News
TCHTA Calls for Swift Collective Action in the Fight Against Crime
#TurksandCaicos, April 14, 2022 – Through its Advocacy and Crime & Security Committees, the TCHTA has maintained regular communications with leaders of the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force team with a view to lend assistance where possible in the collective fight against crime in our country.
During a recent meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Trevor Botting, the association was given an in-depth overview of the country’s current crime statistics, and the comprehensive initiatives the RTCIPF has launched to curb the pervasive uptick in crime that is infiltrating our communities.
Despite the positive steps being taken by the RTCIPF, there has been an appalling increase in brazen acts of crime over the last few months which have begun to paralyze the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Daily, there are cries from the community for swift resolution and firm action against the criminal element. Sadly, these cries are muffled by reports of shootings, aggravated burglaries, crime sprees, and murders.
These flagrant acts of crime have continued amid an ongoing Gun Amnesty, giving evidence to the fact that the criminal element residing amongst us do not seek to live within the confines of the law and are not fearful of the fallout from their crimes. This does not bode well for our society.
The TCHTA joins the community in the appeal for swift, firm, and immediate action against this building problem. The effects of crime on our society are far-reaching. It incites fear amongst the population, economical and psychological long-term damage, and harm to social peace and development which are critical to any nation. In a society as small as ours, our socio-economic health is at risk against a scourge such as this.
In a recent statement, Commissioner Botting declared that “Such acts are ruining young lives in the TCI and have no place in our society”. The TCHTA wholeheartedly agrees and affirms its commitment to partnering with the RTCIPF in whatever way the organization is allowed.
President of the TCHTA, Mr. Trevor Musgrove shared, “We are pleased to have an excellent channel of communication between the association and the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force executive team. Commissioner Botting is always very forthcoming and works closely with our Crime & Safety Committee Chairs, Tappa Tibble and Todd Foss, sharing updates and providing answers to queries as best as possible within reason.
“Unfortunately, we have seen more brazen acts of crime displayed over these past few months which is of great concern. Though we represent the members of the TCHTA and hospitality professionals, crime does not only pose a threat to the stability of the tourism industry but can swiftly erode the very fiber of our communities if left unchecked and untethered.”
“Residents of this country should feel safe in their homes, moving about their communities, and operating their businesses, and we must not allow the fearless criminal element to gain confidence that they have the power or freedom to victimize and terrorize law-abiding citizens.”
Sadly, victimization and fear have been recurring themes in our communities recently, and residents are left wondering how much longer they will be terrorized by these abhorrent acts.
In a recent informational video, the Superintendent of Divisions and Community Policing, Dwight Gardiner, told the public that members of the RTCIPF are the “stewards of security” for the country. The association is encouraged by the push for strong Community Policing as the police team battles the “serious crimes, firearm related offences, and long-standing issues of re-offending” that the Superintendent says are some of the prevalent challenges we are faced with in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The association hopes for a wider approach to tackling the underlying issues that are at the root of these inexcusable acts. Commissioner Botting has referred to what is being experienced in TCI as a “cycle of violence”, and that the young men in our society “have to find another way to live their lives rather than through violence and guns”.
The TCHTA believes that not only do we need to act collectively to protect law-abiding citizens, but there must also be a grand push to save our youth from being enticed into a life of crime by those who seek to recruit more of our promising young men and women, robbing them of their bright futures. The organization’s Educational Committee and Directors who are already engaged in mentorship initiatives are hopeful for the opportunity to assist the RTCIPF in this vein.
The February and March Turks & Caicos Crime Updates released by the Police have included statements from Commissioner Botting that speak of a “trail of tragedy across these beautiful islands that is unacceptable in any civilized society”. This particular statement came on the heels of a 5-day period where a high volume of serious and violent crimes was committed across Providenciales including armed robberies, shots fired at a business establishment, the shooting of two young men, and the murders of three individuals bringing the murder count in early March 2022 to four.
More recently, shots fired in broad daylight in a densely populated area of Turks & Caicos has caused heightened concern by residents as fears rise in the wake of these alarming incidents. It is clear that our response to crime as a community must be as vociferous as the unabashed acts being perpetuated by these unlawful individuals.
The TCHTA sincerely applauds the bravado shown by members of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and the commitment of these men and women who are put in the line of fire daily to protect and serve our communities.
The association is also encouraged by the RTCIPF’s long-term crime-fighting plans that are forward-thinking and will position our Police Force to provide a more sophisticated and aggressive approach to curbing crime in the long-term.
Initiatives like the recent Gun Amnesty are a positive move toward ridding our communities of the tools used by offenders, and the TCHTA is pleased that the RTCIPF has extended the term for the program.
The organization encourages its members as well as stakeholders and residents to move collectively and collaboratively to give any assistance possible to stem the surge in the immediate, as the Police team works to implement those long-term solutions that will position us for the future.
The TCHTA reminds those at the helm that the association is eager to partner in this fight, if allowed, and firmly believe that any efforts moving forward will only see success if the visions and actions of all stakeholders are aligned as we push toward a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to ridding our country of these senseless and debilitating crimes.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
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