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.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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