News
TCI: New name for prison says John Malcolm, South Caicos MP
#TurksandCaios, July 8, 2021 – The name of the prison in Grand Turk is changed from Her Majesty’s Prison to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In his presentation to the House of Assembly during the Budget Debate from June 29-June 30, Hon John Malcolm, the representative from South Caicos informed that anticipated is the completion of construction at the facility as it will end overcrowding.
The Yellow Wing, a minimum security section, will feature 24 new units. Overall, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Utilities and Transportation under which this department falls, will better recruit, adequately train, enhance security and review systems for a better run facility which is able, said Malcolm, to accomplish the goal of reducing the rate of recidivism.
Rehabilitation is what the department aims to deliver informed the member, who is working with the minister in this area. A recent tour revealed that not only are relations between the new superintendent and inmates more congenial, but there are successful, therapeutic programmes operational. Chicken, eggs and pigs are all part of the livestock farming programme at the Department; the report exciting the member, who is also a counsellor, Christian minister and one who has overcome substance abuse.
More new construction at the site is coming, so is a training manager and an educational center. In addition to these announcements, Hon Malcolm re-ignited talk on EMDs. Electronic Monitoring Devices as a tool to help in keeping track of ex-offenders has not been talked about for a decade in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but it seems the notion and its potential benefits are back on the table. It was in 2011 that the idea was tested in TCI, but the hype went flat as crime surged to distressing heights.
The Member from South Caicos, who will work with the newly re-named prison to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation unveiled the plan during his budget presentation. Hon John Malcolm said it is a more comprehensive approach which sets up for a decrease in recidivism.
The Member from South wants this to be coupled with a job placement program, he said, reducing even further the temptation of an ex-offender to participate in criminality.
An upgrade, he said in spending, will allow for this and other initiatives in the new fiscal year.
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation 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.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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