News
Statement from Mr Trevor Botting, Commissioner of Police
#TurksandCaicos, March 17, 2022 – “I am addressing you after a period of five days, from Friday 11th March, when the Turks and Caicos Islands experienced an unacceptably high number of serious and violent crimes across Providenciales. This level of violence, perpetrated by young men has left a trail of tragedy across these beautiful islands that is unacceptable in any civilized society.
On Friday 11th March, there were four robberies across four different locations within a period of 90 minutes, the first at 8:14pm in The Village, in Grace Bay where 4 armed men stole from 2 victims. No injuries were caused and no shots were fired. At 8:42pm a female was parked in the area of Glass shack when three men armed with a hand guns demanded cash.
The victim was unhurt and no shots were fired. At 8:43pm there was a robbery at Sunny Foods. It was reported that shots were fired but no one was injured. The offenders made off with cash from the store. The fourth offence took place on Friday 11th March at 9:46pm, when a robbery was reported on Lazy Eight Lane, Venetian Road. 3 victims were approached by armed men and had cash and other property stolen. No shots were fired and there were no injuries. Sunday 13th March, saw the shooting of 2 young men on Providenciales.
Both of these separate attacks are believed to have been targeted on the individuals involved rather than as part of the commission of another offence. Such incidents seem to be motivated by revenge or retribution between groups of young men or even within criminal groups often, over minor disputes. Such acts are ruining young lives on the TCI and have no place in our society.
These young men have to find another way to live their lives rather than through violence and guns. I am appealing to them directly to stop the cycle of violence, a cycle that makes you more likely to die a violent death, a cycle that will ultimately result in spending most of your life in prison and a cycle that is causing death and misery to others.
I am also appealing to those people who are close to these young men, I am asking you to plead with them to stop the violence and take a different path before they too end up being shot and killed in the very cycle of violence they are perpetuating.
The first shooting occurred early in the morning around 8am, a 28-year-old man attended at the hospital with gunshot wounds. It is believed that this incident took place in the Dock Yard area. The victim is currently in a stable condition. Later, during the evening of Sunday at about 8.30 pm, a 27-year-old man attended at hospital with a gunshot wound. The circumstances in relation to this incident are unclear however, it is believed that this incident was not part of the commission of another offence, it was targeted towards victim himself.
Three murders have tragically occurred over the last 5 days. Three senseless deaths caused by criminals who have no right to have a place in our communities and they must be held accountable and be brought to justice. On Saturday 12th March just after 8am, 911 received a call in relation to a shooting at the dump site, Millennium Highway. Police attended to find that a 48-year-old man had been shot during a robbery where he had cash stolen from him.
The man was taken to hospital where he had emergency surgery. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the medical team the man succumbed to his injuries on Monday 14th March.
Later on Saturday, at about 6pm the Police Control Room received information that a man had been shot at a location behind Mary Jane Lane, Blue Hills. Upon attendance police discovered the body of a man who was declared dead by medical staff having been shot. Whilst the investigators have an open mind to the motive for this murder, it is believed that this man was involved in very serious criminality and his shooting was a targeted attack by a person known to him as an act of revenge or retribution.
The third murder was just last evening. Just after 9pm a man was shot during what was believed to be a robbery in the area known as the Well, just off South Dock Road. The murder last evening was as senseless and barbaric an act as you can imagine; a man who posed no threat to the armed criminals who were seeking to rob and terrorize him shot him for no reason whatsoever, a cold hearted and hideous act of violence. So far in 2022, there have been 4 murders. This is a terrible and tragic start to the year for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
My officers are working tirelessly to investigate these crimes and other officers are undertaking operations, some overt and some covert to identify the offenders and bring them into custody. In the last few days, our operations have led to the seizure of firearms and other evidence that we believe are connected to serious and violent crimes.
We know that you, our communities are fearful but I want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to take these criminals off the streets of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As always, we need your help, if you know anything, no matter how small tell us. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers, you won’t need to leave your name and we won’t know who called but we will get the information you leave.
We also are in the middle of a gun amnesty.
You may be financially compensated for handing over a gun. Work with us to get these criminals and their guns off the streets of the Turks and Caicos Islands. They do not belong in our communities. Finally, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones and friends of those who have died in the recent attacks and those who have been injured.
Make no mistake, as a Force we feel the weight of the responsibility to keep our communities safe and we are under pressure, but we remain focused, steadfast and committed in hunting down the criminals who are causing so much misery to our communities.
Thank you, and my God bless you and these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks
When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?
Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.
Should you sleep in a bra?
Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.
“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”
But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.
Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you
Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.
Lessens breast pain
Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
- Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
- Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
- Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
- Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
- Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight
“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”
A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.
Protects lactating breasts
If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:
- Holds nursing pads in place
- Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
- Reduces nipple chafing
- Supports the structure of your breasts
Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.
Prevents fungal infections
Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.
“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also
covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”
Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.
Reduces nipple irritation
Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:
- Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
- The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
- A sleep bra that’s too loose
Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.
Helps with recovery after surgery
It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:
- Decrease fluid collection
- Minimize pain
- Hold gauze and drains in place
“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”
Diminishes stretch marks
Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.
“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”
Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on
Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.
Causes skin irritation and infection
A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:
- Dirty
- Too tight
- Too loose
Restricts circulation
“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”
Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.
Tips for wearing a bra to bed
If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.
For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:
- Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
- Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
- Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
- Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.
Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
