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Tougher Penalties for crimes in TCI, how effective has this been as a solution?

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#TurksandCaicos, November 23, 2022 – With these acts of wanton violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands, citizens, law enforcement and politicians are all baffled and fed up with what appears to be almost weekly reports of serious crimes.

We can blame it all on gangs but at what point do we draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough. What and who is masterminding this madness is yet to be determined but in either case there appears to be no signs or intentions of the criminals surrendering.

It’s pretty evident from recent police raids that illicit drugs and turf rights are fueling some of the violence. With that being said, we need to look beyond the obvious such as the narrow focus in disenfranchised communities. With such a relatively small population in TCI, more work must be done by law enforcement to identify the supply and demand from other sources.

This escalating crime should be a moment of national reckoning for TCI. All violence is a serious problem, but in terms of the gravity of the recent murder of a beloved family which left a child maimed, is gut wrenching and should be an inflection point.

Such a despicable and extreme act of violence shocked the conscience of this tiny island nation of TCI, and shows that the violence has reached a new dimension.

With so many lives been shattered by violence this is a pattern that we haven’t seen since the inception of our country and its eroding the TCI way of life and should demand extreme action in response.

As neighboring countries like Haiti becomes more and more unstable, citizens will continue to seek refuge and so will the criminals. With the presence of the British Navy ship that was recently dispatched to our waters, many citizens felt a sign of relief.

Frankly speaking, it needs to go beyond just a show of force. On the back drop of what is happening in our country, we should consider the alternative, this ship should remain in position until the country can stabilize this mayhem and provide adequate border security. More than ever before, our country is at a much higher risk of becoming unstable and in reality, our future depends on it.

A lot of what is happening is a flashpoint for much larger questions over what TCI policing should look like. Law-abiding citizens need stronger protection or we will become sitting targets.

We the people, will have to decide do we just sit on the sidelines or get more involved with demanding viable solutions. We condemn this violence without equivocation, but what’s more important is that law enforcement wins this battle with unwavering support and efforts to maintain law and order especially in those high risk communities. Perhaps we should start with accountability at all levels, foresight and results driven leadership.

Stiffer fines and penalties is the rhetoric being proposed as one of the solutions on gun control. Is this the only way out? In retrospect what have we learned from the previous increase in penalties? Will it resonate this time with would-be criminals or become just another catchy phrase?

Our young people who have hope of a better life are not attracted to senseless acts of violence. Henceforth, more focus needs to be on our youth and find ways to engage them before it gets to that stage or our prisons will only become a revolving door.

Kudos to the law makers on unanimously passing the Anti-gang bill. However, I have reservations concerning the recent firearms amendment bill which mandates a minimum 12 year prison sentence for the mere possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Based on the trajectory of arrest and charges, it will only lead to mass incarceration. Not only does our prison lack the capacity, but it will lead to more socioeconomic problems for displaced families and also only open the doors to human rights abuse.

Who was this law designed to protect? It’s certainly not law abiding citizens. Although it has good intentions and makes great sound bites, in some cases, it boils down to having a bark without a bite. While in other cases, it could negatively impact the sector of society we are actually trying to help.

We must find other alternatives and long-term solutions. It was very encouraging to see the recent prison initiative that was proposed by Honorable Taylor and Honorable Morris.

Giving prisoners the opportunity to develop skill-based training by partnering with the local community college is brilliant. This will help to prepare them to reintegrate into society upon release, and another chance to become productive citizens. These are the kinds of programs that need steam.

In most cases, hardened criminals are undeterred by stiffer penalties and often times unaware of changes in the laws because it’s not publicized enough or they frankly don’t care or will find work-arounds like preying on our youth. Therefore, more public awareness campaign could be beneficial and maybe we can save a life before other lives are lost.

What this article is intended to do, is to stimulate a much needed conversation about the role of our criminal justice system in creating public policies that are both efficient and effective. Policies that not only have short term gains, but long term positive impact on an ever-changing society.

 

Ed Forbes

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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