News
Crime on the Rise: Can Psychology Help? Episode #2
#TurksandCaicos, September 14, 2022 – Solving crimes implies more than just capturing criminals, putting them in prison, take firearms away from them. As outstanding as these moves can be, they are not sufficient to eradicate or reduce crimes. Solving crimes can be a long process that can be achieved gradually, depending on the demographics and cultural condition of a community. One of the best ways to curb crimes is the knowledge of the stimulants that turn people into crimes. Indeed, psychology can help.
What stimulates people to crimes
No doubt anyone in the criminology arena will lie out several factors that influence people to commit crimes, such as Biological Risk, which is we can’t choose the chemical makeup of our brain. Adverse Childhood Experiences, Negative Social Environment, Substance Abuse, etc. above all, there is a close relationship between drug abuse and crime. Drug abusers commit crimes to pay for their substances and it is a social group that resorts to gun violence to resolve conflicts. The Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Hon. C. Washington Missick acknowledged that during his press conference on violent crimes. But the question to ask is, are these instincts innate or learned and gained during the lifespan? Is it the nature/nurture phenomenon in actions? Three major psychological theories speak to this phenomenon. Psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive theory.
Psychodynamic Theory
This theory is often depicted as a devil and angel on someone’s shoulder, suggesting three elements in actions. A bad side and a good side, with the person in the middle to manage both. This body of knowledge was theorized largely from the mind of a famous psychologist, Sigmund Freud. He argued everyone has instinctual drives called the “id” that demand gratification. The id is not in touch with reality or logic, it simply compels a person to do what he or she
wants, regardless of consequences or repercussions. So, the id represents the devil because of its reckless and disregarding nature.
Then, the “superego” which is the moral and ethical code that regulates the drives the id exhibits. The superego is the inherent good in a person whom emblematic characters, such as parents, teachers, religious leaders, and society, have instilled or molded. The superego is responsible for compelling people to make the morally right decision based on society’s expectations. In this scheme, it is the angel, because of the “ideal self” that it promotes. And adults later develop a rational personality called the “ego” that mediates between the id and superego. It is the person on whose shoulders the angel and devil are standing. Based on this finding, it is safe to argue that criminal behavior is seen primarily as a failure of the superego. Thus, synonymous with the failure of moral values, and reasoning, of society.
Behavioral Theory
This theory supposes that through the lifespan, human behaviors develop through experience. This is the nurturing phenomenon. Behavior is contagious. People develop their behavior based on the reaction of other behaviors. This conditioning is where behavior is learned and reinforced by rewards or punishment. This depicts the idea that if a person is in the company of those who condone and even reward criminal behavior – especially a figure of authority—then criminals will continue to engage in that behavior. Albert Bandura, a social learning theorist, maintains that “individuals are not born with an innate ability to act violently. He instead suggests people learn violent behavior through observing others. Typically, this comes from three sources: family, environmental experiences, and the mass media.”
Cognitive Theory
Cognitive theory focuses on how people’s worldviews govern their actions, thoughts, and emotions. This is what most cognitive theorists called “moral development.” They alienated this process into three levels. Pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional levels focus on the perception of children, teens, young adults, and those over the age of 20.
In conclusion, when crimes are in full swing in a community, as disastrous as they can be, there is a positive component to draw from it. It is a wake-up call to the entire society to revisit the construct of the community, including the school system, families, religious settings, social groups, and especially the laws of the land. Society must consider the rise of violent crime as a sign of moral decay and authorities must mobilize every necessary resource to reshape it. Taking guns away from criminals is one thing, but reprogramming their mindset is essential.
Alces Dor
Psychologist
Contact the author@ 1-64924-4551
Email: alcesdor@yahoo.com
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.
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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.
