TCI News

TCI Governor Meets With Concerned Citizen, Willandra Elliott

Published

4 years ago

July 1, 2020

REPORT SUBMITTED BY WILLANDRA ELLIOTT

On Friday, 19^th June 2020 at 5:00pm, His Excellency The Governor Nigel Dakin (responsible for national security and boarder control) met with Ms. Willandra Elliott at the Governor’s Office in Providenciales. The meeting specifically addressed core issues regarding the surge in crime and gun violence.

According to Ms. Elliott, H.E. Governor Dakin confirmed that he assumed his post within the Turks & Caicos Islands approximately eleven months ago, and within one month of his arrival, Mr. Trevor Botting, current Commissioner of Police, arrived. From 8^th April 2019 throughout 19^th June 2020, a total of 24 murders had been reported. Of these, 23 murders were committed with the use of firearm, 92% of victims being males, and 40% of murders believed to be gang related. Ms. Elliott commented, “This is a clear indication of the magnitude of gun violence and its adverse impact on our country.”

H.E. Governor Dakin confirmed that Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson’s 12-point crime plan was derived from the Bermuda and Glasgow models of the Crime and Violence Reduction Strategy. However, it is assumed that the plan will take approximately ten years to reap the expected benefits. Ms. Elliott then conveyed the dire need for a Crime and Violence Reduction Strategy that would begin to reap immediate results as many families are losing loved ones often, and on a far-too-regular basis due to violent crimes.

H.E. Governor Dakin raised the point that a total of twenty-seven police officers recently completed training, and will return upon the opening of the boarders. These officers received training in the areas of basic operations such as administration and investigation, which is intended to strengthen the intelligence operations of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force. In responding to this, Ms. Elliott mentioned that educating our police officers represents only half the battle as the relationship between the police and community has been strained for quite some time, and requires strengthening as well. Ms. Elliott further explained that ensuring reinstatement of all community police stations and keeping confidentiality regarding witness protection and tips in the highest of confidence could positively reinforce this relationship. In this regard, H.E. Governor Dakin recommended the use of the Crime Stoppers hotline.

Ms. Elliott also addressed the lack of adequate compensation for police officers. H.E. Governor Dakin acknowledged, in defense of the current payroll, that police officers receive additional benefits separate and apart from salaries. Theses benefits were not identified.

Matters regarding the prison, its expansion, and rehabilitation of the prisoners were also examined. H.E. Governor Nigel Dakin confirmed that the “Yellow Wing’ of the prison which currently and mostly houses inmates convicted of murder has been tendered, and rebuilding will commence in the near future. He also indicated that there is additional Crown Land surrounding the prison, which makes expansion very possible. In light of prisoners often being prematurely released due to inadequate facilities and overcrowding, Ms. Elliott queried the reason for delay in the expansion of the prison, and went on to say, “Rehabilitation of prisoners should also be at the forefront to ensure that these persons are able to integrate into society with an easy transition and to enable them to make positive contributions to our society.”

Ms. Elliott also queried the purpose of the United Kingdom Armed Forces within the Turks & Caicos Islands and their current roles. H.E. Governor Dakin’s response was that troops of the Royal Marines are working with the Maritime Police to increase manpower as it pertains to boarder protection, including work to improve command, control and communication systems so as to achieve faster responses. Members of the medical team are working with the Turks & Caicos Islands health team to plan and support the public healthcare capacity of the country. The logistics team is responsible for bringing in health supplies from a Royal Naval Task Force located within our region. H.E. Governor Dakin also indicated that ongoing assistance is given to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) to help the country better cope with both the current COVD-19 pandemic and the 2020 hurricane season. Data concerning post Irma and Maria Hurricanes were reviewed to assist with risk management planning and tabletop operations. Ongoing works are being done to interisland communication plans.

Ms. Elliott remains mindful that “the Queen” has appointed both H.E. Governor Nigel Dakin and Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting. “It is my personal view that, respectfully, the aforementioned gentlemen do not truly understand the plight of our people. After time served, they will return to their respective countries and we, the people, will still have to endure the adverse effects of our rapidly increasing crime rate, in particular gun violence, unsolved crimes and boarders that are ineffectively protected. It is time to stand in solidarity in our efforts to restore our beautiful by nature and peaceful by choice Turks & Caicos Islands, and make our voices heard. I am hereby prepared to be the essence of eccentricity, even if it means standing alone. Turks & Caicos Stand Up, Speak Up and Stay Woke!”

Related Topics:#governortci #tcicrime #turksandcaicosnews #willandraelliot

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TCI News

Orlando Mother Remanded for Bullet possession in Turks and Caicos

Published

13 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Shanieka

Wilkie Arthur and Deandrea Hamilton

Editorial staff

Remanded until July, but her attorney Leanna Brooks-Campbell is likely to make application for bail as the matter is now transfered to the Supreme Court.

American tourist from Orlando, Florida Shanita Shinee Giree, 45, who was arrested Monday, after two bullets were allegedly found in her baggage is the newest defendant facing the stiff penalties associated with breaching the Turks & Caicos Firearms Ordinance.

Giree was exiting TCI at the Providenciales International Airport with her daughter when the ammunition was detected, ending her Mother’s Day trip to the islands on an unexpectedly sour note.

Today, the chief magistrate remanded her to prison until July 5, 2024, however that can change.

She is facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition; a crime punishable with a minimum 12 year sentence except in the case of a judge ruling that the case falls in the category of “exceptional.”

Then, and only then would it warrant a different sentence by a judge.

Support for the Floridian was impressive; Bryan Hagerich and Ryan Watson and their relatives filled the Magistrate’s Court on Old Airport Road informs Court Correspondent, Wilkie Arthur.

It was a show of patriotic solidarity on an issue which has elicited emotive views on all sides for Americans who are hoping to prove they were tourists on holiday and nothing more.

Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvanian and Ryan Watson of Oklahoma also charged in two separate instances for being in possession of ammunition while wrapping up their TCI vacations in April and May respectively.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

TCI News

AMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS

Published

3 days ago

May 14, 2024

Shanieka

Deandrea Hamilton and Wilkie Arthur

Editorial Staff

A DAUGHTER reportedly brought her mother to the Turks and Caicos for Mother’s Day, and both were allegedly arrested, leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands today (Monday 13th, May,2024).

Officials say they were found with two rounds of ammunition in their luggage.

Police have confirmed the arrest to Magnetic Media after inquiries.

Turks & Caicos residents are already reacting to this latest report, “dumbfounded” by the mistake which keeps being repeated despite all of the high profile attention the matter has received in leading news organizations and the warning the US Embassy has issued. There is also the well publicized stance of the TCI Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that these individuals must be punished according to the law.

In this newest case, the daughter was released, and the mother remains in police custody pending charge and court appearance later this week.

Police inform they will update soon.