TCI News
Horses dropping dead in Grand Turk; Police and Agriculture open investigation
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 6, 2020 — The Agriculture Department and TCI Police today announced that they have teamed up to determine what has led to the deaths of horses in Grand Turk and the Department, which falls under the Ministry of Health says these recent equine death reports are new to them.
“From preliminary reports, this is a new occurrence and is not related to any other event involving horses recently in Grand Turk. Several of the horses exhibiting signs of ill health and succumbing are privately owned. We are therefore appealing to all horse owners to confine or enclose their horses particularly in light of the incumbent weather conditions being experienced presently. Do not allow your horse (or animals) to roam in pursuit of food, as they can consume items that can be detrimental and result in fatalities.”
However, other reports indicate this claim by the Agriculture Department to be far from true. The Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or TCSPCA informed followers of popular social media talk show host, Robert Hall, that their organization had reported on the peculiar deaths and neglect of horses since May.
“This is a tragic and very upsetting situation. On behalf of the Board of Directors we would like to state the following: Firstly, we have been involved with the Chukka situation since the first week of May when we received alarming videos from Grand Turk residents about the physical condition of the Chukka horses. We contacted Chukka’s representatives on numerous occasions as well as alerting the Department of Agriculture, who has 2 Veterinarians on staff. On June 23rd, 2020, The Department of Agriculture demanded that we cease any further communication with Chukka representatives, as they would be conducting an investigation and would be issuing a report on their findings.
Chukka, which operates a number of tourist adventures, primarily for cruise line passengers is believed to have abandoned the animals once cruises stopped docking in Grand Turk due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On Facebook, Magnetic Media also found images of a couple feeding a small group of horses; the horses appeared to be severely malnourished. The images were posed on June 16, 2020.
Still, the Department of Agriculture pointedly distances itself from the statement by the TCSPA and said it only learned of the deaths on August 1, 2020.
Robert Hall, a former government minister and former Speaker of the House of Assembly posted cell phone video on Facebook; that video has been viewed over 1,800 times.
In his background, a horse is visible and barely able to stand. Eventually, the apparently weakened animal collapses to the ground and wallows in the dirt.
Mr. Hall addressed potential viewers; informing that as many as six horses had already died over two days. It was his belief, the two in his video and photos on that day (August 1) would be added to to the casualties.
It is widely believed that the animals had consumed rat poison.
In the statement, the Department of Agriculture advised: “We are kindly asking the public, to contact the Department of Agriculture (See contact information below) if animals (not only horses) appear to be ill, lying down or dead. Please do not attempt to touch any animal seen in this state. Do refrain from feeding roaming horses at this time as their digestive system are very sensitive to sudden changes in diet.
It must also be noted that there are no confirmed reports that COVID-19 was found or can affect horses,” said the statement.
Officials ruled out that COVID-19 was killing the animals and that intentionally or maliciously harming the horses is a serious crime included in Section 48 of the Animal Health Ordinance 2012.
“Any person who commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction for a first offence to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both fine and imprisonment, and, for a subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both fine and imprisonment.”
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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