News

RTCIPF Response to Serious Crime – Statement by the Commissioner of Police

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, August 3, 2023 – The shooting dead of a man in Grace Bay on Wednesday 2nd August 2023 at 2 pm in the afternoon was shocking.

This murder was targeted against the man who died and is, we believe, linked to gang-related serious crime, motivated by revenge and retribution.

This is the twelfth murder for 2023, with the majority of these deaths being linked to gang and serious crime activity.

Our young men on the TCI are dying needlessly through senseless violence. This matter is under active investigation, and I am asking you, our community, to tell us what you know about this and other serious crimes. You can do this in a number of ways and if you wish to stay anonymous, you can use Crimestoppers to tell us what you know.

You don’t need to leave your name and the information will be passed to us.

Soon after the incident in Grace Bay yesterday, the RTCIPF received reports of a group of armed men in the Dock Yard area. When Police Officers attended the area, they were subject to sustained gunfire from a group of men who were armed with automatic weapons.

In order to protect themselves, the Police officers also discharged their firearms. It is not known if any persons were injured as a result of the exchange although I can say that due to the protection afforded by the armoured vehicle, no police officers were injured in this cowardly attack on our Law Enforcement.

Very soon after this event, the second RTCIPF armoured vehicle also deployed to Dock Yard and the armed gang members dispersed.

I appeal to those law-abiding residents in Dock Yard to tell us where these individuals are living and who they are, you don’t need to leave your name, just tell us what you know, and we will deal with the fear and harm they are creating within the community.

The brazen manner in which armed men carried out the murder in Grace Bay and the attack on the Police Officers in Dock Yard is shocking and highly concerning.

I also remain concerned that further shootings will be carried out between gangs of young men involved in organised gang activity, motivated by drugs, guns, and retaliation. For this reason, the RTCIPF is on high alert and is undertaking robust operations in our communities, on our roads, and through intelligence-led targeted operations to locate and bring to justice those seeking to cause harm and fear across the TCI.

The Force remains committed and resolute in keeping our communities safe. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government investment in Policing have led to the purchase of two armoured vehicles to protect Police Officers from reckless and violent individuals as we chase them down and chase them down, we will. We have more Tactical Officers than in 2022, specialists who are well-trained and equipped to tackle the threats we are facing. I remain grateful to the Hon Premier and his Government for their support of the work of Policing across the TCI.

In terms of the threats posed to Police officers, let me be absolutely clear if any person poses a threat to the courageous men and women of the Force, their response will be uncompromising and robust. You need to know the reality, if you threaten a Police officer with a firearm, you must expect to be challenged and your threat will be met with potentially lethal force.

In the days ahead, you will see more Police Officers on the streets, in your communities, and carrying out policing operations on the roads and in neighbourhoods. Please ensure that if you are around this operational policing, do not threaten officers and comply with any instructions given, this will help officers do their job. One other way that you can assist is to ensure that your vehicle is properly registered, displaying number plates, and that your window tints do not exceed the legal limits. Officers will be checking non-compliant vehicles and whilst you may end up with a fine, you must also expect to be challenged robustly when officers stop you. Criminals use cars that are heavily tinted and have no registration plates so if you don’t want to be considered a potential threat, ensure your vehicle complies with the law.

I have briefed The Governor and Premier, who actively engaged to ensure the required support is in place for our policing response. I have ensured that our Tourism Minister and partners are aware of the circumstances of the incident in Grace Bay.

The Policing arrangements remain under constant review and if additional support or capacity is needed, then we will explore all options for bringing in additional resources.

We realise that yesterday’s incidents have caused fear within our communities and one man lost his life. In the coming days, there will be increased visibility of officers on our streets as we work hard to bring calm, security, and safety to the TCI and we are committed to dealing with the violent criminality that is blighting the Islands

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise Targets Illegal Occupation of Crown Land in Five Cays

Published

1 day ago

October 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorised use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land throughout Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorised use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of forty (40) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were served in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to various forms of unauthorised occupation and use of Crown land, including incomplete structures, shipping containers, derelict vehicles, trailer chassis, building materials and other items.

Where persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items. The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that identified instances of unauthorised occupation are appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that Crown land must not be occupied, developed or otherwise used without lawful authority.

The Crown Land Unit, supported by the ISU and its other partner agencies, will continue to identify and address instances of illegal occupation of Crown land across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Persons affected by notices issued during enforcement exercises are encouraged to comply with the requirements outlined and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

Bahamas News

Bahamas Issues Cybersecurity Alert Over Akira Ransomware Threat

Published

4 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Nassau, The Bahamas, October 22, 2026 — The National Computer Incident Response Team of The Bahamas (CIRT-BS) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning businesses, government institutions and other organisations about the growing threat posed by Akira ransomware, a cybercriminal operation capable of stealing sensitive information, disrupting networks and demanding ransom payments.

Active since March 2023, Akira operates through a Ransomware-as-a-Service model, with affiliates exploiting weaknesses in computer networks to gain unauthorised access.

Once inside, attackers can steal confidential data, disable recovery systems and encrypt files, preventing organisations from accessing critical information.

Particularly concerning is Akira’s use of double extortion, threatening to publish stolen information unless victims pay. Some attacks involve data theft without encryption.

The October 22 advisory identifies vulnerabilities involving Cisco and SonicWall firewalls, VPN services, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol, Veeam backup systems and outdated Windows and Linux operating systems. VMware ESXi and Nutanix AHV environments are also potential targets.

Attackers may exploit unpatched software, stolen login credentials and inadequately secured remote-access applications, including AnyDesk and RustDesk.

Warning signs include unexpected administrator accounts, unusual remote logins, unauthorised software installations, suspicious backup activity, mass file changes and ransom notes.

CIRT-BS recommends immediate security updates, multifactor authentication, restricted remote access, stronger network monitoring and secure backups maintained separately from operational systems.

Organisations should also remove unnecessary internet exposure of remote desktop services, limit administrative privileges and regularly test backup restoration.

The advisory does not identify any confirmed Akira attack against a Bahamian organisation but highlights vulnerabilities that could expose institutions to serious financial and operational disruption.

Cybersecurity incidents can be reported to CIRT-BS at soc@cirt.bs or through its official website.

News

BermudAir Launches Service to the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 26th, Expanding Air Connectivity Ahead of Winter Season

Published

4 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 22nd, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes BermudAir as the airline begins its service to the destination on Monday, October 26th, marking the start of a wider expansion that will connect us with additional cities across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

BermudAir’s service will begin with a new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Providenciales. The flight will depart from the Howard Hamilton International Airport at 8 am on Monday morning and arrives at 7.40 pm. Aboard the inaugural flight will be a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands led by Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA), and will include Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, as well s representatives of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority, Invest TC and local media.

BermudAir will operate the Fort Lauderdale–Providenciales route three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through May 3rd, 2027. making it easier for business travellers with the schedule offering the potential for same-day return trips. The airline is also launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, Belize, on the same schedule, offering travellers in South Florida direct access to both destinations.

The new service introduces BermudAir’s premium leisure inflight experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Flights will operate on Embraer E190 aircraft configured without middle seats, giving every passenger a window or aisle seat, alongside complimentary snacks and beverages.

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the airline’s arrival, noting the importance of expanding airlift to support the continued development of the destination’s tourism industry.

“Air connectivity remains one of the most important factors in the continued development of our tourism industry. BermudAir’s expansion represents an opportunity to strengthen our connections with key international markets while opening new doors for our sister islands. I am particularly encouraged by the planned direct service between Newark and South Caicos, which speaks directly to our vision of expanding tourism opportunities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our objective is to ensure that improved connectivity translates into greater economic activity, stronger local businesses and more opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate in and benefit from tourism.” said Minister Jolly.

Commenting on the significance of the new route for the country’s development, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID), stated: “The introduction of BermudAir’s new service is a testament to the continued growth and development of our aviation sector. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, remains dedicated to enhancing our airport infrastructure to accommodate increased airlift. We are committed to working to ensure that our facilities provide a seamless, world-class experience for all incoming passengers and we warmly welcome BermudAir to our shores.”

The Fort Lauderdale launch is the first of several new services BermudAir plans to introduce to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the 2026–2027 winter season. Additional connections to Providenciales are scheduled from:

Bermuda to TCI and Grand Cayman: Beginning December 18th, 2026
Anguilla: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Toronto, Canada: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Beginning December 20th, 2026
Newark, New Jersey to South Caicos: Beginning December 20th, 2026
St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida: Beginning December 21st, 2026
Baltimore-Washington: Beginning December 24th, 2026

The expansion will give travellers more options for reaching the destination during the winter travel season, while broadening access from established and developing source markets. The additional routes also create opportunities for tourism stakeholders to reach new audiences and encourage visitors to explore more of the islands.

For flight schedules and bookings, visit www.flybermudair.com.