News
Turks & Caicos Islands Cabinet Report
#TurksandCaicos, March 19, 2021 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 3rd meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 10 March 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk. All members were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Were updated on the state of the nation and discussed measures to further address and mitigate against any escalation of Coronavirus (Covid-19) including increased testing of front line staff, administration of vaccines and a review of existing protocols.
· Approved funding for the hire of additional staff at Cheshire Hall Hospital (Providenciales) and consumables to increase the provision of dialysis care for a period of 12 months in light of rise in demand during the Covid-19 pandemic. Members also discussed health care provision by InterHealth Canada more broadly.
· Were informed on options for expanding the administration of the Covid-19 Vaccine into the communities through the use of mobile clinics, vaccination drive-throughs and home vaccinations in the case of persons who cannot move.
· Approved a phased approach for the resumption of organized sports within the Turks and Caicos Islands, beginning with a return to training for TCIFA and the CARIFTA teams (phase one) with effect from 11 March 2021.
· Approved the drafting of a bill to vest ownership of TCIG sports and recreation facilities and parks in the TCI Sports Commission for their management, preventative and corrective maintenance, control and development.
· Approved the issuance of a revenue line for the TCI Sports Commission, allowing it to collect its own revenue.
· Approved the removal of the Turks & Caicos Islands Status card issuance fee and waiving of replacement fee for a period of three months with effect from 11 March 2021.
· Approved the implementation of a Fraud Policy document as a working document within the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services coming into effect on 1 April 2021.
· Approved final draft versions of the following documents for referral to the UK for final approval:
a) an Agreement between the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for cooperation among certain law enforcement activities (“the Shiprider Agreement”) and
b) a Memorandum of Understanding on Technical Cooperation on Border Control between the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
· Were updated on parliamentary procedures and practices being adopted by the incoming government and elected members, and discussed new roles and responsibilities under consideration.
· Were updated on the recent landfall of irregular migrants and discussed further work required to mitigate sloop arrivals and address the presence of other illegal persons currently in TCI.
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – Officers from the Serious Crime Unit (SCU) of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have made a breakthrough following boat thefts in the TCI.
On May 19, 2024, FARIDSON JEAN BAPTISTE, a Haitian national, was charged with the following offences:
- Theft of TCI boat Marauder
- Theft of TCI boat Jupiter
- Theft of TCI boat Team Baja
- Handling Stolen Goods
- Assisting Illegal Entry into the TCI
Mr JEAN BAPTISTE was initially detained on April 5 th 2024, while attempting to enter the TCI on a high-powered boat that was reported stolen. At the time of the interception, thirty (30) irregular migrants were being transported.
Mr JEAN BAPTISTE remains in custody pending a court date. The arrest and subsequent charges against Mr Jean Baptiste follow a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation by the SCU and the Haitian National Police.
These investigations resulted in the recovery of boats and other property stolen from the TCI, which were retrieved from several locations in Haiti.
The recovered property has an estimated value of over $1.2 million.
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force conducted joint road operations alongside the TCI Border Force on May 13th and 16th, 2024, focusing on crime reduction, illegal migration, and road safety.
These efforts aimed to ensure compliance with Road Traffic regulations and yielded significant results. During these operations, THIRTY-EIGHT (38) individuals were detained for immigration violations, and SIXTY-SIX (66) were reported for traffic offences. For April and May 2024, overall joint operations have resulted in ONE HUNDRED and TWENTY (120) persons detained for immigration purposes, and ONE HUNDRED and NINETY-NINE (199) reported for traffic violations.
Acting Inspector Damian Mitchell emphasised the interconnectedness of road traffic compliance, crime, and illegal migration.
He stated, “These operations focus on addressing each critical area.”
Division B and Community Policing head Superintendent Dwight Gardiner noted a general increase in public compliance with traffic regulations during the first quarter of the year.
Superintendent Gardiner encouraged road users to adhere to all aspects of the law, stating, “Let us all strive to keep our roads safe for everyone and reduce crime in our communities. Adhere to the rules of the road. Thanks to our law enforcement partners and you, members of the public.”
Motorists are especially urged to comply with regulations regarding vehicle window tints. Violations carry a substantial penalty of $250 per window.
The RTCIPF and TCI Border Force thank the public for their cooperation and continued efforts to maintain safety and order on the roads.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – An undocumented Haitian male, aged 20, faces charges related to gang activity and firearms.
He was apprehended along with others in a small blue car in front of Sunny Foods Supermarket on South Dock/Five Cays Road on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2024. Providing the name JAMES SIMON to the police, he was accompanied by a 16/17-year-old (name withheld) who faces charges of unlawful entry.
The accused is charged with illegal possession of a Black Glock 44 (serial number AEBE402) containing 10 rounds of 22LR ammunition on South Dock/Five Cays Road, Providenciales.
Additionally, he is alleged to be one of three individuals involved in a morning robbery at 809 or Chances, Blue Hills, Providenciales. The robbery, captured on video, involved the gunpoint theft of a female’s white handbag containing $799.00.
He has been remanded until the next sufficiency hearing on July 7th, 2024. Appearing in court on Monday, May 13th, he was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson.
He was arraigned on the following charges:
- Gang membership
- Robbery
- Possession of a firearm for the benefit of a gang
- Possession of ammunition for the benefit of a gang
- Unlawful entry
- Possession of a firearm
- Possession of ammunition
Both individuals are Creole-speaking.
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