News
TCI struggles with HIGH LOSS RATE in Court, last week it cost the country over $500,000
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 27, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos islands have had to pay over $550,000 dollars this week alone to settle court fees in immigration cases where convictions were not secured.
The latest case is of seven Sri Lankans who entered the islands illegally in October 2019 but were held in a detention center and then a hotel for nearly a year in poor conditions with barely the bare necessities, which the attorney general’s chambers admitted was illegal as the men had applied for political asylum.
They were awarded over $75,000 each; $200 dollars per day for all 320 days of detention.
Another case earlier this week regarding Carmen and Harry Turbyfield , who were detained despite being legal status holders cost the government $35,000 dollars. 
A lack of due diligence in the case of both detentions resulted in the verdicts.
The Attorney General had no room for defense in the face of both of these botched detentions and were forced to admit wrongdoing on behalf of the government which caused the over $575,000 dollar payouts.
The issue of due diligence affects criminal cases as well, albeit in a separate way as the treatment of witnesses often results in the prosecution unable to make a case.
Police commissioner Trevor Botting mentioned the need to improve the judicial system in an interview earlier this year and in January Director of Public Prosecutions Eugene Otuonye, QC concurred with that statement. He said in 2021, at the Supreme Court alone 43 prcent of the cases in the system could not proceed to trial mostly because of the unavailability of witnesses and victims.
During that speech Otuonye lambasted the lack of due diligence in reached to witnesses and commented on what he described as ‘a bane to the justice system. He chastened those responsible for what he described as “The neglect and disregard of the interest of victims and witnesses, especially vulnerable witnesses by the TCI Justice System which has brought the justice system to disrepute.”
Though a witness protection system has been set up the treatment of witnesses and the gathering and handling of evidence is a problem on varying sides of the justice system which continues to cost the country in monetary losses as well as the erosion of trust in the justice system’s ability to convict.
Turks and Caicos, May 20, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) officially welcomed the deployment of thirty officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) today, 20th May 2025.
The officers took their oaths of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of their service in the Turks and Caicos
Islands.
The deployment is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the RT&CIPF’s operational and tactical capabilities as the Force continues its mission to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey, addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and upholding human dignity.
The Commissioner pointed out that the officers are now part of a diverse Force comprising officers from over 21 nationalities, including those with Spanish and Creole-speaking backgrounds.
“You are joining a dynamic team with a shared commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Bailey said. “You will work alongside your RT&CIPF counterparts, integrating quickly, transferring your knowledge and experience, and gaining vital local insights. It is essential that you work harmoniously and reassure the communities you serve.”
He further emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld by everyone and reminded the officers to be firm in the execution of their duty,
while in the same breath to uphold human rights while executing their duties: “Respect for human rights must be at the forefront of your service. The safety and dignity of people are paramount.”
Commissioner Bailey also acknowledged the challenges ahead: “There are individuals who seek to instil fear and disrupt our society through criminal activities. But you are here with a mandate—to serve and protect. Your primary objective is to preserve life. In the face of adversity, we must not become victims; we must prevail as victors. Self-preservation, vigilance, and teamwork will be critical as we move forward.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams also addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “This is about teamwork—working together to bring stability and safety back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, who oversees the Strategic Operations Portfolio within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant; Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner; Superintendent Jason James; and Acting Superintendent Kemron Lowhar.
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