TCI News
TCI: Governor’s Press Conference Statement
#Providenciales, September 19, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Let me start, as the Governor, by welcoming you. For those listening to us on the radio we are in the Premier’s Office and I’m joined by the Premier and the recently appointed Commissioner of Police. We also have with us the Deputy Governor, Deputy Premier, and the Executive Leadership team of the Police Force.
We are here to describe and take questions about the recent spike in the murder rate on the islands.
Let me first start with the most important group we want to acknowledge; the victims. Their lives taken, their futures stolen. Their families, their friends hurt beyond imagination. Those who were their parents, their partners, their sweethearts, their brothers, their sisters, their children. Those who were once at their school or who shared a work place or who just thoroughly enjoyed their company or their humour. Those that loved them intensely in life and those who had no idea how much they thought of them until they were gone.
I’m very aware that a life taken away – suddenly, unexpectedly and violently – is a blow very hard to deal with. There’s an immediate overwhelming heart-stopping shock to be replaced over time by a feeling of sadness that remains and returns when least expected. No opportunity for a final goodbye, no opportunity to perhaps put something right or say something that needed to be said.
The cold statistic of 10 murders doesn’t start to explain the impact this has on those very close to the person who has lost their life, but also on a community. And on an island, which is one extended community, a violent attack on one member feels like an attack on us all. I speak therefore for all of us when I say we want to bring those who did this, to your loved ones, and to our community, to justice.
Beyond gaining justice for those we have lost, you quite rightly want to know what we are going to do about this to prevent further loss, and that’s the purpose of this Press-Conference.
I promised when I was sworn in that I was going to be clear, and in being ‘clear’ I was going to be ‘straight’. So what we are not going to do is down-play the seriousness nor are we going to offer you the illusion of a quick fix.
Anyone suggesting there is one, hasn’t looked at a whole range of comparative scenarios from around the region or from around the world as to how serious crime has to be tackled across Government and society.
I said when appointing the new local Deputy Commissioner, last month, that when we come to talking about ‘the Police and crime’ we have reached the end of a conversation rather than having a much needed conversation about its causes. It’s going to take time, and it’s going to take far more than just ‘the Police’ to develop a society that’s at ease with itself and where serious crime is a genuine aberration.
The important march on Sunday, led by our church leaders, supported by the Honourable Premier and Honourable Leader of the Opposition, which placed an emphasis on society and community, was an excellent example that these leaders, religious and secular, understand that.
In being clear and in being straight we are also not going to engage in hyperbole or stoke emotions. What our collective intention is, in a leadership role, is to inform you with facts. What’s the issue? What’s being done?
I’m first going to say something about the leadership, not only of this issue, but our general approach to leading the country at times such as this, and then something about what the facts are telling us. The Commissioner is then going to talk about the immediate Policing response that he and his Executive Team have led. Most importantly the Premier is going to talk to the wider societal issues and her Governments continued support to the Police as we move forward. We will then take questions.
Let’s start at the top. The most important thing we, as a national leadership team can do, at this time, is lead. The symbolism of the three of us presenting together should not be lost on you, nor on the criminals. We have been working on this, in the background, as part of the National Security Strategy since I arrived and we had expected to explain this change of approach, when we rolled that out. But today we have the opportunity to give you a glimpse of how we are going to lead national and internal security going forward.
The world is now too complex for there to be institutional stovepipes and we intend to lead in a joined up way in the expectation that others will match our behaviours and work across institutional boundaries to deliver results.
Beyond that simple thought: those on the front line delivering operational impact; those paying for it; those who are held responsible to the electorate; those who can propose policy and deliver legislation, and; those who hold the Constitutional lead, including in extremis the power to call on emergency powers, or on international support, have to be working in sympathy.
Being blunt, if we can’t get it together at the top, what hope below. Some have called this a crisis (given what I’ve seen in my life this isn’t, I assure you, a crisis). But if it is, it’s also an opportunity to make this three way relationship meaningful. The three of us have seized that opportunity. It’s now the new normal. Key point: every resource and power available to us can, as we wish, now be focussed rapidly when and where we want it to be because we are joined up.
So what’s the problem we are seeking to solve? I’ve already described 10 murders. That’s 10 too many; justice needs to be done and will be done. Beyond that, what else are the facts telling us.
The first is, is that the emotions the public are feeling, are grounded in truth. I’m going to give you the facts as to why we should as a society be concerned and focussed. What we should not be, as a society is panicked or afraid. In this regard what is not helpful are misleading accounts on social media of phantom shootings and non-existent attacks that distract Police from dealing with issues where there is genuinely life at risk.
If you are spreading a story on social media about an attack that’s supposedly occurring but that you’ve not witnessed, please pause and think. Are you helping make society better and safer. Gossip and rumour are toxic at the best of times but when they promote unnecessary fear, when what we need is strength and resilience, they become part of the problem. Please be part of the solution. Please deal in known facts.
I want to first of all explain one fact that I know you are less interested in but one that is none-the-less accurate and important. Year-on-year the overall (and I stress the word here overall) crime statistics have been falling. Over five years overall crime is down 30%. I’ve been with our Police more since my arrival than I have been with my own team. We have an increasingly good Force. The statistics tell us that away from the most serious crime where there are really deep non-policing factors at play, our Police have been getting better at doing their job and part of this is down to investments made in them.
But I also know that, at this moment, this is not the figure that you are interested in. What you are interested in are the levels of serious crime. On this issue the figures tell us an interesting story. Over the last five years they initially rose to peak in 2016/17 at 426 serious crimes that year to then fall back, in line with other falls in crime rate, to 314 last year.
So what’s happened this year. If we look at the April to August figures and compare them to last year, there is a sharp increase in serious crime. If you break this down further it’s not ‘murder’ (the very visible and appalling tip of the ice-burg) that shows a significant increase but instead that which is less easy for the press or public to see: ‘firearms offences’.
Murder, itself, shows a relatively small rise but the more general firearms offences have increased from 26 last year to 62 this year. That’s very significant.
Some of these firearms offences are linked to robbery, it’s those that we know are causing widespread public concern, but a significant number are indeed ‘retaliation’, not so much linked to gangs or turf, but to perceived arguments and disrespect amongst groups. It’s an uncomfortable truth, but it’s a truth the three of us need to share with you, that much of this problem is not imported, it’s home grown. Its not ‘the other’, it’s ‘us’.
It’s also worth saying that we believe we are dealing with a very small number of criminals – who are increasingly becoming known to us – and when arrested and charged – because there is evidence that can be put before the court – will reduce, possibly seriously reduce, the problem we have right now.
Having explained the local picture I now want to say something about how this impacts on our tourist industry as it’s not just local but international commentators that are following this. The way murder rates are calculated globally is by death per 100,000. In a country as small as ours just one murder starts to impact on this ratio. Just one bad individual can start to change the way our Islands are presented globally.
The facts are that in 5 years we have lost only two tourists to murder. One at a resort, one in a private residence. That is two to many. Everything I said at the start of this conference about the devastating shock to family and friends I want to reemphasize, again. The shock is exacerbated because these were our guests in our country, away from their family and their friends and they came because they knew they were coming to a world class, amazingly relaxed and tranquil destination, that have people retuning year-on-year, who in many cases see it as their second spiritual home, because they love these islands and her people. It is, and it remains, one of the most perfect destinations in the world.
The facts regarding tourist safety are we have 1.8 million tourists arriving with us by air or sea every year. A tourist is statistically extraordinarily safe; almost certainly safer than in their home country. It’s important, as we face down the problem we have, we don’t unintentionally signal that this island is anything other than amazingly safe for our visitors and what a superb job our tourist industry do in ensuring their guests have an extraordinary time with them and with us.
Finally TCI: we are bigger, we are better and we are stronger than allowing a small number of bad men, to bring fear into our amazing country. The stoicism we show in times of natural disaster is admirable; let’s show it now. As you hear the Commissioner and Premier speak let’s all of us assume ‘agency’, not just in observing the problem, but being a part of the wider societal solution.
As I hand over to our Commissioner, I end where I began, we are determined to bring those who are working so hard to undermine our society to justice. Our thoughts – indeed our motivation – come from us understanding the deep hurt that these men did to the victims and those close to their victims – and if this ever was to your mind a crisis, it’s now become a realised opportunity. You have an unshakable national team that intends to impose itself on this and any future national security problem. This is therefore an important moment for the country in more than one sense. Commissioner, over to you.
Release: The Governor’s Office
TCI News
Beaches Turks & Caicos Food and Beverage Department Blends Health and Family with Smoothies
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Families across the Turks and Caicos Islands are being encouraged to make healthier,
budget-friendly choices all year round, thanks to Beaches Turks & Caicos’ creative team of bartenders who have shared refreshing smoothie recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Recognizing the daily challenge parents face in balancing work, family life and healthy eating, the resort’s bartenders have developed easy-to-make, affordable smoothies that cater to both children and adults. The initiative aligns with Beaches Turks & Caicos’ ongoing commitment to supporting family wellness and community well-being through practical, accessible lifestyle choices.
“Using these recipes is a great way to promote health while keeping things simple,” said Managing Director James McAnally. “Our team members are passionate about enhancing healthy lifestyles within our communities and this is just one way we help families make positive changes year-round.”
Among the standout recipes is the “Morning Sunshine,” a tropical blend of banana, mango and pineapple packed with fibre, potassium and vitamins A and C. Anna-Kay Thompson, bartender at the French Village, said the drink supports digestion and boosts energy levels. “Children are drawn to bright colours; they eat with all their senses. This smoothie is healthy, cost-effective and a great way to start any day,” she added.
Another favourite, the “Triple Tango,” mixes blueberries, kiwi and banana for a vibrant blend that boosts brain health and strengthens the immune system. Junior Jones, bartender at the Caribbean Village, described it as “a dance for the mind and body” thanks to its natural balance of sweet, tart and citrusy flavours.
For those craving something bold, the “Red Razzle” combines watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi and a hint of ginger for a
refreshing, nutrient-rich mix. Packed with antioxidants, fibre and hydration-boosting properties, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. “This smoothie helps promote better nutrition and supports heart and immune health,” said bartender Kevin Williams.
Parents like Judy Morales, who balance work and family life, appreciate the initiative. “These smoothies are a game changer,” she said. “They’re simple, nutritious and fun to make with kids. It’s a great way to stay healthy without spending a lot.”
Bar Manager Uton Graham added that the resort’s bar team enjoys creating healthy beverage options that can be easily replicated at home. “Serving beverages for children requires creativity,” he noted. “We’re happy to share ideas that families can enjoy beyond the resort any time of the year.”
Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to blend more than just ingredients; it blends values of health, family and community. Through its food and beverage initiatives, the resort encourages families to adopt healthier habits while spending quality time together.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 5, 2025 — Staying true to the high quality of service it is known to provide, Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and Great Shape! Inc, have served over 3,000 Turks and Caicos Islanders with state of the art free dental care in its recently concluded clinics – 1000 Smiles.
From October 20 to November 1, a dental volunteer mission team of 140 practicing professionals provided cleaning, filling, extractions, root
canals, sealants and oral health education to residents of Providenciales. Its fifth year being implemented in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the programme’s reach indicate growing support and trust of the initiative facilitated by the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International
While visiting the site at the Blue Hills Church of God of Prophecy church in Providenciales, Minister of Health and Human Services the Hon Kyle Knowles shared his satisfaction with the work noting, “As the Minister of Health, to see firsthand the quality of work being executed is an amazing feeling. Being able to see residents of Providenciales getting quality dental care being provided by professionals who have committed themselves to volunteering is what makes this initiative more meaningful.”
“The continued relationship between Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and the government of the TCI augurs well for the development of our people and our communities. For two weeks, more than 3,050 residents were served including adults and students at our primary and secondary schools,” Knowles added.
Managing Director of Beaches Turks and Caicos James McAnally shared, “We are humbled by the numbers of persons that came out this year. As a resort, we value partnerships and through the Great Shape! Inc.’s healthcare partnership, together we have created history with the number of clients being served in any one visit to a region. We are proud to have been involved in creating brighter and healthier smiles for the residents of Providenciales.”
In explaining the customer-centric approach practiced by the medical volunteers, Programme Director of Great Shape! Inc., Shantelle Clarke said, “Some people come in with anxiety and are a little bit scared to get stuff done, but, as we talk through the procedure, explain what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it, we are able to build the trust of patients who develop a sense of ease.”
For the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Chief Dental Officer Dr Janice Baron, the value of the Great Shape! outreach is priceless noting, “It has
established a good example of best practices in the field”.
Meanwhile, more than 1,600 students from Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Richmond Hill Preparatory, Community Christian Academy, Mills Institute, Ashley Learning Centre and Elite Schools also benefited from dental care education through a school tour executed in the first week. Led by the Great Shape! team, students and teachers were reminded about the importance of proper brushing, flossing and oral care through interactive sessions.
“The sessions were dynamic, educational and children-friendly. Students were able to interact and ask questions which the team were able to answer in a fulsome manner which provided much needed information for the students,” says Principal of the Ashley Learning Centre, Shelrica Grant-Banton.
Great Shape! Inc. is one of the largest dental volunteer missions in the world The dental outreach, which commenced in TCI in 2021, is made possible with Beaches Resorts providing accommodations and the charitable arm, the Sandals Foundation, spearheading logistics and offsetting the costs for transportation, as well as food and beverage for the clinics.
For more information about the Sandals Foundation and to donate, visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org.
