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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
