News
Work of UK Digital Team will help speed up the process of getting Police Records
Sherrica Thompson
Staff writer
#TurksandCaicos, November 24, 2022 – A Digital Government Team from the UK is now in Turks and Caicos and among the issues their support will un-kink for the islands, is the “embarrassing and appalling” length of time it takes to secure character certificates or police records.
The premier agreed with the scathing reviews for the pace at the Criminal Records Office of the Police Department as he called the process of applying and waiting, a frustrating issue that many Turks and Caicos Islanders and residents face.
“I can tell you that every effort is being made and has been made in order to cure that ill specifically,” he said.
The long wait for police records was one of the many questions posed at the Public Meeting in Providenciales on Monday, November 21. It was no surprise the matter came up. It has been a hot button subject for years now, and in recent times the system to get the document needed for everything from a job to travel to security clearance to work
permits has been gruelling.
One resident even described the system as ‘backward’ as she recalled being able to get a police record in two weeks back in 1994. However, in recent times, it takes approximately four months to get a receipt for a police record and about six to seven months to get the document, which is only valid for six months.
In response to the resident’s query, Premier Misick said the government is making strides in rectifying the issue.
Adding that, “I can tell you today, as we speak, Digital Government UK landed here on the weekend. I was in a meeting for hours today, and I had meetings with a number of government ministries and departments to look at how we could start to deliver on some of these services that the public should be able to sit at home and procure for themselves.”
While pointing out that even two weeks is a “long time to wait for a police record,” Misick outlined two initiatives that he said the government had started that will see the issue fixed soon.
“Some practices have grown where you need a police record just for everything in this country, and that is the first thing that is being fixed,” he stated, noting that “you shouldn’t have to require a police record for every activity that you’re going to do.”
The Premier also revealed that a document is on its way to the cabinet.
“The Minister of Technology for Information can speak to this, but there is a paper on its way to cabinet for the 9th of December, by which time we hope to have feedback from the government of the UK to try to fix this problem,” Misick explained.
However, until this issue is rectified, residents and islanders will still have to continue to grapple with the long waiting period they currently face to get a police record in the TCI.
Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Published: June 12, 2025
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.
The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.
As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support.
Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.
Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities. We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”
He added:
“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”
The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.
Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.
“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”
Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.
Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.
The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
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