News
Our leaders Say Longer Prison Sentences Will Prevent Gun Violence — But Do They?
#TurksandCaicos, June 12, 2023 – A stark increase from 7 to 12 years mandatory prison sentencing for illegal firearms possession in Turks and Caicos Islands; this is the newly amended law.
Possessing an illegal firearm is considered one of the most egregious crimes in TCI. Therefore, as a deterrent, word of harsh sentence add-ons should spread quickly to would-be criminals and make one think twice before arming themselves with an illegal or unlicensed firearm.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case. Whilst notable progress has been made with reducing violent crimes in TCI, more must be done to stem the flow of illegal weapons into the country.
Based on the continuous firearms related violence, it’s evident a number of weapons are still ending up in the hands of individuals who shouldn’t have them.
It would be remiss of me if I fail to commend the bravery of our dedicated police officers who are often confronted with these challenges in their efforts to deter and rid the streets of these illegal firearms.
Nevertheless, I have ambivalent feelings about the haste in which this amended law was implemented. It came on the backdrop of the rash of gun related homicides several months ago that were connected to gang violence.
Furthermore, studies have shown there is little evidence to support the intended purposes of firearm sentencing enhancements, reducing crime rates and gun use.
In my opinion, what the courts failed to take into consideration is the negative impact it will have on the same group of young adults we are trying to help and protect.
The courts should not be callously handing down these verdicts, especially to our youth who are first-time offenders and without physically harming an individual. The impact on the individual and the community can sometimes produce absurd and unintended results.
It’s obvious this law alone is not stopping the violence or importation of illegal weapons. In addition, these felons are not serving life sentences and will eventually be released into society.
Many concerned citizens are watching and awaiting the verdict associated with the recent revelations on April 25th, 2023, of an American tourist who was arrested at the airport for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and was subsequently granted bail.
The disposition of this case if not aligned with our strict laws, could be sending a dangerous and conflicting message to potential visitors, as ignorance of the law should not be an excuse.
The outcome will also highlight the glaring contradiction as it relates to recent sentencing of local individuals for similar offenses. Hopefully it will prompt legislators to take a second look at the laws and display a willingness to consider how they might more reasonably revise it.
If not already in place, this should include creating some sort of a safety net that allows judges to sentence below the mandatory minimum for first time offenders, and give them a second chance if doing so will not endanger the public.
There are others, but I can cite one example of an incident that was brought to the public attention that still raises some questions or lacking follow up information.
A few years ago, a mechanic/boat operator was arrested for firearms found on a luxury yacht in Turtle Cove. If I’m not mistaken, he is not serving a 7 year minimum sentence which was the law at the time. It goes to show that those in the upper echelon of society always have the advantage.
It is time for our judicial system to take a hard look at how this law is negatively impacting the marginalized communities, and stop pretending that the penalties for illegal possession of a firearm apply universally across this country.
I have absolutely nothing personally against the mechanic/boat operator or the American tourist, but does the law only apply to some? If there are legal loopholes in the law, let’s make every effort to close them.
Apart from the fact that there could be inherent biases in the laws, are we conducting our own intensive research to see why more and more of our youth are illegally arming themselves?
Could it be because of the recent rise in gang violence and their fears of insecurity? Did the pandemic contribute to increase social anxiety? Have they lost confidence in our law enforcement ability to resolve reported crimes within a reasonable timeframe? 
In an interview with a recently released felon, he expressed his remorse for his involvement in a crime he was convicted for. The challenge facing him now is a struggle to find an employer who is willing to give him a second chance.
These are all valid and real concerns and must be dealt with in this country. With that being said, we should not make our young men the scapegoat of our broken society. Until we can effectively tackle the source, it will only result in a mass incarceration problem.
Since there is no cookie cutter approach to these types of challenges, I think it’s extremely important that before any country mimic or adapt the laws or policies of others, it’s imperative that they conduct their own thorough research and analysis to determine the impact.
The fact of the matter is, TCI is not in the position as some of the other developed countries in terms of having the necessary available resources to deal with this growing problem.
The government must dig deeper, and invest in more community driven social programs such as, a pre-release job training services and work release programs for ex-felons etc. Once released, without real intervention, rehabilitation and support, this could result in the perpetuating of criminal behavior.
Despite the controversial nature of this law, I appeal to our young men. We understand due to certain circumstances beyond your control, be it mental or emotional, many of you are struggling with temptation to do the wrong thing.
We hear you, I can assure you that your life is worth more than any problem you are facing. Think twice, Stop the senseless killings, Don’t throw away your freedom with the mere possession or use of an illicit firearm.
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
-
Africa7 days agoBahamas’ Ghana Teacher Plan Draws Fire as Both Nations Face Shortages
-
News6 days agoMinistry of Health Welcomes Appointment of New NHIB Chief Executive Officer and Highlights Progress of Organisational Transformation
-
News7 days agoGovernment Takes Case to Washington After U.S. Keeps TCI at Level 2
-
News6 days agoInvest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
-
News6 days agoDDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
-
News7 days agoPDM Alleges Governor ‘Bias’, Opposes One-Year Extension
-
Bahamas News6 days agoWhat 45 Shell Casings and New Murder Charges May Mean for Three Officers in the Azario Major Case
-
Bahamas News6 days agoCARICOM Targets Affordability as Bahamas, TCI Continue to Feel the Pinch