#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 10, 2020 – Approved and widely supported in the House of Assembly is the historic establishment of a Turks and Caicos Islands regiment.
The Defence Bill made a whirlwind trek through House of
Assembly proceedings with first, second and third readings of the Bill
completed and the measure passed into law within one day; that day was Tuesday
December 8, 2020.
“Thank you very much honourable Attorney General, QC, for
yet another piece of landmark legislation; a Defence Bill, for your preamble in
committing it to the floor for debate,” said Hon Dwayne Taylor, Speaker of the
House.
Premier Sharlene Robinson informed that a compelling report turned
over the British outlined the serious national security concerns of the Turks
and Caicos, including details on the surge in illegal migration and possible
people, drug and gun trafficking happening in and around the islands via the
illegal sloops. The UK Foreign and
Commonwealth Office responded with a Security Needs Assessment and several key
visits from a Border Team and the UK Ministry of Defence.
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“I want to thank the Governor who in the last year or so,
with his national security background, would have helped to push a lot of these
initiatives that were slowing moving along with a little more speed. We stand with a strengthened arm, another
initiative in the protection of our borders,” said the premier in her
contribution to the Defence Bill, which was laid by the Attorney General.
It is the first time modern Turks and Caicos will have its
own military branch of law enforcement which as the Governor’s appointed
member, John Phillips pointed out gives opportunity for elevation.
“I think it is a
great thing for the islands. I think it
is wonderful that we’ve matured to this stage where we will have our own border
security force and we will have somewhere for the cadets to look forward to
going,” said Phillips in his comments.
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The TCI Cadet Corps will come under the command of the new
unit where all recruits will have to undergo military training before joining
and that training continues annually.
The TCI Regiment is charged with marine border security and
its first staff members have already been hired including its commanding
officer, Lt Col. Ennis Grant.
The bill also enjoys the support of the Opposition PNP, with
one glaring caution expressed as a need to ensure there is equity in the
recruitment or hiring of who staffs the regiment.
Opposition member and shadow minister for Youth, Akierra
Misick said: “I have one little concern
there; the ‘and British citizen’. So the
reason why I have that concern there Mr. Speaker is not that I dod not
appreciate the support we get from England and Wales and the United Kingdom,
what I hope does not happen is that when we are recruiting these 40, as the
attorney general has indicated, that a big old plane come from somewhere up the
road lands at the Providenciales International Airport with 39 people on it
from a certain place. I want to see a lot more people that look like you and I
Mr. Speaker,” aid the Member for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon Akierra Missick.
The regiment will
allow individuals currently employed to join, between the ages of 18 and 50
years old.
“I think it is also important that we as a community provide the regiment with support and respect. As employers, we should encourage those employees who wish to join. I look forward to the time when membership on the regiment is seen as a positive on any job application and I hope that in the future the regiment can attract some of our young men and perhaps provide an alternative to the gang activities that some get caught up in,” shared Josephine Connolly in her comments on the bill.
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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.
The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.
The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.
These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.
“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”
The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.
This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.
North Caicos
The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.
Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.
Middle Caicos
EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”
The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.
Blue Hills
For further information, please contact:
Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc
12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.
The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.
Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.
The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.
Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.
The DECR would like to urge the public to always be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances