News
Armed, ready to shoot if necessary; Royal TCI Police
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2022 – The Gun Amnesty is now extended beyond its March 31st deadline, arrests have been made in the Five Cays shooting and a new Police-led operation is activated after Five Cays lit up with at least three episodes or three days of rapid gun fire in a move by criminals which was so bold, so dangerous people are comparing the sounds in Five Cays to shelling heard when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Given by the Royal TCI Police Force Commissioner, Trevor Botting, an update where he started by saying Five Cays was terrorized by reckless criminals.
“In the last three days the community of Five Cays has been terrorized by dangerous criminals discharging firearms indiscriminately recklessly within the community. The actions of these young men have led to one shooting, the
victim of which remains in hospital in a serious condition. Whilst only one person, to our knowledge, has been shot, there has been a constant discharging of firearms within the tight residential community, a community that is in fear and a community that is paralyzed and unable to live their normal lives whilst this reckless and criminal behaviour continues,”
Ending days of silence on the shocking situation which first erupted on April 6 with a string of shots around 1 pm; the Commissioner commented on his outrage at how residents are in fear; paralyzed by it and unable to live their normal lives.
“The reasons for the rise in activity is no doubt due to a number of issues, drugs, disputes and reprisals between groups of men and the commission of crimes such as robbery,” said the Commissioner, addressing the potential motive for the shelling.
There has been no statement from the elected Government. Heavily criticised for her silence is Rachel Taylor, Member of Parliament for Five Cays.
“Now we’re in a neighbourhood where, you’re hearing gun shots right outside of your house. You’ve got to duck on the ground an’ t’ings hoping nothing don’t fly through your window, said Paula Arthur, vocal advocate and media personality.
“For the last three days, it clearly was a voted in representor for Five Cays, Mrs. Rachel Taylor. I’m not saying come in Five Cays and get in the middle of nothing, at least let’s hear your voice of comfort to the people who don’t having nothing to do with all this crap that going on in Five Cays.”
The Commissioner said his team was coming into the area.
“The current situation is simply not tolerable. Armed policing operations have been deployed in Five cays in
response to this situation, both to push back against the criminals carrying and discharging firearms but also to proactively target those who we know are responsible. In the early hours of today, 8 th April an armed operation was carried out by our Tactical Team against a targeted individual. He is in custody and a firearm, ammunition and evidence linking him to murder and other serious crime have been recovered,” advised Botting.
He said officers will use whatever force is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to protect themselves.
Officers have a clear mandate and a legal right to defend themselves, the public and their colleagues, if threatened. In policing we never want to use force, we want compliance with the law and common decent behavior. However, Officers will use whatever force is necessary to protect themselves and my message to those carrying firearms or terrorizing our communities is clear, if you pose a threat to the public or Police Officers we will respond with force including firearms. The choices you make, may have a consequence for you. Our utmost priority is to protect our public and we will do that uncompromisingly.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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