Hospital restores visitation in Provo, Security threat neutralised

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – After a reported encounter with a patient and a weapon on Wednesday, the TCI Hospital had beefed up security and suspended visitation, but on Thursday afternoon, that 24-hour imposition was lifted.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital would like to inform the public that the heightened security alert, previously imposed due to a reported incident involving a patient and a suspected weapon, has been lowered based on the advice of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. We are pleased to inform you that visitation to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre has now resumed. We understand the temporary suspension of visitation may have caused an inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this period,” the CHMC said in a statement.

The threat on Wednesday had resulted in armed officers at the facility, which caused concern for some residents.

The Hospitals say a heightened security alert had to be implemented at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales following a reported incident involving a patient and a suspected weapon.

The hospital did not provide further details into the incident.

The Police were immediately summoned to the scene and launched ‘a thorough investigation into the matter’ according to the initial press release.

Magnetic Media had received a video of heavily armed security personnel pacing through waiting rooms in the health facility.

The hospital said: “We have immediately deployed additional security personnel to reinforce our on-site security measures. They are well-trained and equipped to handle any potential threats swiftly and effectively.”

In the end, with the threat neutralized, the Hospitals resumed regular functioning at the Providenciales centre.

“The safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and visitors remain our top priority.  Accordingly, we have taken all necessary measures to ensure their protection throughout this situation.

Our security personnel and members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force worked diligently during this investigation, and we extend our gratitude for their efforts.”