TCI News
TCI: Press Statement from the Leader of the Opposition
#Providenciales, October 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – “The threat of crime is real, and the long-term peace of the TCI is at risk. It is past time to trade rhetoric for action.”
On Saturday, 12th October 2019, we woke up to a report of the 13th murder of the year. This came after 10 days of brazen and unchecked violence at the hands of cowards.
On 6th March 2017, in a press statement I lamented and condemned the growing incident of violent crimes perpetrated against innocent persons. In that press statement I pledged solidarity with the Government (not silence) in the fight against crime and have since then repeatedly affirmed my belief that the fight against crime must not be a political one. On 29th July 2017, in yet another press statement, I was forced to acknowledged that our peaceful homeland was facing a crisis as both the incidence and gravity of criminal acts ballooned.
Then, on 31st July 2019 I was compelled to reluctantly issue another press statement addressing the escalation in gun crimes resulting in deaths. However, the situation in the last ten days has been the most troubling to date. Those who would rob, maim and kill us have shown that they are prepared to act in the light of day without regard for the police.
Unfortunately, the response to this threat has been routine and lukewarm, while the fate of our families and communities are being threatened. Local law enforcement is out gunned and outmanned. Law abiding citizens are imprisoned in their own homes and all the while there is a deafening silence and inaction from those who are elected to protect us, or who bear constitutional responsibility for the security of these Islands.
Fear and anxiety in our communities are running high amid calls for drastic and immediate action. We must now spare no cost or concern ourselves about individual egos in an effort to protect and bring the country back to a sense of normalcy; this calls for engagement with all stakeholders.
The structures in place to engage with stakeholders are woefully inadequate; as the Leader of the Opposition, I have no direct role in the security of the islands nor am I privy to decisions of the National Security Council. I am, however, a member of the National Security Council Advisory Group, which last met briefly on the 13th March 2019. Despite this, I have tried to provide advice to those with responsibility for direct security of these islands through press statements and monthly bilateral meetings with the Governor. While not exhaustive, the suggestions that I have made are practical, reasonable, affordable and implementable immediately.
In my July 2019 press release, I called for the following interim measures subject to the development of longer term strategies:
1. The Government to make available through supplementary appropriation, additional resources to increase police presence in the communities and places where violent crimes are prevalent;
2. The Government to pass legislation to require all residents to always carry a TCIG issued picture ID, and for visitors to provide IDs and an address on the islands when required to do so by law enforcement officers;
3. The Government to consider limited curfews at designated hours of the night in high risk areas;
4. Government to make available container and handheld scanning equipment at all ports to detect guns and other contraband;
5. The police to institute a system of surprise rolling roadblocks at strategic locations to search for firearms and other contrabands;
6. The police to make routine the search for unlicensed motor vehicles and unlicensed drivers; and
7. The cancelling of operating licences for businesses that have a history of violence on property.
In addition to the above, today I am advising the Government to take the following steps immediately.
• Re-establish the Police Training School for the training of recruits and continuous education for police officers;
• Immediately hire an additional 30 tactical trained police officers in addition to the 20 new recruits recently budgeted for;
• Institute a 90-day intensive training program for new recruits and initially deploy them on beat duty in the various communities;
• Install check points on all roads in/out of high-risk communities;
• Open at least 3 additional Police Stations/Posts – Blue Hills, Five Cays and Kew Town;
• Acquire and deploy at least twenty unmarked police cars manned by plain clothes police officers for undercover duty;
• Expedite the introduction of a biometric unique identifier system for every person legally entitled to reside in the islands;
• Create a database of Turks & Caicos Islanders deported from foreign countries;
• Introduce a witness protection legislative and support framework system for informers of violent crimes;
• Introduce Electronic Monitoring legislation to allow for the monitoring of persons on bail and parole; and
• Introduce Telephone Intercept Communications legislation like that used in the Cayman Islands.
I am fully aware that my suggestions do not take into consideration the root cause of crime in our country and therefore the measures suggested are containment, abatement and control responses. The root causes of crime are largely economic and social constructs and the political directorate must now come to grips with the need to balance rapid economic growth with home grown social development goals, economic fairness and inclusiveness to rebuild the social capital of the TCI.
Crime impacts everyone, and the solution requires active sectoral representation. The current situation demands an immediate meeting of the National Security Council Advisory Group to receive detail updates on the recently announced National Security Strategy, and to provide input into security enhancement measures to protect our communities.
Going forward it is of critical importance that the National Security Council Advisory Group is routinely engaged as critical partners in the security of the Turks and Caicos Islands.– the threat of crime is real, and the long-term peace of the TCI is at risk. It is past time to trade rhetoric for action!!! The PNP call on HMG in the UK to take strong measures now to protect the people and economy of the TCI. We call on this PDM Administration to stand with us and let us begin a non-violent protest movement until our justifiable security concerns are addressed.
May God bless us all; and may God bless the TCI.
Turks and Caicos, May 29, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority has quietly implemented a significant change to how critical aviation notices are distributed, shifting the publication of its Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, from the United States system to a United Kingdom-based platform.
In a statement issued to the aviation community, TCIAA advised that effective May 13, 2026, at noon, all Turks and Caicos Islands NOTAMs began being published through the UK NOTAM Office, operated by National Air Traffic Services (NATS), under the U Series classification.
The move means pilots, airlines, dispatchers and flight planning teams can no longer rely on the Federal Aviation Administration’s traditional NOTAM source to locate current operational notices for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
NOTAMs are essential aviation communications used to alert pilots and operators to temporary changes that could affect flight operations,
including runway closures, navigational aid outages, airspace restrictions and other safety-related information.
According to the Airports Authority, the transition is part of a broader aviation modernization programme and will remain in place until TCIAA commissions its own Aeronautical Information Management and Aeronautical Message Handling System capability.
The authority stressed that the change does not affect flight operations or aviation safety.
“At this time, there is no interruption to air traffic operations or safety-critical services,” the TCIAA said, noting that operational information will continue to be communicated through established Air Traffic Control channels.
The authority urged airlines, charter operators, flight planners and other aviation stakeholders to ensure their operational teams are aware of the new publication source to avoid missing important notices.
While largely administrative, the shift represents another step in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ effort to modernize its aviation infrastructure and align more closely with international aviation information management standards.
The Airports Authority thanked stakeholders for their cooperation as the transition moves forward.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Turks and Caicos, May 29, 2026 – A fatal dog attack at one of Providenciales’ most popular beaches has resulted in swift enforcement action, with authorities identifying and charging the owners of the animals involved.
The Department of Agriculture says a group of dogs attacked and killed another dog at Taylor Bay Beach in Chalk Sound on May 18, in an incident witnessed by beachgoers and visitors.
Investigators moved quickly, determining that the dogs involved were registered and owned by residents of the Chalk Sound community. Accompanied by officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Agriculture officials visited the owners and issued citations
under the Dog Control Ordinance.
Each owner was fined a total of $1,500, including a $1,000 penalty for allowing a dog to roam in a public space without a leash and a $500 fine for having a dog exhibiting aggressive behaviour in a public area.
While the attack ended with the death of a dog, authorities noted that the outcome could have been far worse had a person, child or tourist become caught up in the incident.
Minister of Agriculture Zhavargo Jolly said the government takes incidents involving uncontrolled or aggressive animals seriously and praised the swift response by enforcement officers.
“While this was an isolated incident, it is unacceptable and swift enforcement action was taken by the Department of Agriculture and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force,” said Jolly.
The minister stressed that residents and visitors should be able to enjoy public beaches safely and that dog owners have a responsibility to keep their animals secured and under control at all times.
The Department of Agriculture is reminding pet owners that dogs must be leashed in public spaces and properly registered. Officials are also encouraging owners to ensure their animals are microchipped as part of responsible pet ownership practices.
The incident remains under review, but authorities say the case demonstrates that violations of the Dog Control Ordinance will result in enforcement action.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Caribbean News
Beaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation share educational material with primary school in Providenciales
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: May 29, 2026 – Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and the Sandals Foundation, recently brought smiles and inspiration to students at the Community Christian Academy through a meaningful Reading Road Trip and educational material donation initiative.
The outreach effort, which forms part of the Sandals Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education and community development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, saw team members and volunteers engaging directly with students while delivering a wide range of essential school supplies.
Among the donated items were books, footballs, volleyballs, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, Bibles, Christian literature, sun glasses, writing pads, educational cue cards, erasers, markers, crayons, glue, scissors, paper clips, coloured chalk, and pens. The contributions were carefully curated to support both academic learning and extracurricular development for students at the institution.
A highlight of the day’s activities was an interactive reading session with the kindergarten and grade one classes, where volunteers shared stories and encouraged early literacy in a fun and engaging environment. The young students responded with enthusiasm, creating a lively and memorable experience for all involved.
Travel Advisor Renee Rice, who participated in the initiative alongside her family, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to give back. “We are happy for this experience as we partnered with the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in sharing in the development of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Rice said. Her family actively participated in reading sessions and interacting with the students, further enhancing the impact of the visit.
Principal Krystal Vincent welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the school’s mission. “These educational materials will go a far way, and we are happy for this relationship that we have established with the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in helping to support the growth of the students and the institution,” Vincent noted.
Chairman of the School Board, Pastor Bradley Handfield, also expressed gratitude during the presentation of the items. He commended the
donors for their continued investment in the community and their willingness to support the nation’s youth. Pastor Handfield highlighted the significance of corporate and philanthropic partnerships in strengthening educational foundations across the islands.
The Reading Road Trip initiative is part of a broader effort by the Sandals Foundation to promote literacy and provide access to educational resources for children throughout the Caribbean.
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has long been an active partner in community outreach, consistently supporting initiatives that uplift local communities and empower young people. Through collaborations such as this, the resort continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
The visit to Community Christian Academy stands as a testament to the power of partnership and the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together with a shared purpose. For the students, the day was not only about receiving supplies but also about feeling encouraged, valued, and inspired to pursue their educational journeys with confidence.
As the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort continue to expand their outreach efforts, initiatives like the Reading Road Trip remain vital in shaping the future of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands—one child, one book, and one meaningful connection at a time.
Photo Caption:
The Sandals foundation is a registered charity in Jamaica with the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, a CRA registered charity in Canada, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales that was created in March 2009 to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of over four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.
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