News

A growing demand for investment in a Technical Vocational School in TCI

Published

3 years ago

August 2, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, August 2, 2023 – What could be more rewarding for a small developing nation like the Turks and Caicos Islands, other than creating post-secondary educational opportunities for their citizens?

Let’s give credit where credit is due, in 2020, the previous administration was on the right track when a proposal was made to launch a vocational technical school. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic may have hampered those efforts.

Nevertheless, the idea was brilliant, and this current administration should create more momentum around this initiative and see that it materializes.

With the increasing number of students graduating high school, there is a growing need for the government to find more job placements and career opportunities for them.

Without a trade school, in addition to the limited skills many of our young men do have, this is not sustainable in terms of creating a competitive skill based economy. Eventually, it will create a vacuum for idle hands and unscrupulous behavior.

Although, many citizens are enthralled by the recent vocational opportunities being proposed for our prison system, what’s troubling is the rate of incarceration among our young men.

Since the large majority of criminal offenders in TCI are males, we should dig deeper to help determine the driving force behind such trend.

It also underscores the need for more social programs, post-released employment and greater opportunity to participate in education and life skills training.

Since there are no trade schools, perhaps, the aim should be to ensure there are adequate curriculums in high schools and local community colleges geared towards attracting more males students.

Many of our young men may not have any interest in attending college or university, but has acquired other skills over the years. So, what other opportunities are there for this segment of the population in terms of further education or trade?

Let’s take a around the country, you will find that most of our workforce revolves around the service and trade related industry. Many of these workers posses untapped skills that only need to be cultivated in their area of interest or expertise.

With that in mind, offering vocational education will allow students and young adults to gain the necessary practical experience with a renewed focus in their chosen field of study or career path.

These are skills they may have otherwise never been able to achieve through traditional classroom learning in academia.

In the 2021 PNP manifesto under education, labor and employment, it clearly states their commitment to the following:

“Create learning opportunities for students that caters to different interest, strengths and learning needs as well as provide the diverse skills that the country requires”.

Henceforth, it’s my belief government should make further provisions to subsidize apprenticeships for our young people, so it becomes more then just platitudes.

Understanding the gravity of this moment is of paramount. We have to build a society that works for everyone and not just for some.

This initiative should move forward, even if it means using the leverage of our BBB+ credit rating borrowing power while we are in the position to do so. It is my belief the return on investment could be priceless.

Often times, countries mimic each other with different strategies to tackle or improve situations, which is shrewd. Nevertheless, doing our own comprehensive studies to determine the societal impact or long term benefits of an initiative is also important. It is my belief, trade schools should be one of them.

With our jails being at the brink of capacity, putting the proper infrastructure in place such as a trade school is crucial. It should also be a stronger motivation to galvanise prison reform and redress certain issues to help reduce the prison recidivism rate.

The focus should be on creating a pipeline from high school to trade school or college not from high school to prison.

Given the dense population of Providenciales, it would be the ideal location for such school.

However, the existing infrastructure in Grand Turk, which is currently being utilized as a local community college could also suffice.

It would be in the best interest of our country as well as big corporations, to support such initiative.

Case in point: Prior to the pandemic, every year, a foreign company is hired to come in to train and certify our boat operators on primarily international boating standards.

Depending on the location and whether it’s a recertification or a new certification, the cost could range anywhere from $360-$650 per person, in addition to travel, food and hotel accommodations for those traveling to Provo from Grand Turk or other sister islands.

With TCI having some of the best and brightest boat captains, could this be a customized curriculum or certification offered at a trade school?

This particular curriculum should include but limited too, local regulations best practices and navigational charts for local waterways to help mariners better understand the skills they are learning.

This could also be a joint effort between the school, DECR and Maritime departments with qualifying personnel to assist with facilitating such training.

Other courses of interest should include but not limited to hospitality, marine mechanics, carpentry, AC technicians, plumbing, masonry etc. Specifically, areas where it would give students the opportunity for an apprenticeship on the islands.

Not only will we have a higher level of skilled workers and tradesmen, but it will help to alleviate the need for such high dependency on illegal foreign labor force, in addition to providing a readily available recruitment source.

Greater emphasis must be placed on finding better ways to help save our youth from themselves. Through our collective determination, I believe we can drive positive change and bring about a brighter future for them.

I also believe our leaders should be measured not by the promises they make or the headlines made in social media, but by the truths they reveal and the service and opportunities they provide to the people.

At the end of the day, in order for TCI to move forward without leaving its most vulnerable citizens behind, government must prioritize policies that supports meaningful jobs, which could be one of the many benefits of vocational technical educational opportunities.

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Crime

Human Trafficking Probe Revealed as Police Warn of Growing Teen Crime Concern

Published

5 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – A police briefing intended to update the public on crime trends in the Turks and Caicos Islands instead exposed what may be one of the most significant criminal investigations currently underway in the country.

When questioned about the June 14 shooting on Bible Street, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey revealed that the incident stemmed from an anti-human trafficking operation during which 12 women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by law enforcement.

“The officers were engaged in an anti-human trafficking operation… 12 females were rescued or victims of human trafficking were rescued, and they are in our care and that investigation is advanced,” Bailey told reporters.

The revelation stunned many who had linked the Bible Street shooting to other recent violent incidents, including the June 12 murder in Five Cays. However, the Commissioner indicated the confrontation was connected to the anti-human trafficking investigation, though he declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.

More than a week later, authorities continue to maintain that the investigation remains active. Magnetic Media has confirmed with police officials that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.

The Commissioner also sounded the alarm over what appears to be an emerging trend involving teenage boys and serious criminal activity. In discussing recent incidents, Bailey suggested that some young offenders are operating within organized criminal networks and warned that law enforcement alone cannot solve the growing problem.

“My experience tells me that once they reach a threshold it is very difficult to bring them back,” Bailey said. “The social agencies will have to get involved. We have to find a way to reach these unattached youth and to engage them and to create that positive reinforcement in their life.”

Despite those concerns, Bailey reported that overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to trend sharply downward.

According to police statistics presented at the briefing, murders have fallen from 13 at this point last year to just one in 2026, representing a 92 percent reduction. Attempted murders have fallen by 100 percent, kidnappings by 75 percent, robberies by 34 percent, aggravated burglaries by 22 percent, firearm possession offences by 50 percent and incidents involving the discharge of firearms by 85 percent. Police reported that nearly every major category of serious crime has declined compared to the same period last year.

The lone murder recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2026 occurred on June 12 in Five Cays. While no arrest has been made in that case, the Commissioner indicated that investigators believe they know who is responsible.

“I am convinced and I am positive that the perpetrator is a teenager,” Bailey stated.

The press conference was held at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.

Crime

Rape Only Major Crime Category to Increase in Turks and Caicos

Published

17 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – While nearly every major category of serious crime is trending downward in the Turks and Caicos Islands, police statistics reveal one troubling exception: rape.

Speaking during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Providenciales, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey reported a five percent increase in rape cases compared to the same period last year, making it the only major crime category to record an increase in 2026.

The increase comes as police celebrate dramatic reductions in murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, robberies and firearm-related offences.

However, Bailey cautioned that the statistics surrounding rape cases are often more complex than they initially appear.

Responding to a question from the media, the Commissioner explained that some complainants report rape but later choose not to support police investigations. In other cases, the alleged offender is known to the complainant, creating additional challenges for investigators.

“We have some of those reports where persons make allegations which have not been proven because they will come and say they have been raped, but they do not support an investigation,” Bailey explained.

The Commissioner stressed that police are required to document and investigate all reports made to law enforcement, regardless of whether a complainant later decides not to proceed.

“Once you make a report, we have to record it and we have to fulfil our obligation,” he said.

Bailey also noted that in many reported cases, the alleged perpetrators are individuals known to the complainants.

While acknowledging that some reports may ultimately not result in charges or convictions, the Commissioner emphasized that every allegation must be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

The figures underscore an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and social service agencies as the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to work toward reducing violence and protecting vulnerable members of the community.

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos wrapped up another successful Provo Men’s Premier League season

Published

6 days ago

June 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.

The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.

Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.

“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”

Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.

Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”

Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.

“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress of the league.

“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”

The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.