News
Rehabilitation needs more serious work, South Caicos Member fed-up with on Recidivism
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 14, 2022 – More needs to be done to rehabilitate incarcerated islanders according to Rev. John Malcolm, the Member for South Caicos, who was speaking in a passionate address to the House of Assembly on May 25.
The representative from South Caicos rebuked what he described as the inaction in regards to the prison system in the Turks and Caicos.
“I am like the rest of the country also concerned about the rise in crime, there are several factors contributing to crime, one of them in my opinion is the state of our prisons. I am convinced that our prisons are a breeding ground for criminals.”
He explained that with the expertise gained from working as the Director of the National Drug unit and his understanding of the prison mindset he had created a plan years ago to address the state of the prisons.
Malcolm said he had pitched it to several officials including the then Governor and police officials but received no positive response.
“First of all Mr. Speaker the plan calls for a restructuring of the prison, recruiting in psychologists and psychiatrists, this will enable the prison to do profiles for all of the inmates as well as some of the wardens…many of them have psychological problems and developmental problems that are not being addressed so we see young men going into prison and coming out worse than they went in.”
The plan also included a comprehensive works program that would revive the block making facility in the prison and provide job placement for inmates when they left the facility
“Some of them have carpentry skills, put them to work making furniture…Some of them are very artistic to put them to work so they can find an outlet for their art the Grand Turk cruise center is an outlet for TCI art
Other aspects of the plan included remedial learning, mentorship and skills training, matching prisoners with the electricians, plumbers, and others so that they would have a skill upon exit of the prison.
While admitting that the plan might need some fine-tuning to fit the present day he challenged the Government to try this as nothing else was being done.
Hon Malcolm, who is a certified counsellor of substance dependent individuals pointed to recidivism or a return to illegal activity as a contributor to the ongoing high instances of crime.
Bu there was a response from the Government in defence of the prison’s rehab program.
Premier Washington Misick replied to Malcolm’s appeal and said while some prisoners continued to make mischief behind bars, healthy reintegration into society was the Government’s ultimate goal and they were already working towards achieving it.
The Premier described several of the programs already activated for prisoners on the islands.
“On the issue of prisons a lot has been done and it’s not something that has just started. Accommodation training and Mental and Physical health are being addressed…We have one prisoner working full time on a day release. We have two working at the Governor’s residence for are currently working part-time at the national museum, 6 prisoners working on the prison farm, three prisoners working on the ‘A stitch in time’ workshop, 25 prisoners working on internal administrative goals, and four prisoners working in the kitchen.”
The Premier noted that there was in fact an education program in progress along with the Chance for Change program.
Opposition leader, Edwin Astwood in his speech was so moved by Malcolm’s passion that he vowed to use a private members motion to lobby for the implementation of the plan.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
