TCI News
Turks and Caicos Cabinet Meeting September 25
#Providenciales, September 27, 2019 – Turks and Caicos –His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 22nd meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 25 September, at the Office of the Premier and Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment, Durham’s Building, Lighthouse Road Grand Turk.
Ministers for Immigration (acting for the Hon Premier), Education and Tourism were present, in addition to HE the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General. The Hon Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Health were absent from the country.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Approved a business licence application from Salty Knots Fishing for permission to operate in a restricted business activity under the Business Licensing (Amendment)(N°3) Regulations 2014.
· Approved amendments to the Prison Ordinance and Regulations and for AG Chambers to proceed with drafting these with the Prison Superintendent.
· Approved Planning Application GT 4878 submitted by the TCI Airport Authority for the construction of a fire house on parcel 10502/6, Grand Turk.
· Approved a proposed lease for the Department of Road Safety for a period of three years, subject to satisfaction that all processes have been met.
· Approved a paper on Volunteer Management policy to guide the treatment of volunteers in emergencies and disasters, renamed the “National Policy Volunteer Management in Emergencies and/or Disasters”.
· Was updated on the progress and actions of the Gap Analysis Steering Committee (Maritime) in preparation of a pending audit by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) of TCI in order to meet its obligations under International Conventions.
· Noted a recommendation by the Procurement Board for SSP, Special Operations.
· Was informed by HE the Governor on a mechanism agreed with the Premier for delivering the Hurricane Recovery Plan through individual ministries under HE the Deputy Governor’s stewardship.
· Approved the appointment of Mr Paul Harvey (Chair), Mrs Patrease Thomas, Ms Barbara Hamilton, Mr Don-Hue Gardiner, Mr Selvyn Hawkins and the Attorney General or her representative as members of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission and Mrs Sakera Cook as Secretary to the Commission for a period of one year from 30 September 2019.
· Was updated on recruitment in the Public Service, current progress on Capital Projects and preparation of budgets for the next financial year.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Release: TCIG
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is elated to announce that the construction of the new air traffic control tower and combined services building at Howard Hamilton International Airport is almost complete. The state-of-the-art facility has a tentative finishing date set for November 30th, 2024. This project, following the execution of its contract on May 21st, 2020, officially commenced construction on May 18th, 2022, marking a significant milestone for aviation safety and efficiency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Despite the challenges that typically come with pioneering large-scale infrastructure projects, TCIAA remains focused on delivering a facility that will enhance air traffic management and streamline operations for both current and future demands. Here’s a look into some of the key project highlights:
- Critical Phases: One of the key phases already underway is the installation of the Control and Broadcast (CAB) unit, a pivotal component that will enable the new tower to be fully operational.
- Budget Adjustments: The original forecasted budget underwent uplifts primarily due to the significant costs associated with the CAB procurement and installation, as well as redefining provisional sums that were not outlined in the initially proposed project scope.
- Collaborative Efforts: The main contractor for the project is AE & S Construction Ltd, with BCQS Ltd serving as the Project Management Firm. Additionally, Aeronav has been engaged as a subcontractor responsible for the installation and configuration of the CAB unit. Together, these partners have played a significant role in driving the project forward, ensuring quality and adherence to the established timelines.
As a Design and Build project, a primary focus was aligning the architectural and functional design with the operational requirements of air traffic management while adhering to international regulatory standards. Given the inherent complexities of such construction projects, including defining project scope and ensuring accurate budget alignment, the TCIAA team underwent specialized training. This training
equipped team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the contract, resulting in enhanced project oversight and rigorous cost verification.
“Through this project, we have gained invaluable insights that have informed our approach to future developments,” said Wellenica Williams-Quant, the Projects Manager at TCIAA. “We have been able to refine our processes to ensure that we meet our strategic objectives.”
The completion of the new control tower is poised to deliver long-term benefits for The Howard Hamilton International Airport. The new tower will support safer, more efficient air traffic control operations, improve communication with aircraft, and will accommodate the increasing air traffic demands as Turks and Caicos Islands grow as a world-class destination. The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and our external aviation partners, for their continued support and collaboration throughout this project.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 11th October 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force led a successful operation in South Caicos on 9th and 10th October 2024, targeting illegal work activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including two females and five males.
Four of the apprehended individuals are currently detained by Border Force for illegally working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are being processed and face potential legal consequences. The remaining three individuals are in the custody of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) following the discovery of cannabis during the operation prompted by indications from the Border Force canine unit. One of these individuals will also face charges for overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This operation highlights Border Force’s strategy to combat immigration and customs offences throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The inland operations, including workplace enforcement, aim to address the root causes of illegal immigration by tackling illegal working. Border Force is committed to not only apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants but also prosecuting both undocumented workers and employers who facilitate illegal employment.
Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force stated “Our recent operation in South Caicos demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our obligations to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws through inland operations throughout TCI. I am incredibly grateful to our officers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their invaluable assistance.”
Border Force is issuing a stern warning to businesses and individuals alike: Employing undocumented workers is an offence. Those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, undocumented workers themselves are subject to deportation upon conviction. Individuals who harbour illegal immigrants or facilitate their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands face even stricter penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to illegal immigration to the following channels: TCIintel@gov.tc, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tipline at 866-347-2423, or online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, October 11, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has identified 28-year-old EVANSON WALKIN, also known as “Archie,” as the victim of the fatal shooting that took place last evening (October 10).
At approximately 9:00 p.m., multiple calls were made to the Police Control Room, reporting that gunshots were heard in an area called Club Med in Five Cays. 
Upon arriving at the scene, detectives from the Serious Crime Unit found a male lying motionless, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was later positively identified as Mr. Walkin.
This investigation remains ongoing, and we are urging the public to provide any information that may assist in solving this crime.
If you have any details about this incident, please get in touch with your nearest police station, call 911, or reach the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers P3 app, where video footage and other information can be shared discreetly.
We thank the public for their cooperation and assistance as we continue our efforts to bring justice to Mr. Walkin and his loved ones.
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