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
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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