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TCI Gun Amnesty makes a come-back; ends October 15

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 16, 2022 – The firearms’ amnesty ‘re-launch’ in honor of Justin Cox Beckles will start on Thursday, September 15th according to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The amnesty, in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council, the Police, and the Government, was announced by Governor Nigel Dakin in a press conference on September 5th after a weekend of gun violence left four people dead and several others injured.

The murders occurred on the same weekend that Justin Cox Beckles and Paulanjo Gardiner, both victims of gun violence themselves, were being laid to rest. Cox-Beckles was killed while he was having a night out, an argument escalated and led to his shocking death.  Police say no witnesses, though there were many, have come forward with information to aid the investigation.

The Amnesty themed “Surrender A Gun, Save A Life” will run for a month, similar to the amnesty, which launched earlier this year; this one ends on October 15th.

“During the Amnesty period, any person illegally in possession, custody, or control of any Firearm, explosive or ammunition may voluntarily surrender or disclose the location of the firearm, explosive or ammunition to the officer in charge of a Police Station, a designated Pastor, or Police post,” informed the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police in a statement.

The disclosure of the weapons will come with no charges relating to illegal possession, custody, or control of that firearm, explosive or ammunition for the person who reports it.

If residents with illegal weapons miss the gun amnesty and are caught with the gun after they will face seven years in prison at the least.

The new gun amnesty was announced at a Prayer Service at the Kingdom Dominion International Church.

Crime

TCI Police: Double Murder Charge

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Turks and Caicos, May 8, 2025 – Following the arrest of a suspect in the Five Cays area on Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) has formally charged a 30-year-old male in connection with two separate murders that occurred in 2023 and 2024.

RHASHAD MCKENZIE, of Five Cays, has been charged with two counts of murder.

The charges relate to the deaths of ERVIN GLINTON and GUILENE JEAN BAPTISTE.

McKenzie appeared in Court yesterday (May 8th) and was remanded to H.M. Prison-Home of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, pending a Sufficiency Hearing on July 4, 2025, at the Supreme Court.

The accused was charged following consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Glinton,22, of Sand Bar Street, Five Cays, was fatally shot on January 24, 2024. At the time, officers had responded to reports of gunshots on Reece Street, Five Cays. Upon arrival, Glinton’s body was discovered.

Baptiste,26, of Dock Yard, was shot and killed on August 2, 2023.

On March 03, 2025, investigators arrested GEORGE THOMAS ARTHUR Jr. of Reece Street following a police operation.

Arthur,48, also called “Blocks”, is currently before the Court charged with one count of conspiracy to commit murder and two counts of possession of a firearm. He is alleged to have conspired to murder Baptiste.

RT&CIPF expresses gratitude to the public for their continued cooperation and assistance.

We have not forgotten the families who have lost loved ones. Rest assured, we will pursue all

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Crime

Police Confirm School Threat Was a Hoax; Teen Questioned

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By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor

 

 

Turks and Caicos, May 8, 2025 – Authorities have confirmed that a series of disturbing emails threatening violence at several schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands were, in fact, a hoax. The update from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) follows nearly a week of heightened concern, school closures, and an intense investigation into the chilling messages that rocked the nation.

The threatening emails were first received on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, targeting at least six private schools on Providenciales, including British West Indies Collegiate, International School, Provo Primary, and Precious Treasures. The sender, identifying as “Charles Millson,” ominously warned schools to “close down” ahead of a supposed shooting attack.

The emails prompted an emergency response from national security leaders. Schools closed their doors, and the RT&CIPF Intelligence Unit, supported by international law enforcement agencies, worked rapidly to track the source.

On Monday, April 28, a teenage male student was interviewed by police in the presence of his parents. He remains a person of interest in the case.

“The emails were a hoax, and no credible threats were involved,” said the RT&CIPF in their statement. However, the force emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

Police are now urging parents to speak candidly with their children about the gravity of such threats, even when intended as jokes. “Such actions can cause unnecessary alarm, disrupt educational activities, and lead to psychological repercussions,” the statement read.

The public and the Ministry of Education were thanked for their cooperation during what police described as a “key phase” of the investigation.

While schools return to normal operations, the incident has left a lasting impression on families, educators, and the broader community — a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and responsible communication.

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Crime

Attempted Murder Charge

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, 28th April 2025 – JUNIOR BELIZAIRE, 24, is expected to appear before a Magistrate later this week.

Belizaire of The Bight faces the following charges:

  • One Count – Attempted Murder
  • One Count – Unlawful Entry

The accused was charged on Sunday, 27th April 2025.

The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred on the evening of 21st April 2025, when a 26-year-old male victim was attacked and sustained multiple chop wounds to his head and body.

The victim was found bleeding and transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (CHMC) for emergency treatment.

Due to the severity of his injuries, the victim has since been flown overseas for further medical care. His condition remains stable.

The Serious Crime Unit, after an intensive investigation, identified Belizaire as the alleged perpetrator of the attack.

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