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TCI: Maybe more VICTIMS, Police arrest Salvation Army Captain for Child Rape

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#TurksandCaicos, May 30, 2021 – Police believe there may be more victims in the shocking child sex case against 47-year old Derrick Miller, who is the captain of the Turks and Caicos branch of the Salvation Army. 

Miller is in police custody and is facing two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 13, one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming and one count of sexual communication with a child. 

These are despicable charges levelled at the captain of one of the world’s most respected religious and community organizations.  In a media report issued on Friday, the Royal TCI Police Head of Crime and Public Protection, Superintendent Lisa Mitcheson called the matter extremely sensitive and complex and it is an ongoing investigation where it appears there may be more victims involved. 

“If this report affects you or someone you know in anyway, she says…. Please contact the Police without delay on 232-6696.”

Magnetic Media reached out to the board of the Turks and Caicos Salvation Army about the allegations and arrest of Miller, who hails originally from Guyana; Todd Foss responded with a statement.

“It has come to our attention that Derick Miller was arrested and charged by the TCI police and is currently being held in police custody. At this time, we are not aware of any further details regarding this matter and cannot comment on police business,” said he TCI Salvation Army Advisory Board statement, which went on to say, “The Caribbean Regional office of the Salvation Army has also been in contact with us regarding this situation and have informed us that they will be working with the police on this matter going forward.”

The arrest, where such serious allegations of the most reprehensible crimes against a child are alleged on a person entrusted to develop Christian values and build character, is likely to cast a very dark shadow over the Salvation Army. 

Miller has already been to court, said Police to be formally arraigned. 

“The RTCIPF take every report of child abuse very seriously and we urge all members of the community to report any concerns or suspicious activity to the police so that they can ensure that all children of the Turks and Caicos Islands are protected from harm”, said Superintendent, Lisa Mitcheson.

The Salvation Army Divisional Commander, Major Clarence Ingram will issue an additional statement to the media shortly. 

The number given by TCI Police to report this or any other crime against children is 649-232-6696.

Caribbean News

As Uncertainty Grows, Aquila Doubles Down on Destination Training

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Aquila Managing Partner Melanie Colpitts with Ed Limon, cofounder of Winged Whale Media, at Seatrade in Miami last month

Miami, Fl, May 12, 2025 – As the cruise tourism industry navigates global economic recalibration and rising geopolitical uncertainty, the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence is doubling down on its mission: training Caribbean destinations to deliver exceptional guest experiences, no matter the climate.

At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, Aquila Managing Partner Melanie Colpitts emphasized the growing importance of workforce development as a strategic advantage. “When travelers are more selective with their spending, it’s the destinations that consistently deliver excellence that will stand out,” said Colpitts.

With the energy on the show floor buzzing, Aquila led strategic conversations focused on future-proofing the Caribbean’s tourism product through long-term training investments. From cruise line executives to destination decision-makers, the message was clear: quality training pays off.

Aquila, a leading training partner for the cruise industry for more than 15 years, unveiled new initiatives at the conference, including immersive VR-based programs developed in collaboration with Winged Whale Media. The team activated a dynamic takeover of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) booth, hosting live demonstrations, mini-training sessions, and interactive activities that illustrated how technology can enhance both the visitor experience and community capacity.

Product development and sustainability were front and center in this year’s training dialogue. “Destinations want to build experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful and sustainable,” said Colpitts. “It’s about enriching the guest journey while protecting and celebrating the culture and communities that make the Caribbean so special.”

With global economic uncertainty on the rise, Aquila is urging destinations not to retreat but to double down on service delivery. “Even if arrivals dip, we must exceed expectations for guests. That kind of experience drives powerful word of mouth – and training is the foundation,” added Colpitts.

As the official training partner of the FCCA, Aquila remains committed to raising performance standards across the Caribbean and Latin America, equipping destinations with the skills and tools to compete – and win – on the global stage.

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Government

Governor Calls for Bold, Community-Led Policing in Crime Fight

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Providenciales, TCI Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has issued a strong call for data-driven, intelligence-led and community-based policing to combat rising crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In remarks delivered at the recent swearing-in of Commissioner Fitz Bailey, the Governor underscored the urgent need for reform, accountability and strategic collaboration across agencies and borders.

“Our response to crime must be strategic, data-driven, intelligence-led and collaborative—across agencies, across borders and above all, with the communities we serve,” the Governor said, addressing law enforcement officers and regional dignitaries.

She warned that criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, and that the TCI is at the “sharp end” of regional security threats. Against that backdrop, she outlined a vision for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as an institution rooted in fairness, strengthened by public trust, and driven by results.

“We must be unforgiving in our zero-tolerance approach to misconduct,” she added. “Wearing the badge must continue to be a source of pride, not of power or privilege.”

Governor Selvaratnam praised Commissioner Bailey for his record of modern, community-focused leadership and said his appointment marked a critical moment for the country’s law enforcement strategy. While the ceremony took place two weeks ago, her words continue to resonate amid ongoing public concern about violent crime and border security.

Quoting from the Bible and invoking the moral arc of justice, the Governor emphasized that effective policing must be grounded in integrity, humility and service.

With regional police leaders from Jamaica and The Bahamas in attendance, the event signaled a united front against shared threats—and a new chapter in the push for a safer, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Caribbean News

Haiti in Crisis: Children and Families Caught in the Crossfire of Gang Violence

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

 

Haiti, May 15, 2025 – Haiti is facing an escalating humanitarian catastrophe as gang violence continues to spread across the country, forcing tens of thousands to flee and placing children at immense risk. According to the United Nations, a recent spike in armed conflict in the Lower Artibonite and Centre Departments has displaced over 66,000 people in less than two weeks — including at least 15,000 children. The displaced now seek shelter in overcrowded rural zones or makeshift sites, where access to clean water, food, and basic healthcare is dangerously limited.

Between April 28 and May 3 alone, over 16,000 people fled their homes in Lower Artibonite, with families living in precarious conditions and reliant on emergency aid. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is leading coordination efforts to support national authorities in addressing priority needs. In response, UNICEF has deployed mobile clinics, delivering essential pediatric care and immunization services to nearly 2,000 people. Hygiene kits and nutritional support are also being distributed to prevent further deterioration of health conditions in displacement sites.

The situation for children is especially dire. Many are being exposed to or directly affected by violence, including forced recruitment into armed groups, sexual violence, and family separation. UNICEF and its partners are responding by establishing child-friendly spaces and delivering psychosocial support to more than 1,400 children. Specialized case management is underway, with at least 150 high-risk cases referred to protection services.

Despite these efforts, humanitarian needs far exceed current funding. The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan identifies over $44 million needed for child protection alone. Yet, to date, only about $68 million of the total $908 million required for the entire country has been secured—just 7 percent of the target. As Haiti braces for the approaching hurricane season, the urgent call for international support has never been more critical.

Haiti’s complex crisis—driven by gang control, political instability, and chronic underdevelopment—demands sustained global attention. Without swift, coordinated action, an entire generation risks being lost to violence, displacement, and neglect

PHOTO CAPTION:  © UNICEF/Herold Josep

Dozens of people displaced from the Haitian communes of Mirebalais and Saut-d’Eau attend hygiene awareness sessions in Boucan Carré.

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