TCI News
Hold the Governor accountable about promises and plans to beat down crime; for T-Bone and others’ sake
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – October 10, 2020 — Because violent crime is at its highest level ever in the Turks and Caicos, islanders must demand accountability when it comes to remedies announced during a crime strategy press conference held September 15.
Criminals are getting away with murder, literally speaking. Leaders are getting away with not curbing these violent, deadly encounters, figuratively speaking. Meanwhile residents and tourists are paying – in the worst cases – with their lives.
A 20th murder on October 8 revived feelings that safety is gravely under threat or non-existent in the Turks and Caicos, and that those managing national security are failing at their jobs.
National Security is part of the portfolio of the territory’s governor, who at this time is Nigel Dakin.
A Turks and Caicos businessman, Twelyn “T-Bone” Swann was shot and killed at his home and business on South Dock road, sometime between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. There has been a statement from TCI Police to confirm that a murder investigation is launched; nothing more.
Fifty-year old, T-Bone is well-known; a talented welder with a cheerful personality described as a ‘gem’ by those speaking to Magnetic Media. T-Bone is another beloved citizen gunned down at the sanctity of his home, which points to a trend for armed private property invasions which target and terrorise victims.
An outrageous crime, and confidence about catching the killer or killers is low.
One man spoke in a voice note about what he heard of how T-Bone was discovered: “…he was shot in his chest. Another mother who will never find out who do it; my God!”
“I really cannot wrap my mind around this, how these decent law abiding citizens gatta come to this man. It’s like so heartbreaking. You know? It’s so heartbreaking. I don’t know what this man children going through today and his family because it’s such a tight knit family. This is such sad news man,” said a woman from the group.
The comments were shared on WhatsApp; a part of a string of remarks about T-Bone, about crime, about the prevalence of guns and about the safety of the Turks and Caicos.
“…guns are on the black market and there seems to be no raids that are going on although you can hear of where they might be and who might be in possession of them. They’ve not really carried out any full scale raids to determine if the allegations being made have grounds,” said another woman from the chat who went on to inform, “They’re now saying you can have murder for hire in Turks and Caicos right now, if the price is right and people are afraid, really afraid.”
The Governor at the September press conference said there are raids which are getting guns off the streets.
“The Tactical Unit go from strength-to-strength. It’s they who are executing warrants at night, going through doors, removing weapons from armed men. Through experience they are becoming a ‘national elite’. Next month (October) they are joined by armed officers from the UK Police’s Firearms cadre – partly funded by the UK, partly funded by TCIG – who bring a full range of skills including the ability to go up against the hardest targets engaged in the most violent of offences. These UK Tactical Firearms Officers will be with us for a year while they are backfilled from our Force and the region. The UK is also sending firearms training officers to help upskill the overall Force,” said Nigel Dakin, Governor.
The raids by the tactical unit are covert operations. Trevor Botting, the Commissioner of the Royal TCI Police Force, during a media briefing on August 27, said over a period of 90-days the tactical unit performed 38 raids; there were seven arrests and four individuals have been arraigned on criminal charges.
More overtly the Governor has promised the Turks and Caicos will get armed officers from the United Kingdom and local police members will be trained in how to safely and proficiently use a firearm.
Accountability means, islanders should know when the help arrives and be informed of the progresses from this one-year deployment and training.
Two special investigators are also promised to arrive in the territory to boost capacity at the Criminal Investigation Department.
“Two UK Superintendents have either arrived or about to. They, along with the recently promoted Willet Harvey (responsible for the Sri Lankan investigation) will form the crucial mid-level leadership in the Force – the UK officers bring much homicide experience with them and unlike the past won’t just deliver, they will mentor,” said Governor Dakin in the press conference shared with the premier and the commissioner of police.
Islanders are assured of law for the protection of witnesses in criminal cases; forensic science to strengthen investigations; new modern legislation to incorporate electronic evidence and partnership with security companies to increase capacity for more ‘eyes and ears’ working to prevent crimes and catch criminals.
“But beyond the Police there is a huge cohort of those involved in deterring crime – the security industry – and there is I believe much more that can be done in professionalising this industry, regulating it, and, as is the case in the UK, building serious partnership between it and the police. Exploratory work has started, again being developed out of the National Security Secretariat to do just that. If we get this synergy right we will have a significantly expanded group of well-trained individuals, to an internationally recognised standard, working to the same ends – the increased security of our communities.”
Additionally, there is a plan to get to the root of criminal behaviour.
“The Permanent Secretary National Security has now taken direction from the Premier to do just this – help build a crime reduction strategy that is cross-Government and in partnership with society. It builds out of the success in Bermuda and Glasgow, it’s complex, but it is probably the most singularly important piece of work that Government is presently engaged on and I’m heartened to see the way the intelligent conversation has developed over the last year with, I think, a real understanding that what we face today could have been foreseen or prevented had different approaches been taken in the past. We now need to collectively write our own future,” said the Governor.
In the newest murder investigation of T-Bone Swann; the public learned: “Police Force responded to the South Dock Road area following a report at 7:11 a.m., that a lifeless body of a man was found on the ground outside of a building on Thursday October 8, 2020.”
The statement was issued on October 8. There has been no update on the progress of the investigation.
TCI News
Beaches Turks & Caicos Food and Beverage Department Blends Health and Family with Smoothies
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Families across the Turks and Caicos Islands are being encouraged to make healthier,
budget-friendly choices all year round, thanks to Beaches Turks & Caicos’ creative team of bartenders who have shared refreshing smoothie recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Recognizing the daily challenge parents face in balancing work, family life and healthy eating, the resort’s bartenders have developed easy-to-make, affordable smoothies that cater to both children and adults. The initiative aligns with Beaches Turks & Caicos’ ongoing commitment to supporting family wellness and community well-being through practical, accessible lifestyle choices.
“Using these recipes is a great way to promote health while keeping things simple,” said Managing Director James McAnally. “Our team members are passionate about enhancing healthy lifestyles within our communities and this is just one way we help families make positive changes year-round.”
Among the standout recipes is the “Morning Sunshine,” a tropical blend of banana, mango and pineapple packed with fibre, potassium and vitamins A and C. Anna-Kay Thompson, bartender at the French Village, said the drink supports digestion and boosts energy levels. “Children are drawn to bright colours; they eat with all their senses. This smoothie is healthy, cost-effective and a great way to start any day,” she added.
Another favourite, the “Triple Tango,” mixes blueberries, kiwi and banana for a vibrant blend that boosts brain health and strengthens the immune system. Junior Jones, bartender at the Caribbean Village, described it as “a dance for the mind and body” thanks to its natural balance of sweet, tart and citrusy flavours.
For those craving something bold, the “Red Razzle” combines watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, kiwi and a hint of ginger for a
refreshing, nutrient-rich mix. Packed with antioxidants, fibre and hydration-boosting properties, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. “This smoothie helps promote better nutrition and supports heart and immune health,” said bartender Kevin Williams.
Parents like Judy Morales, who balance work and family life, appreciate the initiative. “These smoothies are a game changer,” she said. “They’re simple, nutritious and fun to make with kids. It’s a great way to stay healthy without spending a lot.”
Bar Manager Uton Graham added that the resort’s bar team enjoys creating healthy beverage options that can be easily replicated at home. “Serving beverages for children requires creativity,” he noted. “We’re happy to share ideas that families can enjoy beyond the resort any time of the year.”
Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to blend more than just ingredients; it blends values of health, family and community. Through its food and beverage initiatives, the resort encourages families to adopt healthier habits while spending quality time together.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 5, 2025 — Staying true to the high quality of service it is known to provide, Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and Great Shape! Inc, have served over 3,000 Turks and Caicos Islanders with state of the art free dental care in its recently concluded clinics – 1000 Smiles.
From October 20 to November 1, a dental volunteer mission team of 140 practicing professionals provided cleaning, filling, extractions, root
canals, sealants and oral health education to residents of Providenciales. Its fifth year being implemented in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the programme’s reach indicate growing support and trust of the initiative facilitated by the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International
While visiting the site at the Blue Hills Church of God of Prophecy church in Providenciales, Minister of Health and Human Services the Hon Kyle Knowles shared his satisfaction with the work noting, “As the Minister of Health, to see firsthand the quality of work being executed is an amazing feeling. Being able to see residents of Providenciales getting quality dental care being provided by professionals who have committed themselves to volunteering is what makes this initiative more meaningful.”
“The continued relationship between Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and the government of the TCI augurs well for the development of our people and our communities. For two weeks, more than 3,050 residents were served including adults and students at our primary and secondary schools,” Knowles added.
Managing Director of Beaches Turks and Caicos James McAnally shared, “We are humbled by the numbers of persons that came out this year. As a resort, we value partnerships and through the Great Shape! Inc.’s healthcare partnership, together we have created history with the number of clients being served in any one visit to a region. We are proud to have been involved in creating brighter and healthier smiles for the residents of Providenciales.”
In explaining the customer-centric approach practiced by the medical volunteers, Programme Director of Great Shape! Inc., Shantelle Clarke said, “Some people come in with anxiety and are a little bit scared to get stuff done, but, as we talk through the procedure, explain what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it, we are able to build the trust of patients who develop a sense of ease.”
For the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) Chief Dental Officer Dr Janice Baron, the value of the Great Shape! outreach is priceless noting, “It has
established a good example of best practices in the field”.
Meanwhile, more than 1,600 students from Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Richmond Hill Preparatory, Community Christian Academy, Mills Institute, Ashley Learning Centre and Elite Schools also benefited from dental care education through a school tour executed in the first week. Led by the Great Shape! team, students and teachers were reminded about the importance of proper brushing, flossing and oral care through interactive sessions.
“The sessions were dynamic, educational and children-friendly. Students were able to interact and ask questions which the team were able to answer in a fulsome manner which provided much needed information for the students,” says Principal of the Ashley Learning Centre, Shelrica Grant-Banton.
Great Shape! Inc. is one of the largest dental volunteer missions in the world The dental outreach, which commenced in TCI in 2021, is made possible with Beaches Resorts providing accommodations and the charitable arm, the Sandals Foundation, spearheading logistics and offsetting the costs for transportation, as well as food and beverage for the clinics.
For more information about the Sandals Foundation and to donate, visit: https://sandalsfoundation.org.
