News
Crime on the Rise: Can Psychology Help?
Part #3
#TurksandCaicos, October 6, 2022 – In this episode, I intend not to go on full-scale academic writing as usual, but I just want to express my opinions on a few points relative to the subject.
- National Day of Prayer, fasting, and repentance.
As vice president of the TCI-Christian Council, I was actively involved alongside the president, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, and other colleagues, in putting together this milestone event which I firmly believe the ecclesiastic community in particular and the country at large needed very much. It is surreal that the very same weekend hailed an increase in violent gun-related crimes. Now, is it a way to doubt the power of prayers and the goodness of God, as some people would have supposed?
The Role of Faith Communities in Time of Crisis
I believe people should better understand the role of faith communities in times of crisis. On the one hand, widely, people can be worried about the situation, and often don’t take action because they feel helpless and overwhelmed. On the other hand, faith communities address helplessness in multiple ways, both directly and indirectly. For instance, when they seek consensus among the clergy, and at the national scale level to develop a synergy to gather for worship as they turn toward a Higher Power– God, divine Mystery, Creator, Source in whose presence we are uplifted, and feel our strength renewed. Entrusting ourselves to God can release within us unexpected power. “Now
to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20, New International Version).
The Role of the Government: Punishing Evil, Promoting Good
whereas believers are instructed to “never…pay back evil for evil,” and “never take your own revenge.” It’s not that God is telling us to forget or ignore injustice. God will exercise vengeance now or later, and the government is one of his tools for doing this. (Romans 12:17-19, NIV). According to Romans 13:4, the government is supposed to punish the evil-doer. It is a “minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” So, it is safe to maintain that the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Repentance fulfills its purpose.
- What Does Society Do for the Victim’s Next of Kin?
In light of the rise of gun violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands, two groups of people need urgent psychological support.
- Growing number of evidence indicates that many people who have closely tied to a culprit (alive or dead) are living in significant fear. They don’t trust anyone—Not a friend or even the police. For some, the country is just a burning fire under their feet to the point that the only survival option would be leaving their lovely TCI for any destination, where living conditions can be very uncertain. In addition to the trauma that will follow them wherever they choose to go.
- The next of kin to the victims are also experiencing severe stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression. Some of them are wondering if they will not be the next victim. Others may resort to revenge as a way of taming down their aggressive impulses, and the very modest ones are thinking about leaving their lovely TCI for any destination where living conditions can be very uncertain. Besides, anger and hate can easily ruin their lives wherever they think to go.
In Conclusion, if this phenomenon remains unchecked, and the people do not receive psychological support, our nation may be on the brink of facing another severe crisis in the aftermath of gun violence — bipolar people will take on our streets. I strongly recommend the concept of sublimation. Sublimation is a defense mechanism—an unconscious psychological defense that reduces the anxiety that may result from unacceptable urges or harmful stimuli.
Alces Dor
Psychologist (PsyD)
Email:Alcesdor@yahoo.com
Phone: 649-242-4551
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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