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Bring back the Marine Branch to the Capital

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#TurksandCaicos, January 11, 2023 – It’s a new year with new possibilities and we are calling on the Governor to bring back our marine branch to Grand Turk, the Capital of Turks and Caicos Islands.

To serve and protect is what all branches of law enforcement are known for. This fundamental principle should apply indiscriminately across the board be it on land or at sea.

With that being said, it has been over 4 years now since a designated marine vessel has been stationed in Grand Turk.

The island of Grand Turk itself, is in a strategic position to support the ongoing efforts with battling illegal immigration and poaching on our banks. There are several reference points to support this request.

First and foremost, the marine unit was designed specifically to protect our boarders and to work in concert with our DECR and Fisheries departments to help enforce regulations.

Having said that, this should be cause for our government and chief law enforcement department heads, to prioritize what’s best suited for each island or community in terms of manpower and resources.

With marine life and ecotourism being the bread and butter of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, why aren’t we doing everything within our power to protect it?

Apart from boarder control, don’t the lives of residents and visitors in these two sister islands matter? Whilst citizens commend the progress being made with the coordination of efforts to intercept illegal migrants’ vessels, more could be done.

Stronger effort and commitment should be made to close every loophole and continue building a redundant and resilient internal and external force to deal with potential challenges and safety issues of all islands, particularly the ones that are most vulnerable.

Frankly, having a marine vessel show up to the Capital once or twice a month does not provide real security and is unacceptable.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with the marine branch in Grand Turk on emergency matters, and I truly appreciated their dedication and commitment to serve and protect.

Unfortunately, it has been several years now since the Grand Turk branch closed their doors; due to the facility being damaged and or lack of proper resources.

With that being said, it leaves our borders wide open to illegal immigration, poachers scavenging our banks and depleting our marine livelihood. In addition, there are limited search and rescue operations for local fishermen and boat operators, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

For this same reason, back in 2018, concerned citizens such as myself and others, took the initiative to create a grassroots search and rescue operation.

In terms of the number of reported incidents on the water, since the inception of the operation we have responded to and or assisted in over 25 emergency calls.

With the only active marine branch being in Provo and South Caicos, logistically, it will be a hit or miss to assist vessels in distress or police interception of any illegal activities in the waters near Grand Turk or Salt Cay.

With illegal migration being at the top of the list for threats relative to national security, it is of grave concern and is certainly not in our nation’s best interest to leave these two islands exposed.

How many more illegal vessels have to make landfall in Grand Turk and Salt Cay? Or better yet, how many more vessels have to capsize or near drowning incidents have to occur before something is done?

Having thousands of cruise passengers embarking upon our shores, additional vessels and motor crafts operating in the waters, such matters must not be taken lightly.

This is a long term problem that requires both an immediate and long-term solution and commitment. The share number of reported incidents over the years, including the recent plane crash near the island of Salt Cay, underscores the urgent need for a vessel in Grand Turk.

As a small developing country, depending solely on tourism, the time to act is now.

The old adage of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is what’s at stake here. This can be done by making sure the necessary precautions are in place to prevent a crisis before it occurs, as opposed to damage control.

 

 Ed Forbes

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department 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 followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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