News

“Enormous” problem Curtailing Crime says Premier as TCI mourns murder of Alpheus Gardiner

Published

5 years ago

October 19, 2021

#TurksandCaicos, October 19, 2021 – It was important that the Premier spoke in a National Address on Saturday (October 16) about the very dark trend of the previous four days; two men, shot and robbed in broad daylight in parking lots in Providenciales by culprits who were masked, armed and trigger happy; the first man survived, the second man did not.

“Today, I feel compelled to come to you to bring you expressions of condolences. To the family to Alpheus Gardiner and indeed to all families who have been victims of crime, but especially murder and other violent crimes. This senseless loss of life must stop and it is my Government’s intention to ensure that it does. Alpheus Gardiner was a personal friend, he was also a teacher and spent many years as a Permanent Secretary. In short, he has made tremendous contributions to the life and progress of the people of these Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Washington Misick, Turks and Caicos Premier in a live social media broadcast from his Providenciales office.

He called Mr. Gardiner a personal friend who even in his retirement remained active in Turks and Caicos life.

“Mr. Gardiner a career public servant who dedicated over 40 years of service to the public service and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, joined the public service in 1971 as a Teacher at the Bottle Creek Primary School.

In 1977 he was promoted to the post of Principal of the Bottle Creek Primary School and in 1979 was appointed to the post of Primary School Advisor (Education Officer); a post he held for 3 years before being promoted to the post of Director of Sports in 1982.

In 1992 Mr. Gardiner was promoted to the post of Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Social Security; a post he held for 3 years before being assigned to the Ministry of Police and Prisons in 1995; Works and Utilities in 1997; Health and Social Services in 1999; Communication, Tourism, Transport, Immigration, Labour and Civil Aviation in 2001 and Development, Investment and Tourism in the Office of the Chief Minister in 2003,” informed a Turks and Caicos Islands Government release on the passing of the retired official.

Alpheus Gardiner, 68, died fighting for his life at hospital.

Reports are that he was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center after being shot in the abdomen by two masked and armed assailants who fled the scene in his white truck. The parking lot ambush happened around 10 a.m. on Thursday October 14, soon after Mr. Gardiner exited the Royal Jewels store at Arch Plaza on Leeward Highway.

The ambush and shooting of the prestigious retiree who resides in North Caicos, resulted in the country’s seventh homicide for 2021, and it took place mere yards away from the Office of the Premier.

TCIG also said: “In 2005 Mr. Gardiner rose to one of the highest ranks in the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service when he was appointed to the post of Establishment Secretary in the Office of the Chief Secretary which held the responsibility for the overall oversight and management of the public service of the Turks and Caicos Islands; a post he held for 2 years before his retirement in 2007.

In spite of officially retiring from the civil service in 2007, Mr. Gardiner continued to serve the public service and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in various capacities since his retirement, having served as a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public and Presiding Justice on the island of North Caicos as well as a former member of: the North Caicos District Administration Board; the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance; Education Advisory and Tourist Board and the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Commission, an appointment he recently held until August 2021.”

It was a mortifying crime report, the family in desperation summoned help from the Community requesting donations of blood. It was said scores of people showed up in support of the beloved North Caicos native.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like for you to remember him. Reach out where possible to support his family at this very vulnerable time for them,” said Premier Misick.

The Turks and Caicos Premier was supported in the presentation by H.E. Anya Williams, Acting Governor and Kendall Grant, Acting Commissioner of Police.

“In what may be described as a crisis, I understand that it is human nature for you to expect your premier to fix things and fix it fast. However, in a complex situation like the emerging pattern of violent opportunistic crime, familiar answers, and I am sure there are lots of them, might not work and could even be counter-productive; we have to allow the Police to do their job,” said Hon Misick in the address, “There is no off the shelf solution to the troubling challenges we face, with all the unknowns and uncertainties, we need to remind ourselves that we cannot change the past but we can and we should change how we perceive it and how we look to the future. Given the totality of the dynamics, the problem is enormous and all 40 thousand plus of us will have to work together to overcome it.”

The Premier wrapped this train of thought in a package familiar to islanders, another request to support the Royal TCI Police investigators with information on this or any other crime.

“We are our brothers’ keeper and when we have information that will lead to the solution of crime we must make sure it ends up in the right hands. But together we will get through this difficult period… My Fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders and Residents of this beautiful country, I am asking you to take care of each other and I am counting on you to do so.”

Residents who tuned into the national address said they expected more from the country’s leader, adding that he seems to be out of touch.

“It was a lot of mentioning of money, but there wasn’t any mention of the people of the islands getting help with these monies and that is what caused the death of this guy, day before yesterday was it and that is why the Filipino guy got shot. It was all about money. I will say it again, once money is on the streets, if the economy gets stimulated with money, you would not have none of this,” said a Providenciales man who believe another round of stimulus cash is overdue of the PNP Administration.

The first attack happened around 12:30 p.m. in the parking area of the Turtle Cove Marina, an employee of Mango Reef was shot. His vehicle was also stolen and fortunately, Gary James, a pastry chef at the restaurant survived his ordeal.

The pattern is tremendously disconcerting. No longer under the cover of darkness, but in the brilliance of the daylight, people are being targeted, perhaps even stalked and caught unawares by assailants who have demonstrated they have no regard for human life.

Though the head of Policing was in the room, the premier had no update on the suspects and no advice for residents. There was no report on security activities which would take place in order to possibly prevent further attacks, there was however another pronouncement of the financial investments in the force in recruitment, training, equipment and facilities.

“Your government has been proactive; we’ve made huge investments in security infrastructure some of which you’ve heard about in the past. Expansion to the police force strength from 320 to north of 350 (members); yesterday the 15^th October., the (acting) Commissioner swore in five detectives from the United Kingdom, with another 10 detectives to be sworn in over the next 60 days and in addition, the RTCIPF is recruiting 18 local officers. We are serious about fighting crime.”

The Premier credited the National Security nerve centre, inclusive of the National Security Council as being proactively engaged and driven to establishing a technologically advanced national security strategy and team.

“To demonstrate our seriousness in dealing with the matter, we intend to make Turks and Caicos one of the safest destinations I the world by leveraging our financial strength to do so.”

Crime

Human Trafficking Probe Revealed as Police Warn of Growing Teen Crime Concern

Published

13 minutes ago

June 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – A police briefing intended to update the public on crime trends in the Turks and Caicos Islands instead exposed what may be one of the most significant criminal investigations currently underway in the country.

When questioned about the June 14 shooting on Bible Street, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey revealed that the incident stemmed from an anti-human trafficking operation during which 12 women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by law enforcement.

“The officers were engaged in an anti-human trafficking operation… 12 females were rescued or victims of human trafficking were rescued, and they are in our care and that investigation is advanced,” Bailey told reporters.

The revelation stunned many who had linked the Bible Street shooting to other recent violent incidents, including the June 12 murder in Five Cays. However, the Commissioner indicated the confrontation was connected to the anti-human trafficking investigation, though he declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.

More than a week later, authorities continue to maintain that the investigation remains active. Magnetic Media has confirmed with police officials that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.

The Commissioner also sounded the alarm over what appears to be an emerging trend involving teenage boys and serious criminal activity. In discussing recent incidents, Bailey suggested that some young offenders are operating within organized criminal networks and warned that law enforcement alone cannot solve the growing problem.

“My experience tells me that once they reach a threshold it is very difficult to bring them back,” Bailey said. “The social agencies will have to get involved. We have to find a way to reach these unattached youth and to engage them and to create that positive reinforcement in their life.”

Despite those concerns, Bailey reported that overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to trend sharply downward.

According to police statistics presented at the briefing, murders have fallen from 13 at this point last year to just one in 2026, representing a 92 percent reduction. Attempted murders have fallen by 100 percent, kidnappings by 75 percent, robberies by 34 percent, aggravated burglaries by 22 percent, firearm possession offences by 50 percent and incidents involving the discharge of firearms by 85 percent. Police reported that nearly every major category of serious crime has declined compared to the same period last year.

The lone murder recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2026 occurred on June 12 in Five Cays. While no arrest has been made in that case, the Commissioner indicated that investigators believe they know who is responsible.

“I am convinced and I am positive that the perpetrator is a teenager,” Bailey stated.

The press conference was held at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.

Crime

Rape Only Major Crime Category to Increase in Turks and Caicos

Published

12 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – While nearly every major category of serious crime is trending downward in the Turks and Caicos Islands, police statistics reveal one troubling exception: rape.

Speaking during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Providenciales, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey reported a five percent increase in rape cases compared to the same period last year, making it the only major crime category to record an increase in 2026.

The increase comes as police celebrate dramatic reductions in murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, robberies and firearm-related offences.

However, Bailey cautioned that the statistics surrounding rape cases are often more complex than they initially appear.

Responding to a question from the media, the Commissioner explained that some complainants report rape but later choose not to support police investigations. In other cases, the alleged offender is known to the complainant, creating additional challenges for investigators.

“We have some of those reports where persons make allegations which have not been proven because they will come and say they have been raped, but they do not support an investigation,” Bailey explained.

The Commissioner stressed that police are required to document and investigate all reports made to law enforcement, regardless of whether a complainant later decides not to proceed.

“Once you make a report, we have to record it and we have to fulfil our obligation,” he said.

Bailey also noted that in many reported cases, the alleged perpetrators are individuals known to the complainants.

While acknowledging that some reports may ultimately not result in charges or convictions, the Commissioner emphasized that every allegation must be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

The figures underscore an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and social service agencies as the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to work toward reducing violence and protecting vulnerable members of the community.

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos wrapped up another successful Provo Men’s Premier League season

Published

6 days ago

June 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.

The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.

Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.

“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”

Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.

Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”

Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.

“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress of the league.

“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”

The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.