News
Wind Direction saves thousands from toxic plumes created by BEASTLY fire at the Dump
By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Years of calling on various government administrations to “fix” the haunting situation at the Wheeland Dump culminated in a massive blaze on Monday, June 11th. It took firefighters three days to get the smoldering fire under control but by Thursday night, the PNP Administration’s lead on Solid Waste Management in the country reported the beast was dead.
Kyle Knowles, is also the Member of Parliament for Wheeland where the Providenciales Landfill is located. Knowles reported regularly to a worrying public about the fire, which seemed to spontaneously combust in the sweltering weather conditions charted of late. He said water trucks, The Turks and Caicos Regiment, the Department of Environmental Health and Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health were all on site Monday night to show support for the firefighters, which came from both the domestic and airport units.
Knowles once again said they would be “brainstorming ways of ensuring stringent security measures are in place, protocols are enforced to avoid another fire.”
The member of parliament, who fielded concerns from thousands of nervous residents was also grateful that the winds which had been brisk over the period of the fire, did not shift; remaining southeast and south which kept every major residential community out of the path of the smoke.
The huge plumes of menacing looking smoke dwarfed the single fire truck initially sent to extinguish the fire. Thankfully, that domestic truck was joined by airport firefighters which are larger, better resourced and more ideally designed to fight a blaze of the height and scale of the one now put to rest.
Knowles was quick to respond saying he was “In discussions with [officials]to ascertain the cause of the fire.”
The billowing smoke could be seen from as far away as Grace Bay Beach. Several photographers on site informed, their drones were capturing the fire from as high up as fifty feet, the smoke was well above that height. Interested residents flooded the area from all around, reporting they were drawn to the scene due to the rare and frightening size of the fire which thankfully, and despite its size never raged out of control.
After the first night, the fire was 90 percent contained, reported the Department of Environmental Health.
Residents were warned to stay away from the blaze but truth be told, residents just wanted the fire to stay far away from them. Thousands of homes, a major resort, vacation villas, businesses, schools, eco-sites and apartment complexes were under threat.
It was a “tire fire” originally but drone video revealed that it spread rapidly to the other mounds of garbage and debris congregated at the landfill.
While the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority was criticised by some for assigning the airport trucks to help with putting out the Wheeland Landfill fire, others called it a necessary move and the TCIAA issued a statement of commendation.
“Our ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) team is comprised of first responders of the highest caliber. Each day they report to work dedicated to giving the best of themselves to keep air travellers safe. Yesterday’s display proves that such dedication is not confined to those spaces under the remit of the TCIAA. Their dedication certainly is to country,” said Godfrey Smith, CEO of the TCIAA on Tuesday.
The ARFF continued its service beyond Monday; using slower intervals at the Providenciales International Airport to race out to the fire at the landfill, offering some hours of assistance which eventually helped to tame the beast.
While there was tremendous anxiety; no properties were damaged, no lives lost and no injuries were reported as a result of Monday’s fire. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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