duties on any public officer, or any authority of the Government for the purpose of discharge of its functions.
For the purpose of discharge of its functions , the Commission
May invite views from members of the public.
Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
May seek advice as it considers appropriate.
The Commission and its members , under the Constitution, shall NOT be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority.
The Commission will review the boundaries of the Electoral Districts, and submit to the Governor and House of Assembly, a report on their findings.:-
Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
Recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.
In determining its recommendations, the Commission under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, the Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
In order to be successful in its deliberations and produce an efficient report to HE the Governor, the Commission will visit ALL islands, have discussions with members of the public and have public meetings.
Deliberations will commence as follows:- WEEK BEGINNING 8TH -12TH APRIL 2024
Meetings with Chief Statistician
Meeting with Director of Survey and Mapping
Meeting with Supervisor of Elections
( Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually) DRAFT REPORT COMPLETED BY 30TH APRIL 2024 6THto 10TH MAY 2024
Courtesy calls – HE the Governor
Hon Premier
Hon Leader of the Opposition
Hon Attorney General
(Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually) MEETING WITH GROUPS FACE TO FACE – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024 13th May 2024 Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m. 14th May 2024 South Caicos at 6.30 pm 15th May 2024 North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m. 16th May 2024 Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m. 17th May 2024
During the afternoon the Commission will visit the electoral boundaries in Providenciales with an officer from the Lands and Survey Office Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.
(Secretary to make appointments for travel, meeting places, transport, accommodation in Salt Cay, Grand Turk. South Caicos, Middle Caicos , North Caicos and in Providenciales)
Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully conducted Emergency Vehicle Operator Training for Emergency Medical Services Department in March 2024.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of emergency services across the Turks and Caicos Islands with the successful completion of an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course. Hosted for all members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, this course marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to provide high quality emergency response services.
Tailored specifically for ambulance operators, the course featured a comprehensive curriculum blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Participants underwent rigorous training encompassing critical safety practices essential for effective emergency responses. The amalgamation of didactic instruction and hands-on training enabled operators to navigate emergency situations with precision and confidence, fostering a culture of safety paramount for preserving lives.
In times of crisis, the EMS Department emphasizes the importance of well-trained and composed responders. Equipped with the skills acquired through this specialized course, EMS personnel are better prepared to address emergencies promptly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to individuals in need.
The course, conducted by esteemed expert Mike Massaro, President of Trilogy Emergency Medical Solutions, ran from March 19th to March 22nd, 2024, across all islands. Mr. Massaro commended the EMS Department members for their enthusiasm and dedication to learning, acknowledging their pivotal role in enhancing community safety.
Participants lauded the interactive teaching approach employed throughout the course, noting its effectiveness in making lessons both engaging and informative. Their positive feedback underscores the value of practical, hands-on training in bolstering emergency response capabilities.
Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Shaun D Malcolm commented that “I am confident that the principles instilled during this course will significantly contribute to the safety and well-being of individuals accessing emergency services. By investing in continuous training and development, the Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to deliver safe, efficient and reliable emergency care to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
For more information, please visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook pagE at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.