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Two Criminals up to NO GOOD constitute a ‘Gang’; definition explained by TCIs Attorney General

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, November 4, 2022 – For the first time in TCI history a ‘gang’ is now defined by law thanks to the new Anti-Gang legislation.

In an effort to curb the violence that has racked up dozens of deaths in the Turks and Caicos in the last eight weeks Parliament has introduced the law which has serious implications not just for gang members but their families and loved ones as well.

Since the passage of the legislation on October 21st, legally a gang in the TCI is now described as “a combination of two or more persons whether formally or informally organized who engage in gang related activity.”

That “gang related activity” includes 24 offenses which the bill range from murder to manslaughter; theft of a motor vehicle; taking conveyance without authority; arson; handling or receiving stolen goods; possession of a bulletproof vest, gun or ammunition; rape; trafficking in dangerous drugs; blackmail and a host of others.

This decision is significant in that two individuals committing a crime together can now be charged as participating in gang related activity and those who facilitate them can be charged as ‘harbourers’ under the new legislation and face up to ten years in prison.

It differs from similar laws in countries like the Cayman Islands and Jamaica where the minimum required for a group of people to be considered a gang is three individuals.

Opposition Appointed Member Alvin Garland while admitting the bill was necessary said he had some concerns with that definition

“I think this is of particular concern to parents that have kids who could be unruly or well-disciplined kids that might be out there engaging in the type of things that their parents wouldn’t know of or couldn’t know of.”

While the bill provides a defense for individuals who can prove they had no knowledge of the gang related connections and for the parents of minors for those with children, family members, lovers, roommates and anyone else with knowledge of a gang member over 18?  Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, KC, explains what could get you sent to jail.

“Harbor means supplying a person with shelter, food, drink, money or clothes, arms, ammunition or means of conveyance or assisting a person in any way to evade apprehension.”

Security leaders have consistently asked family members and friends not to protect gang members in The Turks and Caicos. Now, that warning is bolstered by tough legislation which includes significant jail time.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit 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 formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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