TCI News
Inferno gobbles up iconic, Crackpot Kitchen in Grace Bay
The Turks and Caicos Domestic Fire Department threw everything they had at a raging inferno, which erupted shortly after 8 p.m. at the Ports of Call plaza in Providenciales, Grace Bay.
At this hour, the blaze is smoldering and lots and lots of damage is done.
All three fire trucks are working and all of them have had to refill with water at least one time each, in order to contain the fire which appears to have started at Crackpot Kitchen, a popular, locally-owned restaurant run by the TCI’s Culinary Ambassador, Chef Nikita Skippings.
In one of the early videos circulating on social media; very faintly you can hear Chef Nik shouting his disbelief as a fire, fanned by high winds gobbled up the second story, patio-styled eatery, which is also home to the Chop Off-Cook Off culinary competition.
There is no report of injury, at least, not physically but it is clear the damage is extensive. Only a charred mess is left of the roof of the eastern wing of the building.
It is said, businesses occupying the bottom floor have also suffered some damage.
Residents are tonight stunned at the news, saddened by this outcome which only compounds challenges already being faced due to the economic fall-out caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Restrictions have been significantly eased in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which has no active cases of COVID-19 on record at this time; the country peaked at 12 cases.
Emergency Orders uphold an evening curfew which begins 8 p.m. daily; the restaurant, as with all other businesses in the complex would have been closed since 5 p.m.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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