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Bold Theft; were Police really siding with the Crook?   

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By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm

Editorial Staff

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 7, 2022 – The Professional Standards Team of the Royal TCI Police Force has opened an internal review of whether members of the Force carried out proper operating procedures in response to a robbery in progress report.

Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting in response to Magnetic Media questions confirmed that a complaint from a homeowner has, “raised concerns with how the matter has been handled and our professional standards team is looking into the issue.”

The matter about which the Commissioner is responding involves a homeowner in eastern Providenciales who, on CCTV camera, caught two men ripping him off; they were about to make off with all of his plywood.

His alarm system triggered the alert and brought him to the scene where he was able to block in the white flatbed truck which was without plates and appeared to be unlicensed as Police, who had already been called, were on their way.

Those CCTV cameras were installed after the man suffered a previous robbery. He could not prevent the escape of one of the suspects but the other, the truck driver, remained at the scene.

The Police arrived and the homeowner thought the incident would be wrapped up, a straight forward open and shut case, but he was sadly mistaken.

After one suspect ran off into bushes and got away, the driver who stayed behind made repeated requests that his truck be released to him.

The man, who had also issued the CCTV video to the Commissioner of Police explained to Magnetic Media that he lost confidence when the responding officers seemed to side with the ‘thieving’ driver of the truck.

Police said, according to the complainant, the man was merely the driver and should get his truck.

The CCTV video clearly shows two men brazenly loading, sheet by sheet, the plywood from a stack in the yard to the bed of the truck.

The home owner, who told us about the ordeal on Friday April 1, explained he had to remind Police about the video which clearly showed the driver was an accomplice and co-conspirator.

What would follow would be more missteps by Police including showing up late to take the homeowner’s statement at the Grace Bay police station and despite being warned, entering his homeowners property without his permission in another attempt to extract the truck

While they claimed it would make up evidence, the man demanded a court order and said he discovered that at the time, the CID was not even aware of the matter.

For the homeowner his other concerns were that the police seemed to be in league with the thief, that according to him the criminal investigation department was not more immediately alerted to the brazen theft and that officers easily ignored his right to privacy presenting no court order to remove evidence in an attempted theft caught on camera.

Additionally, at least one Police officer when asked by Pastor Pedro Williams, who was called to the troubling scene when an unauthorized wrecker was trying to pull the criminal’s truck out of the victim’s yard, was curt and disrespectful toward the well-known church leader.

“This is a story that needs to be brought to the public.  Not for me but for the public because the public needs to understand their rights. We need to understand when the police are overstepping their boundaries. If it was someone else, this situation would have gone differently because people see the uniform and a badge and they run scared.”

The homeowner is also calling upon Police to initiative an information campaign to make citizens more aware of their rights; detailing how Members of the Royal TCI Police are supposed to act and what they are allowed to do when tending to a crime scene.

“I am not out to say shame the Police I just want people to understand this is your right, you have authority…”

The Commissioner, in that reply to Magnetic Media informed there has been an arrest in the case.

The Police should go another step further and make this individual known to the general public by exposing his identify upon formal arraignment.

According to the homeowner who shared his story, due to the massive increase in the cost of building materials, theft of supplies has spiked and is plaguing his Community.

Africa

Rwanda and DRC Sign Historic Declaration of Principles in Washington

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Washington, D.C. – April 25, 2025 — In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda today signed a Declaration of Principles aimed at paving the way for peace, stability, and economic integration in eastern DRC. The ceremony, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant step forward in efforts to resolve longstanding tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the DRC, while Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed for Rwanda. They were joined by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos, and U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Troy Fitrell.

The signing ceremony builds on the efforts of the African Union and other regional leaders who have long sought to address the complex and often violent conflict in the Great Lakes region. The Declaration of Principles establishes a framework for restoring normal bilateral relations between Rwanda and the DRC, reinforcing commitments to sovereignty, territorial integrity, security cooperation, and regional economic development.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Secretary Rubio said. “The United States is honored to support Rwanda and the DRC as they take this courageous step toward lasting peace and shared prosperity.”

The Declaration outlines key areas of cooperation, including mutual recognition of each country’s sovereignty and established borders, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prohibition of interference in internal affairs. It emphasizes the urgent need to address security threats posed by non-state armed groups operating along the shared border and commits both governments to refrain from providing support to such groups.

To enhance security, the two nations agreed to explore the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at combating armed groups and criminal organizations. This cooperation is viewed as essential not only for stability but also for expanding legitimate trade and broader economic collaboration across the region.

In an ambitious economic vision, Rwanda and the DRC pledged to develop a phased regional integration framework, building on organizations like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC). They plan to link this framework with U.S.-supported investments in infrastructure, hydropower, mineral supply chain transparency, and national park management.

The Declaration also addresses the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict. Both countries committed to working with UN agencies to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

In addition, the two countries reaffirmed their support for the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO and other regional mechanisms, ensuring protection for civilians and facilitating the implementation of the principles outlined in the Declaration.

Finally, in alignment with ongoing initiatives such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes, the two governments committed to drafting an initial Peace Agreement by May 2, 2025. Any disputes arising from the draft will be addressed through a Foreign Minister-level meeting in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. State Department.

Signed in duplicate in English, today’s agreement marks a hopeful new chapter in Rwanda-DRC relations, offering a potential blueprint for peace and development across one of Africa’s most conflict-affected regions.

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Crime

Police Launch Homicide Investigation After Fatal Shooting in Blue Hills

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Photo by Eagle Legal News Media 

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 27, 2025 — The Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has launched an active homicide investigation following a deadly shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Blue Hills community.

Around 12:30 a.m., officers from the Tactical Unit, while on routine patrol, responded to reports of gunfire at Ralph Close Evangelic Yard. Upon arrival, they discovered the unresponsive body of a man lying behind a wooden apartment building, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The deceased has been formally identified as 43-year-old Fritznel Beliard, originally from Limbe, Haiti.  Authorities have extended condolences to Mr. Beliard’s family and friends as investigations continue.

According to preliminary findings, a group of individuals had gathered in the yard to socialize and play music when two armed men approached.  The gathering quickly dispersed, with people fleeing in different directions.  Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Beliard was found fatally wounded.

At this time, investigators have not established a clear motive for the attack and are keeping all possibilities open as they pursue leads.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force emphasized that a life was senselessly taken and appealed to the public for assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward,” a police spokesperson said.  “Your cooperation could be vital in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

Residents with any knowledge related to the incident are encouraged to contact their nearest police station, call 911, reach out directly to the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-800-8477.  Additionally, tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force assured the community that every effort is being made to swiftly solve this case and maintain public safety.

Authorities continue to canvass the area for witnesses and surveillance footage as the investigation remains ongoing.

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Caribbean News

Local Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine

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Turks & Caicos’ rising star continues to blaze trails on the global stage

Providenciales, TCI – Turks & Caicos native Selena Grant, 24, is making headlines once again—this time as the cover star for the April 2025 issue of Vigor Magazine, an international publication celebrated for spotlighting fashion, culture, and emerging talent from around the world.

Grant, who first captured national attention in May 2024 when she was crowned Miss One Nation TCI, has since built a reputation as one of the country’s most multifaceted young women. In the past year alone, she has claimed 1st Runner-Up titles in both the Miss Universe Turks & Caicos pageant and the international Miss Global International competition. Her success on the runway, however, is only part of her story.

A dedicated community activist, Selena has contributed to humanitarian causes across the Islands, working with organizations such as United Way and Edward C Garland Yoith Centre and other outreach efforts. She also lends her skills to the medical field, currently serving as a lab apprentice at InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands.

Now, as the face of Turks & Caicos Fashion Week 2025, Selena is once again flying the national flag high. But this cover moment is not hers alone—it’s a shared triumph with the renowned model , runway coach, designer and photographer Kaye Cox, who not only photographed but also styled, directed, and retouched the entire shoot.

“I was incredibly honored to work with Kaye on this project,” Selena shared. “She’s a creative powerhouse and visionary. From concept to execution, every detail was hers—and I’m just so proud we could bring this vision to life together.”

Shot on the iconic shores of Providenciales, the editorial captures the essence of island elegance with a bold, high-fashion twist. The visuals, rich with cultural pride and artistic depth, immediately caught the eye of Vigor editors and landed both women their well-deserved spot on the cover.

This feature is another major milestone in Selena’s journey and a celebration of the brilliant women behind the lens and in front of it.

This marks yet another milestone in Selena’s modeling career and underscores her continued role as a cultural ambassador for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

From the stage to the studio, from the lab to the pages of an international magazine, Selena Grant continues to prove that beauty, brains, and purpose can go hand in hand—with women like Kaye Cox right there capturing it all.

Congratulations, Selena !

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