TCI News
Belief that ‘Thug drugs’ fueling crime crisis in Turks and Caicos
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 13, 2019 — In Turks and Caicos there is undoubtedly a violent crime crisis. While the idea of a drug-fuelled resistance to law and order was rejected as the reason for the surge in gun related and retaliatory crime which has given the country its highest murder count, ever… everyone agrees the behavior of the offenders is unexpected, unnecessary and frighteningly unpredictable.
Street savvy observers tell Magnetic Media that bad minded men in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being further radicalized by two illegal drugs: Molly and Flakka.
“That type of drug with gun in your hand; with these fellas anything is possible that is why there is no regard for the pastor, there is no regard for nobody right now because they are not really themselves. It’s a mind transformer in the negative direction.”
Molly or Ecstasy was outlawed in the 1980’s and is a psychoactive drug which in its pure form is supposed to make one more empathetic.
The drug pills our young men and women are popping today are not pure; they are dangerous synthetic imposters responsible for corrupting emotional stability. Pill sales are booming everywhere as a part of a multi-billion-dollar global industry.
“If you would notice from some of the court lists there’s a lot of people who have been getting arrested for drugs coming through couriers. You see a lot of charges for illegal importation, wrongful importation, no declaration and those customs charges… that’s what they are, pills! American contaminated drugs taking them into a different level.”
When it comes to Flakka, it too is synthetic or man-made. In a CNN news item from 2015, it was said, flakka gives users “what feels like the strength and fury of the Incredible Hulk.”
Magnetic Media asked the question of our source: “Is the surge in violent crime and vicious attacks organized?”
The answer given was “no” and the reason for the negative response could likely be more disconcerting.
“What I am gathering is that for the past two or three years, there has been a continuous influx of pills, Molly, Flakka and that kind of stuff coming in from America.”
Drug dealers are also coming from Haiti said our source; it is big business and easy money.
Meanwhile, Molly and Flakka pills are giving users a dark sense of invincibility and an overcharged proclivity toward violence.
Definitive research on the link between Molly, Flakka and violence is hard to come by but there was an interesting article published by the Huffington Post in 2011.
The article, which centered on the question of pill drugs being linked to an uptick in violent crime in Oakland, California featured a poem written by an inmate. A few of the stanzas gave a grim view as the writer warned not to take the pills:
A pill is mixed with every drug except for weed
The reason it keeps you up all night is cause of the speed
Whatever mood you in, the pill gives you more of that feeling
So if you mad and violent then you might go start killin’
By De Angelo published on HuffPost.com, 2011
The news article highlights the writings of those who have experienced, in some way the emotionally stimulating cocktail of drugs which give users greater courage for all of the wrong things.
“…and they write often taking the pills to ‘get up the heart’ for committing robberies, car-jackings, and worse – revenge killings.”
Sheerly Avni, the contributing writer of HuffPost.com said: “they already think no one cares about what they do. Now they have found a drug that keeps them from caring as well.”
Our source unwittingly corroborates these established news organisations and other professional commentaries: “Weed is a calmer, cocaine was here for a while but crackheads on coke you would see them on the streets and stuff but this new drug, new in our territory cause it recently started to creep up on us, is kicking in and giving these fellas a different rush, a different high, a different speed and what happens is they think they are on top of the world and that type of drug with gun in your hand, anything is possible.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government must now catch up and work to educate in order to eradicate this hidden demon which is possessing and persuading younger men to make aggressive or homicidal decisions.
“So, we have a two-fold problem that I don’t think the government is really educated on how to deal with it. It’s a drug, those pills they are the issue and they are clouding and damaging our young men and sending them into this rush to steal, rush to hold up…”
In the past 72-hours there have been reports of at least 10 incidents to Magnetic Media including armed robberies, aggravated assault, home invasion, a drug-induced frenzy and a fatal shooting.
News
Turks and Caicos Golf Association Dominates Caribbean Classic for Historic Three-Peat as Champions
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic – History was made on the greens of Casa de Campo as the Turks and Caicos Islands Golf Association (TCIGA) secured an unprecedented third consecutive championship at the 29th annual Caribbean Classic Golf Tournament, held from April 29th to May 2nd, 2025. This remarkable achievement underscores a significant surge in the prominence of golf within the Turks and Caicos Islands, a success largely attributed to the strategic team assembled by Sean Wilson, Head Professional at the esteemed Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.
A strong contingent of 48 golfers proudly represented the TCIGA, competing fiercely across both the Men’s and Women’s divisions. Their enthusiastic participation was duly rewarded with victories in the men team category.
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Sports, Turks and Caicos Islands stated “On behalf of the Government and the people of the Turks and
Caicos Islands, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our national golf team for their outstanding achievement at the 29th Caribbean Golf Classic. Securing a third consecutive victory is a testament to the team’s dedication, skill, and the growing stature of golf in our nation. This accomplishment not only brings pride to our islands but also inspires our youth to pursue excellence in sports. Let us celebrate this momentous victory and look forward to continued success in the years to come.”
“This three-peat victory truly reflects the growing passion and increasing involvement in golf within the Turks and Caicos,” commented TCIGA President Fraser Dods. “To bring home the coveted George Noon Cup for the third year running, after nearly three decades of competition, fills us with immense pride for Turks and Caicos golf.”
The team’s dominant performance stemmed from unwavering determination and exceptional play across all flights and categories. The men’s team clinched the prestigious Robert Grell Trophy. This near clean sweep across all team divisions highlights the burgeoning depth of talent within the TCIGA membership.
The Caribbean Classic, organized annually by the Caribbean Golf Association, unites golfers from its twelve member countries. The tournament features both individual and team competitions, with each participating nation fielding an unlimited number of players who compete over three days, playing eighteen holes each day.
Having captured the George Noon Cup in 2023 for the first time in 27 years of participation in 2023, 2024 and now again in 2025, Team Turks and Caicos once again amassed the highest overall points, solidifying their reign as champions. This three consecutive victory marks a significant milestone for sports in the Turks and Caicos Islands and for the burgeoning golf community.
Individual Stars Shine Brightly
Beyond the collective triumph, individual brilliance shone through from several TCI golfers. Andrea Todd delivered a stellar performance to win the ladies’ Flight 1. On the men’s side, Kurt Rivers, Jamie Gray, Dale Hodgkins, Simon Dobbs, Steven Kendrew, and Mark Fulford all showcased impressive form. Their individual successes were crucial in bolstering the team’s overall victory.
“This incredible team performance speaks volumes about the dedication and talent we have within the TCIGA,” stated Mark Fulford, Vice President of the TCIGA. “To witness such commitment and skill across all divisions is truly inspiring and signals a very bright future for golf in the Turks and Caicos.”
Looking to the Future: Building on a Legacy of Success
Jarrett Forbes, TCI Director of Sports, expressed his optimism for the future of the sport. “This victory underscores the tremendous potential for golf in the Turks and Caicos,” he noted. “We are eager to encourage more young people in our islands to embrace this fantastic sport.”
Sean Wilson, Head Golf Professional at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, echoed this sentiment. “This is a truly monumental achievement
for TCI golf,” he said. “Bringing home trophies in two out of three divisions is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the TCIGA executive and all its players.”
Special thanks goes to Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, and the hard work of golf professionals
Ashley Gravett and Justin Simmons in bringing so many more new golfers into the sport.
President Fraser further commented that:
“Summer kids golf camps are a great way for children to receive a fun introduction to the game. These summer clinics run in June and July and all are welcome to attend and get a taste of the fastest growing sport in TCI”
This third consecutive victory at the Caribbean Classic establishes a new and impressive legacy for golf in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TCIGA is managed by a dedicated volunteer executive committee comprising Fraser Dods (President), Mark Fulford (Vice President), Denise Douglas (Secretary), Dale Hodgkins (Treasurer), Andrea Todd, and Roberto Stipa. Through their collective efforts and the growing enthusiasm of TCI golfers, the future of the sport in the region looks exceptionally promising.
The Caribbean Classic remains a highlight on the Caribbean Golf calendar, bringing together amateur golfers from twelve nations, including the Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, Guadalupe, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican Republic, Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Martinique, St Lucia, and the USVI.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCarnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises Showcases Environmentally Sustainable Operations to Caribbean Disaster Management Agency
-
Bahamas News3 days agoBoost in Flights from Canada to The Islands of The Bahamas this Summer and Fall
-
Caribbean News3 days agoMartinique Showcases Unique Cruise Appeal and Growing Accessibility at Cruise360
-
Bahamas News1 week agoBahamas and CARICOM Leaders Engage U.S. on Security, Economy, and Regional Stability
-
Bahamas News3 days agoScotia Wealth Management named Best International Private Bank at the Euromoney Private Bank Awards 2025
-
Caribbean News1 day agoCabinet Approves Unemployment Insurance Benefit for NIS Contributors
-
News1 week agoCourt Denies Attorney General’s Testimony in PDM Election Petition Case
-
Health1 week agoMidlands Ambulance Donation Enhances Emergency Services in Turks and Caicos