TCI News

TCI: Letter to the Editor: “CRIME – It’s Everyone’s Business”

Published

7 years ago

October 4, 2019

#Providenciales, October 4, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – I literally cringe as I read my WhatsApp messages, followed by newspaper articles week after week detailing the tragic deaths of young men on the islands of Grand Turk and Provo.

One must wonder, when will these senseless killings stop? As you know, bad news travels very fast, in most cases it’s embellished but partly true; wishing the stories were fibs. Living abroad for over 30 plus years, with the majority of my career spent in private and corporate investigations, I’m certainly not a novice to such crime trends.

Nevertheless, it’s disheartening to hear how the crime spree is tarnishing these beautiful by nature islands. By definition, I am not a criminologist, however, I have quite an extensive background and education in this particular arena. Therefore, why not share my expertise as crime is everyone’s business. I said that to say this. If we want to get serious about controlling crime, we must focus on the root causes, prevention, punishment and rehabilitation. All four of these areas are interdependent of each other.

Root Causes: your preaching to the choir, as we all know how most of the weapons are getting into the country. The recent search and seizure of the boat that ran aground off great Sand Cay, where a cash of ammunition and guns were confiscated is quite evident. We have wide open borders and many deserted Cays to stash weapons for easy filtration into the mainland. The country has a coastal RADAR tracking station in South Dock, Providenciales, but is one unit enough? Is it strategically placed for maximum detection and interceptions? Even if the radar station in Provo picks up a signal near Grand Turk or great Sand Cay, do we have the available resources to respond and engage quickly? The Marine Police in Grand Turk do not have a working vessel. How will they respond I beg the differ. Proper detection mechanism for weapons and or drugs are also not in place to deal with the level of supplies that arrive on these cargo ships. So, it’s like catch me if you can. Do we have a trained harbor master in Grand Turk?

While on the beach, I have personally had yacht captains come ashore on their dingy and walked up to me asking directions to Customs and immigration departments. Who is conducting proper searches on their boats? This is not war time for the Britt’s. Why aren’t we putting the necessary pressure on them to provide us with one of their decommissioned Navy vessels to patrol our waters as frequently as the US Coast Guard does? We can’t depend solely on the US or the Bahamas Royal Navy, they have their own problems and limited resources.

Prevention: Quoting the old cliché, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A little precaution before a crisis occurs is preferable to a lot of fixing up afterward. I’m excited to see we now have a native in top level management in the law enforcement department who better understands the culture of our youth and is in position to make collective decisions. Not to take away anything from the great progress we’ve made with putting a dent in crime, but we must do more as it seems we are being more reactive then proactive? It must start with building relationships and trust within communities and introducing new neighborhood watch programs. This will help to stop nuisance crimes and provide the needed intelligence to address serious crimes.

I believe the most significant contribution to short and long term crime reduction, besides a good education, will come from the early identification of young people at risk of offending behavior, and implementing sound programs to help them make better life choices – choices that will benefit them, their families and their communities at large. This is where more help is needed from our Civic leaders. Having an anti-gang strategy and targeting gang activity directly would assist in this push to reduce crime. I have seen the devastating blow uncontrolled gang activity can have on a community to include innocent bystanders. Safety and security are not just a policing issue, the whole of government has a role to play, along with communities themselves contributing and bridging that gap. Our police officers have never dealt with this level of gang related violence to no fault of their own. Why aren’t we requesting assistance from countries like the US, who have long been plagued with these kinds of behaviors and have trained experts in this area?

Punishment: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there is no silver bullet to solving these complex issues but our leaders and law enforcement must and I repeat “MUST” continue to explore endless measures to see what are the most effective ways to get to the core of crime reduction. Crime and punishment go hand in hand, which should include taking a closer look into our prison system. Our we creating a Ritz Carlton service for prisoners or an inconvenience? They are labeled prisoners for a reason. I have had the opportunity to visit our prison system on numerous occasions and although we have improved in some areas in terms of tighter security, what I saw was repugnant.

Prisoners wearing the most expensive sneakers, clothing of the latest style, having groceries delivered that can fill a small convenience store, families bringing in cooked meals etc. Is this prison to you? I’m an advocate for human rights, but we must reevaluate the true purpose of the prison system and its intended purpose. It was not designed for luxury but as a punishment for crimes committed.

Here is some food for thought.

1. Why are the prisoners not wearing uniforms? During my visits, most times you cannot differentiate the prisoners from the visitors.

2. Why are we allowing cooked food and groceries to be brought in?

3. The prison should have their own commissary which is a more controlled environment and reduces the opportunity for entry of drugs, phones and makeshift weapons.

4. Chain gang, what happened to those days? While growing up in Grand Turk, low risk prisoners were required to clean the streets, why not return to those bygone days. Back then, it was a shame to be seen in prison clothes on the street.

5. Why are repeat offenders being released within 30 to 60 days?

6. What background check if any, is being done on deportees back to this country?

Rehabilitation: A holistic approach to crime control is what’s needed. Inclusive of the role Mental health counseling and anger management classes can have. All are areas needing attention in this developing country. Mental health has been a taboo for far too long and can no longer be ignored and if left untreated, it could have wide reaching impact such as what we are seeing today in relation to the recidivism rate and growing violent crimes among teens. If you look at the profile of the individuals committing crimes in our communities, they are primary older teens or young adults.

In my opinion, they are not inherently bad kids, just are impressionable, conflicted young people wrestling with emotions and impulses. Unless a heinous crime is committed, locking them away in the prison population is not the answer. An adequate facility with psychological treatment and trained counselors is what’s needed. Let’s face it, technically we do not have life sentences in the Turks and Caicos. Therefore, at some point these prisoners will eventually be released into society.

Now what? They’re still grappling with the same mental problems. The threat of longer prison sentences, no matter how severe, will not deter anyone who believes their crimes will not be detected and they can get away with it. It will also not deter those who are too overcome by emotion or disordered thinking or to care about the consequences of their behavior.

We are dealing with a different type of criminal today, most with low self-esteem, hostility, pleasure- or thrill-seekers and lack of empathy. Let’s invest in our youth now.Here are some of our short- and long-term needs. A. Stronger community policing focusing on one community at a time.

B. Trade schools for our youth, geared specifically toward curriculum that drives economic development.

C. Summer programs for our youth and at-risk children.

D. Law enforcement need Seg-ways not SUV’s for our road patrol, particularly in smaller communities.

E. We need to do a better job with promoting the existing crime stoppers program with focus on confidentiality and incentives.

F. Government needs to provide all branches of law enforcement the needed resources to prevent and help fight crime.

In conclusion, there were many newspaper articles written on crime and recommended solutions. However, the reality is, Britain now controls our purse string. So, our local representatives must do a better job at prioritizing and communicating what can be done within their limited budget and scope of powers. This will soften the blow on unfulfilled promises.

Sometimes it’s not just the major projects, it could be simple projects that can make a huge difference. For example, street lighting in select areas that are dimly lit to help deter crime. These projects may not require an absorbent amount of allocated funds but can have an impressionable impact on ordinary citizens and keep hope alive for our nation.

Ed Forbes – Concerned citizen in GT

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise Targets Illegal Occupation of Crown Land in Five Cays

Published

3 days ago

October 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorised use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land throughout Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorised use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of forty (40) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were served in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to various forms of unauthorised occupation and use of Crown land, including incomplete structures, shipping containers, derelict vehicles, trailer chassis, building materials and other items.

Where persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items. The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that identified instances of unauthorised occupation are appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that Crown land must not be occupied, developed or otherwise used without lawful authority.

The Crown Land Unit, supported by the ISU and its other partner agencies, will continue to identify and address instances of illegal occupation of Crown land across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Persons affected by notices issued during enforcement exercises are encouraged to comply with the requirements outlined and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

News

BermudAir Launches Service to the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 26th, Expanding Air Connectivity Ahead of Winter Season

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 22nd, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes BermudAir as the airline begins its service to the destination on Monday, October 26th, marking the start of a wider expansion that will connect us with additional cities across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

BermudAir’s service will begin with a new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Providenciales. The flight will depart from the Howard Hamilton International Airport at 8 am on Monday morning and arrives at 7.40 pm. Aboard the inaugural flight will be a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands led by Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA), and will include Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, as well s representatives of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority, Invest TC and local media.

BermudAir will operate the Fort Lauderdale–Providenciales route three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through May 3rd, 2027. making it easier for business travellers with the schedule offering the potential for same-day return trips. The airline is also launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, Belize, on the same schedule, offering travellers in South Florida direct access to both destinations.

The new service introduces BermudAir’s premium leisure inflight experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Flights will operate on Embraer E190 aircraft configured without middle seats, giving every passenger a window or aisle seat, alongside complimentary snacks and beverages.

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the airline’s arrival, noting the importance of expanding airlift to support the continued development of the destination’s tourism industry.

“Air connectivity remains one of the most important factors in the continued development of our tourism industry. BermudAir’s expansion represents an opportunity to strengthen our connections with key international markets while opening new doors for our sister islands. I am particularly encouraged by the planned direct service between Newark and South Caicos, which speaks directly to our vision of expanding tourism opportunities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our objective is to ensure that improved connectivity translates into greater economic activity, stronger local businesses and more opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate in and benefit from tourism.” said Minister Jolly.

Commenting on the significance of the new route for the country’s development, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID), stated: “The introduction of BermudAir’s new service is a testament to the continued growth and development of our aviation sector. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, remains dedicated to enhancing our airport infrastructure to accommodate increased airlift. We are committed to working to ensure that our facilities provide a seamless, world-class experience for all incoming passengers and we warmly welcome BermudAir to our shores.”

The Fort Lauderdale launch is the first of several new services BermudAir plans to introduce to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the 2026–2027 winter season. Additional connections to Providenciales are scheduled from:

Bermuda to TCI and Grand Cayman: Beginning December 18th, 2026
Anguilla: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Toronto, Canada: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Beginning December 20th, 2026
Newark, New Jersey to South Caicos: Beginning December 20th, 2026
St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida: Beginning December 21st, 2026
Baltimore-Washington: Beginning December 24th, 2026

The expansion will give travellers more options for reaching the destination during the winter travel season, while broadening access from established and developing source markets. The additional routes also create opportunities for tourism stakeholders to reach new audiences and encourage visitors to explore more of the islands.

For flight schedules and bookings, visit www.flybermudair.com.

News

DDME Celebrates International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Emcee and members of the panel (L-R): Ms. Arnisiqua Selver, Mistress of Ceremony; Mr. Andrew Gardiner, TCI Red Cross; Mr. Garry McLean, Department of Planning and Ms. Kevaun Lucas, Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 22 October 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) joined the global observance of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13th. Various initiatives were held throughout the islands to bring awareness to the public, including panel discussions, community engagement activities, school visits, essay writing and an original video submission from the Eliza Simons School in Grand Turk.

Disaster Risk Reduction is a people-centred endeavour; it emphasises that policies, systems and investments must be designed around the needs and capabilities of individuals and communities, according to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Each year, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), as the implementing agency for the Sendai Framework, issues a call to action encouraging individuals, communities, and countries to become resilient.

The 2026 IDDRR theme, ‘Resilience Starts at Home’ seeks to bring global and national awareness of the core role of households in disaster risk reduction, advocating for stronger governance and investment in resilient housing, reducing housing-related risk and empowering households to take risk-informed actions to protect themselves and strengthen community resilience.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, in an effort to reduce disaster risk, seeks to observe the concepts and core principles of the Sendai Framework 2015-2030. Throughout the years, many initiatives have been taken through the various stages of the disaster cycle from preparedness to recovery in an effort to strengthen the resilience of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Initiatives such as the creation and consistent updating of building codes, the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Housing Project following major hurricanes such as Ike in 2008, the creation of an early recovery framework, as well as strengthening CCRIFF insurance were all implemented to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands were on the path to build back stronger and better.

This year’s theme underscores the roles governments, the private sector, and individuals play in ensuring communities and homes are safe and more resilient. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has made significant strides in ensuring that homes are constructed through the use of risk-informed planning, land use planning and construction practices. The Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Housing Project, which facilitated the construction of twenty-four (24) completely rebuilt homes and repaired thirty-four (34) homes, provided a baseline for future housing initiatives such as Programme 3. This programme includes community renewal and infilling under the National Housing Policy and seeks to repair property that has sustained physical damage for vulnerable people.

Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands are reminded of the individual role that they can play in ensuring that their homes are resilient.

Ensure that you obtain the proper approvals from the Planning Department before building.
Ensure that you utilise the standards and building codes of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Include proper drainage systems and other methods to reduce flooding and water pooling near your home.
Update your family emergency plans and ensure that everyone in your household is aware of its contents.

Let us all do our part in ensuring that all homes across the Turks and Caicos Islands are resilient.

Highlights from IDDRR can be seen on the Official DDME Social media accounts: Facebook @ddme.tci_official and Instagram @ddm.tci