News
Residents want resignation; Police Commissioner calls for patience
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 22, 2022 – After waves of angry messages, posts and the revival of a petition calling for the resignation of the Royal TCI Police Commissioner Trevor Botting, he was asked the question about letting go of the post, to allow someone else to step in.
“I get why they want me to go but if they think that will fix it I think they’re misguided. But I understand, everyone is entitled to their view. I am in public office and that’s absolutely fine,” said Mr. Botting as guest Tuesday on Financially Speaking, which is aired on Radio Turks and Caicos and hosted by Drexwell Seymour.
The Commissioner acknowledged the public’s concern and noted that their concerns were also police concerns.
Saying, “I am asking for a couple of things; patience while we build the capability. The force is building a very strong capability that is going to go way beyond my time here and we’ve got a very strong leadership developing.”
He noted that they have been very well supported by the Public despite everything, acknowledging the issues with 911 he said, “I know there’s been well documented issues… When someone called in and they didn’t get the best service but don’t let that deter you. Tell us what you know and we will do our absolute most to develop that.”
About 24 hours later, the Commissioner engineered his own independent statement to the nation. In the ‘vlog’ he provided an update on the recent crime spree.
Between April 8 through 16, Police recovered six illegal firearms, drugs and ammunition.
- Gun and Drug Crimes
One of the guns was found on Saturday, April 9 in downtown Provo after reports of shooting.
On the 11th a woman was arrested on suspicion of keeping firearms and ammunition. One gun was recovered in that operation along with jewelry and cash.
On the same day, Canadian citizen David Lit was charged after entering and being found with a quantity of marijuana at the PLS airport. Lit had briefly escaped custody but surrendered, accompanied by an attorney.
On the 15th after robbery reports were made a vehicle was intercepted along Leeward Highway and another gun and ammunition was found.
- Two men were arrested in that incident.
And on April 16th, a 45-year-old was arrested after he attempted to leave the country with cocaine and marijuana as well as an illegal firearm.
The crime wave has come crashing down on the Turks and Caicos Islands in its busiest hour; tourism has never been better and guests were not exempt in the brazen armed robberies and assaults.
On Tuesday at least one person was arrested in Long Bay and blue Hills; search warrants were executed for those same areas on Wednesday said Botting.
In all matters, information was not lavishly doled out. Just splashes of insight which for TCI is more frustrating than helpful.
- Arson
Along with the violence confrontational crime erupting in Providenciales, the trend of arson has struck again this time not only in Grand Turk.
Police are investigating that fire on Bambarra Beach which resulted in as many as four tiki beach huts being destroyed and a boat was set on fire later.
In Grand Turk, prison officers are being targeted. So far said the Commissioner, there have been reports of three cars torched on purpose.
“Attacks on law enforcement and colleagues from the prison will simply not be tolerated. Someone on Grand Turk knows who set these fires and if that is you, and you don’t come forward, you are part of the problem. Now is not the time to be passive, name the criminals, don’t let them hide amongst you,” Botting said.
By now, residents are exhausted at the promises which amount to being unfruitful. The legacy is the same, outflow of information is kept at a slow and low pace, which public distrust and trial losses and non-convictions soar.
The petition, which resurfaced on the Easter holiday weekend, has 103 who have signed agreement for the Trevor Botting, who climbed the ranks from Deputy Police Commissioner to be replaced as the Police Commissioner with someone from the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
