Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

Turks and Caicos, September 20, 2024 – The PDM along with Turks and Caicos Islanders are deeply concerned about the deplorable conditions of the highways and roads, particularly in Providenciales, according to Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Robert Been Jr.

In a media release, he said as he travels across the island and listen to the concerns of our citizens, one issue that stands out is the lack of “proper maintenance” and upkeep of our roadways.

“This is not just a matter of inconvenience, but a blatant failure by the current PNP (ProgressiveNational Party) administration to carry out one of the most basic functions of government: ensuring our roads are safe, functional, and well-maintained,” he outlined.

Adding that many of the roads are overgrown with trees and bush, creating both an eyesore and a hazard for motorists and pedestrians, he said the once pristine landscapes that contributed to our image as “Beautiful by Nature” are now obscured by untrimmed vegetation and deteriorating road conditions. “This is in stark contrast to the beauty that we proudly showcase to the world as our biggest selling point in the tourism market.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, and the condition of our roads is a reflection of how we maintain the image of our islands. When tourists drive through these overgrown, unkempt highways, what message are we sending? That we do not care about the very product we are trying to sell? This neglect not only affects the experience of our visitors but also places undue strain on our local residents who use these roads daily,” he said

The PDM Deputy Leader, in arguing that the lack of basic road maintenance is another example of the PNP’s incompetence., said if they are failing at “this most basic level”, then, how can Islanders trust them to manage the more complex and pressing affairs of our country?

“Road maintenance is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is the bare minimum that the government should be providing for its citizens. When the PNP boasts about their achievements, we must ask, what good is a record-setting budget if they can’t even ensure the proper upkeep of our roadways?” he said

Mr. Been Jr. underscored that the PDM understands the importance of basic Government functions, and, if elected to office, it will make it a priority to address the “comprehensive repair and maintenance” of the road infrastructure across the entire Islands, and will ensure that roads are not only repaired but also regularly maintained to prevent the kinds of issues from arising again.

Turks and Caicos, September 20, 2024 – Acting Governor, Her Excellency, Anya Williams, chaired the 28th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday, 4th September 2024 at the Premier’s Office, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of the Minister for Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly; and the Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles. Ms. Khalila Astwood attended as Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting of Cabinet:

1. Approved the acquisition of Parcel 10304/32, Central Grand Turk.
2. Approved the reappointment of Mr. Walter T. Gardiner Jr. to the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency Board of Directors for a period of three years.
3. Approved the terms of a Development Agreement/Order by The Yard Ltd. for the construction of a luxury hotel in the Bight, Providenciales.
4. Approved the appointment of Mr. Seamus Day and Mr. Louis Graveley to the Board of Directors of the Grand Turk Enhancement and Sustainability Agency for a period of 2 years.
5. Approved the funding contribution for the funeral costs associated with the Late Marjorie Basden.
6. Approved the Draft District Administration Bill 2024 to be progressed to the House of Assembly.
7. Approved amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance regarding the treatment of proceeds from activities lawful in other jurisdictions but unlawful in TCI.
8. Noted the request for variation of the Stevedoring Tariff, for it to be published within the Gazette and the variation of tariff to take effect on September 1st, 2024.
9. Considered proposals relating to a Development Agreement and other provisions to facilitate the Howard Hamilton International Airport Redevelopment.
10. Approved the request for an extension of the Immigration Population Policy Council appointments for a period of 1 year.
11. Approved the terms for the installation of residential mailboxes including a deposit and annual rental fee for residential mailboxes.
12. Noted the award of the following contract in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance:

• TCIAA 003/24, SSP, Security Screening Equipment

13. Noted the status of contracts awarded under the Capital Programme at the end of 2023/2024 Financial Year.
14. Received an information paper on a safeguarding matter.

Wilkie Arthur Eagle Legal News and

Royal TCI Police 

Turks and Caicos, September 15, 2024 – Around 10 pm, last night residents in the Wheeland Community reported to police and some immediately notified Eagle Legal News, of sounds of gunshots in the bushes in the neighbourhood.

Our news team went in pursuit of the police and ambulance. We observed the police assisting a man from one of their unmarked investigative vehicles and handed him over to medical personnel in the ambulance.

Videos of this were shared on Sunday night; police issued a statement to confirm the double shooting.

The man transferred to the medical vehicle is in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds; it triggered the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre;s heightened security alert  which resulted in the suspension of visitation.

We visited the exact location of the shooting in the Wheeland area on the night of the incident and the morning after and learned both men shot are brothers; attacked by two or three masked men with guns.

They lived together in a small apartment.

Residents of that area said they can’t say why the pair was attacked, but the dead brother is described has having worked “with lottery numbers.”

It was reported to Eagle Legal that the deceased was shot in the head, “right in front of his door” reportedly holding money at the time he was gunned down.

The shooting was not thought to be a robbery.

The surviving brother was able to get away from the alleged killers, running into bushes hiding until he saw police and then ran to them.

The police report explained:

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Serious Crime Unit has identified Barnabas Norbert as the victim of yesterday (Sunday September 15) evening’s homicide.

Mr. Norbert, 60, of Blue Hills, Providenciales, was killed shortly after 9 pm.

Initial police reports indicated that the Police Control Room received reports that gunshots were heard near Phase One in Blue Hills, Providenciales. Officers, along with medical personnel, responded and, upon arrival at the given location, noticed that two males had sustained what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Mr. Norbert was deceased, while another male, age 29, was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

The RTCIPF extends condolences to Mr. Norbert’s relatives and friends.

While at the scene of the homicide, officers received information shortly after 10 pm of an aggravated burglary in the area. A male victim had arrived home when he was accosted by two armed men who proceeded to rob him of valuables.

The armed suspects ran off and escaped.

Shortly after 2 am today (September 15), the Police Control Room received a report of a robbery at a restaurant in Kew Town. Reports are that three males, one of whom was armed with a firearm, approached employees as they were closing the establishment and robbed them of a black Honda Fit car.

The vehicle was recovered in Dock Yard on Monday September 16.

These incidents remain under active investigation as the RTCIPF intensifies its efforts against criminal elements.

We are asking anyone with information that may help in these investigations to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.