News
Is TCI investing enough in crime prevention, detection and resolution?
#TurksandCaicos, July, 2023 – Despite the recent reduction in serious crimes in Turks and Caicos Islands, based on crime per capita, it is still at unacceptably high levels. Overall, crime trends are better but still worse than they once were.
Are we so immune to violence now that we are beginning to accept it as the new normal, or are we becoming comfortably numb? 
In my opinion, some communities have been left behind in the success of overall crime reduction. Be it Five Cays, South Dock road or Kew town in Provo.
Unfortunately, these communities continue to be plagued with unparalleled levels of crime and violence and it’s incredibly unsettling to see.
There should be no room for complacency and this should be a rallying cry.
Although more can be done, in most cases, the level of crime is not due to a lack of effort on the part of our local law enforcement agencies.
Nonetheless, I think it’s important that the department take a closer look at the demographics and find more efficient ways to meet these growing challenges head on, by funding crime prevention programs and initiatives that are effective.
Initiatives should as Operation Pursuit and the re-establishment of the Turks and Caicos Islands Joint Law Enforcement Group(J-LEG) was a smart strategic move, and will give the police department the impetus it needs to intensify the fight against crime.
Utilizing strategies like these that focus on policing and mobilization of agencies working hand in hand, will be both financially and strategically beneficial.
Although most crimes are unpredictable, some of the risk factors are already established in these communities that creates this cycle of violence, but are often overlooked; whether it’s due to lack of funding or active citizens involvement.
In certain communities where good paying jobs are scarce and families are marginalized, this makes it easier for wayward youths to justify other ways and means to make an income by get involved in criminal related activity.
Having quality after school programs like the Edward Gartland youth center in Provo, is an excellent alternative outlet and if properly funded, can have a tremendous impact on our youth and crime reduction. Programs such as these, should be mirrored in the other developing islands?
With the exposure of the internet and social media, in most cases, parents are limited to what they can do and control now days. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating the appropriate environment for our youth to grow and thrive.
Crime resolution in a small developing country like TCI is an immense challenge, especially with limited resources. This is an area that must have the community support.
Having had the opportunity to work closely with various law enforcement agencies across the US, conducting a number of high level investigations, I understand some cases can be complex and painstaking work.
Nevertheless, it’s rewarding for both law enforcement and citizens alike, when a crime is solved and criminals are removed from the streets within a reasonable timeframe.
Some of the investigations especially cold cases, will require formidable expertise with specialized training. It will also demands bravery from citizens with information who are willing to come forward without fear or reprisals.
In taking a holistic approach to crime prevention, we have to start with reaching children and young adults who are susceptible to gangs or have fallen into criminal behavior and need a second chance. These are groups from which all too often society turns away.
It’s important that we explore the social conditions that provides the motivation and opportunity for criminality to thrive in the first place.
Law enforcement in coordination with Social Workers have to take a step back to see the wider picture. They should re-examine how to best serve communities through collaboration and their leadership. This will allow them to better determine if their combined efforts are indeed having a positive impact on crime prevention or just trying to control it?
Of course, crime fighting is easier said than done. Having said that, what we need more of, are high tech crime
fighting tools and equipment with easier access and quicker turnaround of evidence.
Crime fighting tools like fiber analysis, DNA, biometric fingerprints, high resolution CCTV surveillance systems, SmartWater forensic kit etc, all of which requires a significant amount of investment and partnerships.
Fingerprints are by far the most frequently retrieved physical evidence. With the rapid growth in our population, at some point, finding ways to enlarge the database collection and automation could contribute more toward greater success in identifying criminal offenders.
Not only will these tools be useful, but it also creates new job opportunities for students with interest in such field of study.
So, how do we measure the effectiveness to achieve the desired outcome? We must start with taking a more pragmatic approach with stronger focus on higher-risk individuals and communities.
Once in the criminal system, social workers and probation officers can begin targeting factors that contribute to criminal behavior, and using cognitive behavioral treatment to reduce recidivism rates.
This coupled with citizens trust and confidence in the leadership team will erase negative perceptions and improve outcomes.
The ongoing success in reducing the most serious criminal offences, will rest largely on our law enforcement department’s ability to quickly identify, apprehend and bring criminals to justice.
This is a battle that law enforcement cannot win alone. With a coordinated effort and every likeminded citizens doing their part, it will ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a safe place to live, work, visit and do business.
Ed Forbes
Grand Turk Concerned Citizen
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has launched its 2026 Summer Internship Programme with a record-breaking cohort of 111 high school and tertiary-level students, marking the largest intake in recent years.
The six-week programme, which runs from July 6 to August 14, 2026, is designed to give young Turks and Caicos Islanders hands-on
exposure to the hospitality industry across a wide range of departments.
Human Resources Recruitment Specialist Fitzroy Virgo highlighted the programme’s growing significance, “this is the largest cohort we have had in recent times. We currently have 111 participants with a waiting list of almost another 100. We are happy that we have been able to attract some of the brightest and best young minds in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we have interns from Providenciales, North and South Caicos Islands.”
Virgo also noted that the programme goes beyond technical training, incorporating soft skills workshops in financial literacy, customer service, résumé writing and brand and image management.
General Manager Deryk Meany praised the human resources and training teams for the programme’s sustained growth. “The success of this programme has allowed us to grow each year as we continue to build a conducive learning environment for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said.
He noted that many of this year’s interns were first introduced to Beaches through educational tours facilitated by the Sandals Foundation. “We are excited to provide training in the various areas but more importantly to train them in the soft skills areas that will allow them to be more marketable after they experience this internship programme.”
Among the interns is Maranatha Academy fifth form student Vernae Handfield, who has set her sights on the culinary arts. “My dream is to
explore the culinary world and to be a Michelin chef in the future — hence my reason for wanting to start my experience here at the largest resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Handfield shared. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these experts who have many years of experience in the different cuisines.”
For others, the programme offers a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. Keiser University accounting major Sean Astwood II said the opportunity is perfectly aligned with his academic goals. “I want to be able to put into practice my theoretical knowledge into the field of accounting and eventually auditing. Getting the opportunity here at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is the perfect environment for me to start to build my skills. I’m grateful for this experience to be immersed into this dynamic working environment.”
The programme has also fostered a culture of return, with several interns participating for multiple consecutive years — a testament to the quality and lasting impact of the experience. As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to expand its community engagement through hospitality education, the 2026 cohort stands as a powerful reflection of the resort’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hospitality workforce for years to come.
Photo Insert: A section of the audience at the Beaches Turks and Caicos 2026 summer internship programme at the Caribbean Village conference room
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 9, 2026- The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Blue Hills area off Tom Lightbourne Road and opposite the dump on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect Crown land from illegal occupation and encroachment.
The operation brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, the ISU, the Planning Department and the Royal Turks and
Caicos Islands Police Force who provided security for the exercise. Following a briefing, inspections were carried out across a number of parcels of Crown land where illegal structures and other unauthorised uses had been identified.
During the exercise, officers served a total of eleven (11) Letters of Illegal Occupation to occupied structures, while six (6) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Act. In addition to illegally constructed buildings, notices were also issued in relation to the unauthorised placement of vehicles, boats and a jet ski on Crown land. Where occupants were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or locations.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Act. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained programme aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with its partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorisation are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially unveiled its newly constructed Team Member Welcome Centre, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing Beaches 2.0 transformation.
The new facility, introduced as part of phase one of the development, is designed to centralize essential services and amenities for team
members while elevating comfort, convenience and overall workplace satisfaction. The space now houses a state-of-the-art cafeteria, a multimedia training room, the human resources department, expanded locker and changing facilities and an automated banking machine- creating a comprehensive, one-stop hub for team members.
Speaking at the opening, General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the broader vision behind the investment and its alignment with the brand’s evolution.
“This is one more step in Beaches 2.0 being consistent, providing personalized service and taking it to the next level for our team members to be comfortable. I want my team to know that this resort is the most ideal place to work and we are invested in their comfort and wellbeing” Meany stated.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the hospitality sector that employee experience is connected to guest satisfaction. Beaches Turks and Caicos has prioritized modern infrastructure and staff focused amenities to strengthen team engagement while reinforcing its reputation as a leading employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Regional Managing Director James McAnally described the Welcome Centre as a space for employees’ well-being and operational excellence.
“This project is a long-term plan that was designed to provide comfort for every team member,” McAnally said. “The new dining space can rival fine dining restaurants on the island. We have provided the best for our team and we want them to enjoy the amenities as we continue to enhance the family atmosphere at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”
The restaurant which is a standout feature of the new facility, offers a modern dining experience with upgraded seating, contemporary
finishes and an enhanced menu selection. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the space reflects the resort’s commitment to quality for its team.
In addition to dining, the multimedia training room introduces advanced learning capabilities, supporting ongoing team development through interactive and technology-driven training sessions. The inclusion of human resources within the same complex further streamlines comprehensive space for staff related services, while the expanded locker and changing areas address a conducive working facilities space for the team.
Long-serving team member Carlton Salmon praised the development, noting its impact on morale and daily operations.
“This place is simply amazing,” Salmon shared.
“The style and design are similar to the new Treasure Beach Village. This is Beaches 2.0. Every team member has given positive ratings for not only the food, but the one-stop shop idea.”
The Welcome Centre’s opening signals more than just a physical upgrade. It shows that Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to position itself as a forward-thinking leader in Caribbean hospitality.
As phase one comes to fruition, anticipation is already building for future enhancements under the Beaches 2.0 initiative, which aims to further integrate innovation, community support and elevated service standards across the resort.
PHOTO CAPTION: The official ribbon cutting at the Welcome Centre has (l-r) Curtis Lee, Hotel Manager, Phildreka Campbell, Learning and Development Manager, Patricia Talbot, Restaurant Manager, Javain Campbell, Diamond team member, James McAnally, Regional Managing Director, Deryk Meany, General Manager, Owenta Coleby, Human Resources Manager, Tanya Swann, Executive Assistant Manager Treasure Beach Village, and Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services
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