News
Commissioner Trevor Botting speaks to Grand Turk, following another destructive fire
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
#TurksandCaicos, February 2, 2022 – The community of Grand Turk has been dealing with the issue of homes, business and historical buildings being set on fire for many years, in fact, over the last two decades the culture of setting fires on Grand Turk has never been properly addressed and it shows no signs of abating. I have heard of many instances where for a number of year’s persons would set fires on the Island for no purpose and at great cost to the feeling of safety on Grand Turk. 
Of course, the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, will do everything within its’ powers to identify those responsible and, where there is evidence, charge and prosecute, we will be relentless in following this course of action.
The prevention and detection of crime is a priority of policing and always will be, however it should also be the priority for everybody. The instances of fires over such an extended period demonstrates clearly that this is a deep rooted societal issue, a culture of Grand Turk that needs the help of everybody to address.
Whilst I know I am not very popular when I say that crime is everybody’s issue, the fact is and always will be, that it is. People on Grand Turk know who is setting these fires, I would go so far as to say that there are people on Grand Turk who could provide the evidence we need to lock up those responsible for these wanton and destructive acts that are blighting the communities of Grand Turk and putting people and businesses in danger. If I am referring to you, if you know something you have a moral duty to tell us. If you don’t, you are being part of the problem. Now is the time to do something. now is the time to speak up and tell us what you know. Together, we can make a very real difference to the safety and security of the Grand Turk Communities by tackling the root cause and culture of this issue.
Let me be clear, so I am not misunderstood, I and my senior leadership team, together with the rest of the Force feel the weight of responsibility in keeping our communities safe and we will do all we can to do that, we know that it is our job but it’s a job we need to do in collaboration with our partner Government Agencies, our community partners and our communities. Working together is the only way we can deal with crime and the causes of it to build safer communities.
For our part, the RTCIPF is committed to working with our communities and the Community Policing programme will be further rolled out during 2022. This will include a school’s program to engage with our youth and dedicated community officers to ensure that we can listen and understand the concerns of our communities. For Community Policing to be successful we need the engagement of you, the people within our communities.
To drive forward the policing on Grand Turk, we have appointed two officers to key posts on the Island. Assistant Superintendent Franklyn Thomas is the new Divisional Commander and he is directly responsible for policing on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay. It is his job to be visible and available to the local community so he can understand the concerns of the Community. In addition, a brand new Superintendent Post has been put in place
with Dwight Gardiner filling that role. Supt Gardiner will be responsible for delivering community Policing across the TCI and he has overall responsibility for Community and response policing. The creation of this new post and the appointment of Supt Gardiner demonstrates our commitment to our communities and our commitment to build a safer place for the people of the TCI and those who visit.
These officers take up their posts today and the Deputy Commissioner and I are meeting with them this morning to discuss what is needed for Grand Turk. I am very confident that the community will see a change to policing on Grand Turk and I am asking you to support them, engage with them and tell us your concerns.
In the immediate future, a community meeting is being arranged for tomorrow by the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent Gardiner.
As you would expect, I have been in conversations with the Governor and the Government as we seek to build together a unified and sustainable solution to this problem and I know there is a determination within us all to make this happen.
We know you are concerned about the issue of arson on Grand Turk, we are focused and determined to bring those to justice but to get to effect sustained change, we need you to work with us. There is clearly a damaging culture of arson and fire setting and this has been the case for a long time. It’s imperative that we now work together to deal with this long standing issue and bring a feeling of safety back to Grand Turk.
May god continue to bless you and these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an
electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.
Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.
During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.
“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to
happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.
Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.
Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”
Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to
support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”
Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise
Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.
Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.
Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.
The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.
At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.
For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.
The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff. The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.
Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.
Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.
Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.
Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire
month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.
Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.
“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.
For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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