TCI News
TCI Premier doubles down on Film Industry; believes it can bolster tourism
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – October 25, 2020 — Turks & Caicos is facing economic downturn following the decline in tourism to the archipelago due to the coronavirus, but plans are in place to diversify the island’s tourism product by supporting a Film Festival.
A resurgence of the concept was successful in the latter part of 2019, with the help of DigicelTCI and its brand ambassador, Usain Bolt.
In total, 39% of Turks & Caicos’ GDP is directly from tourism. The islands would often welcome over 1.5 million visitors to its shores annually, but COVID-19 has reduced the number to a fraction of this. A large number of visitors to the islands arrive on cruise ships, with 354 cruise ships visiting the islands in 2019, however many of the industry’s leading operators are yet to resume normal service following the border closure in March.
In the wake of this, plans have been drawn up to diversify the economy by utilising the natural beauty of the islands.
A Film Festival will be the centrepiece for a large scale plan to expand Turks & Caicos’ tourism industry, Premier Sharlene Robinson announced on October 19 at the Turks & Caicos Conference, (TACC).
“Tourism is the economic engine of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Premier Cartwright-Robinson said, “The Government in an effort to help diversify the tourism product and introduce new experiences in supporting the development of an annual Film Festival.”
“The ambition for the festival is to help further establish broaden the tourism product and introduce new experiences for visitors and to “provide avenues for entrepreneurship for locals.”
The Premier was speaking at the welcome of TACC, which was this year held virtually.
Turks & Caicos has had 698 confirmed cases of coronavirus, as well as 6 fatalities, but Premier Robinson was optimistic about the chance of economic recovery through visitors and firms returning to the islands: “We are certain that our visitor numbers will continue to increase, given the extent of our health protocols, which are a testament that we in the Turks and Caicos Islands indeed care about the health and safety of all who enter these islands.”
The Film Festival is also targeted at harnessing the young talent on the islands through the involvement of schools and those interested in film production.
***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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