TCI News
Turks and Caicos Islands Government takes action against crime
#Providenciales, September 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has always outlined crime as a major priority and since coming into office has promoted the development of an effective crime strategy to improve citizen safety, prevention efforts and deterrence of crime; however, in recent weeks there has been an evident spike in gun related offenses and reports of home invasions and robberies in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
To reduce these seemingly isolated incidents of crime, and continuing to actively take action against crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands, TCIG has implemented numerous initiatives to assist police in ensuring the safety of TCI citizens and are evolving to improve upon existing initiatives in the fight against criminals.
- National Security Strategy – a comprehensive National Security Strategy is being developed to effectively confront crime throughout the country. This multipronged approach will identify immediate national security threats; efficiently manage the resources currently available; procure additional tools and resources for internal and external security agencies; strengthen partnerships internally and regionally and internationally collaborating on security initiatives and will engage the Turks and Caicos community in the fight against crime.
- Introduction of Scanning Equipment at TCI Ports – this will aid in the fight against the importation of weapons. This has been budgeted for in this current financial year 2019/20.
- Border Protection Agency – the formation of a Border Protection Unit and Central Intelligence Unit will unify all forces in defense of the country. Marine protection will include the acquisition of drone aircraft and additional sea craft to strengthen the current sloop interception rate.
- Community Policing – the relationship between the residents of these islands and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is critical to discouraging criminality. The manner in which patrols are carried out by the RTICPF officers has been reassessed and since there has been an increase in foot patrols and a more strategic police presence in communities that are hot spots for criminal activity.
- More Resources for police – the new Commissioner of Police and Senior Executive Team for RTCIPF conducted a review of the force and TCIG has agreed to provide funding to recruit 20 officers and to support the establishment of a Specialized Gun Squad.
- Stiffer Penalties for gun crimes – since coming to Office TCIG has increased the mandatory sentence from 5 years to 7years.
- Rehabilitation Programme – this Government is committed to continuously investing in the people of the Turks and Caicos and consequently in July this year launched the Chance for Change Programme which aims to rehabilitate offenders through programs administered at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk and ultimately decrease the rate of recidivism (reoffending). 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.
- Trade School – TCIG believes that there must be a means of making Turks and Caicos Islanders more employable, specifically the youth; hence, the Government is hastily working towards commencing a Trade School at the start of the new academic year.
- Domestic Fire Services to return to Grand Turk – due to the ongoing criminal activity of arson in Grand Turk, TCIG made a decision in its first Supplementary to purchase a Domestic Fire Truck for Grand Turk signaling the restart of Domestic Fire Services on this island. A fire truck has been secured during the last Budget cycle. The Government will be stiffening the penalties or persons found guilty of arson.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government stands with the Governor and the Commissioner of Police in the path ahead to reducing the increase in incidents of violent crime and maintaining the peace and tranquility of these islands. Our individual and communal safety in addition to the consequences that incidents of crime and violence can have on our Tourism, makes us all equal stakeholders in this vexing fight against crime. TCIG implores that together we must all do our parts to effectively assist in the efforts toward a safer Turks and Caicos Islands for all.
Release: TCIG
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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