TCI News
Nassau Grouper off the menu for three months; policy has revived the fish population for TCI
#TurksandCaicos -December 4, 2020 – A policy implemented in 2016 is credited as helping to keep Nassau Grouper stocks healthy in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, DECR on Thursday reminded that the close season started on Tuesday, December 1 and reopens on Sunday, February 28, 2021.
It is an annual, three-month long ban on fishing which allows the tasty, meaty, warm-water fish time to spawn.
The Notice said: “During the closed season, any person who fishes for, purchases or is in possession of a Nassau grouper will be committing an offence that is punishable by a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment or both. The DECR is urging all fishers, restaurant owners, private residents and plant owners to ensure that no Nassau grouper remains in their possession as of Tuesday, December 1st, 2020.”
Turks and Caicos Reef Fund agrees the policy is, at the very least, partly the reason for the successful re-population of Nassau Grouper. The other may be the watchful eyes of a vigilant maritime community, which is fiercely protective – in most cases – of the pristine waters and habitats of Turks and Caicos.
Don Stark of the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund said nearly every dive expedition is decorated by the decorative fish and as many as two Nassau Groupers could make an appearance. Stark said it gives TCI diving distinction.
But there are still those who try to get away with catching a few Nassau Groupers during this closed season. The DECR in the 2019-2020 period nabbed just under a dozen fishermen out at sea and in port; they were found with small quantities of grouper which were confiscated and the fishers fined.
You can be a part of protecting the Nassau Groupers in Turks and Caicos waters. Report any contravention of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance Regulations to the DECR at 338.4170 or send emails to environment@gov.tc.
***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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