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Inmate Tasered, bloodied by Prison Guard; family calls it excessive force

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – One Turks and Caicos family is raising questions about the use of force in the country’s prisons, following an incident where they say their family member was injured by a taser as the correctional officers tried to break up a melee.

Magnetic Media received photos of a bloody knee and wrist allegedly belonging to an inmate in Her Majesty’s Prison, which is said to be the result of being tased by an officer as he tried to alert prison guards about an ongoing fight. His family claims the injured man wasn’t even involved in the brawl.

Under UK Law, Tasers may only be used by trained officers, and from the moment it is drawn, aimed or fired, it is considered ‘used.’

“Any use of the Taser must be proportionate, lawful, accountable and absolutely necessary. Its use for a reason other than mitigating a threat of violence, may engage Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights,” the UK says.

In addition, the UK government says a review of Taser use by the Independent Police Complaints Commission in 2014 warned against use of the weapon on the basis of its availability rather than of its necessity.

Magnetic Media immediately reached out to Michael Woodbine, Superintendent of Prisons and Director of Rehabilitation to find out the situation behind the use of the Taser, whether the force had been necessary, what sort of training had been given to officers to use the weapon, what circumstances necessitated Taser use inside the prison and whether the injured inmate received medical attention.

The circumstances behind the use of the weapon remain murky. We also reached out to the Turks and Caicos Human Rights Commission for their comment on the issue.

The response from Woodbine, while swift to the prison’s credit, answered none of our questions.

“In all cases of the use of force, whatever the degree, the circumstances are fully reviewed as soon as possible. It would not be appropriate to comment on any uses of force or individual incidents. If you have received concerns from family members, please ask those people to direct their concerns to me so that I can address them directly,” the news team was told.

No update was provided on the prisoner’s condition and Woodbine did not indicate if he received medical care. No answer was provided on whether it was protocol to use a taser to break up a fight rather than simply getting between inmates.

We are told the injured man has filed an official police report against the officer who reportedly caused him the injury.

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What You Need to Know – SOUTH CAICOS REGATTA 2025

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Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2025 – We are thrilled to invite you to the South Caicos Regatta 2025, celebrating an incredible 58 years of rich history and vibrant tradition! Join us in South Caicos for an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the beauty of our beloved Island.

The South Caicos Regatta has long been a cherished event, bringing together locals and visitors to honour our Maritime heritage. This annual gathering showcases everything Turks and Caicos and the spirit of our community. With each passing year, the Regatta has grown into a spectacular celebration that highlights our culture, music and local cuisine. As we commemorate this milestone, we invite you to be apart of the festivities that make South Caicos truly special.

We celebrate this year from May 23-24th the main event day is Saturday May 24th where the excitement reaches it peak and a great day for Boating across the Caicos Bank. Come and enjoy local food vendors, live entertainment, and activities that cater to all.

For those of you planning to stay overnight, we have great news! Solterra Resort and Spa is offering special Regatta Rates for all guests. Reservations can be made by calling 1-649-333-5410 or emailing reservations@salterra.com. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and soak in the beauty of our Island while enjoying the celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Caicos for this memorable occasion.

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RT & CIPF welcomes 30 Officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force

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Turks and Caicos, May 20, 2025 –   The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) officially welcomed the deployment of thirty officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) today, 20th May 2025.

The officers took their oaths of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of their service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The deployment is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the RT&CIPF’s operational and tactical capabilities as the Force continues its mission to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey, addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and upholding human dignity.

The Commissioner pointed out that the officers are now part of a diverse Force comprising officers from over 21 nationalities, including those with Spanish and Creole-speaking backgrounds.

“You are joining a dynamic team with a shared commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Bailey said. “You will work alongside your RT&CIPF counterparts, integrating quickly, transferring your knowledge and experience, and gaining vital local insights. It is essential that you work harmoniously and reassure the communities you serve.”

He further emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld by everyone and reminded the officers to be firm in the execution of their duty, while in the same breath to uphold human rights while executing their duties: “Respect for human rights must be at the forefront of your service. The safety and dignity of people are paramount.”

Commissioner Bailey also acknowledged the challenges ahead: “There are individuals who seek to instil fear and disrupt our society through criminal activities. But you are here with a mandate—to serve and protect. Your primary objective is to preserve life. In the face of adversity, we must not become victims; we must prevail as victors. Self-preservation, vigilance, and teamwork will be critical as we move forward.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams also addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “This is about teamwork—working together to bring stability and safety back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, who oversees the Strategic Operations Portfolio within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant; Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner; Superintendent Jason James; and Acting Superintendent Kemron Lowhar.

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Caribbean News

13 Guadeloupean Students Visit Dominica to Deepen Understanding of Kalinago History and Culture

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Roseau, Dominica – Thirteen second-year high school students from Maison Familiale Rurale Education Orientation Lamentin (MFR Lamentin) in Guadeloupe have arrived in Dominica for a five-day educational exchange focused on the Kalinago people—Dominica’s Indigenous community. The initiative forms part of their Caribbean history curriculum and aims to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich and often overlooked Indigenous heritage.

This immersive experience, coordinated by Black Island Girl Multimedia, is designed to educate students on the Kalinago people’s contributions, traditions, and resilience, both past and present. By bringing students directly into contact with the Kalinago Territory, this program seeks to reshape the way Caribbean history is taught, centering authentic narratives and challenging historically inaccurate portrayals.

During their stay, students will engage with several cultural leaders including:

  • Anette Sanford, Dominica’s first female Kalinago Chief
  • Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment
  • Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica

The itinerary also includes serval heritage sites and cultural experiences. They will participate in a traditional Kalinago naming ceremony, culinary experiences with locally made cassava and other traditional foods, and visits to historical and natural landmarks such as the Indian River, Fort Shirley, and Titou Gorge.

Educators from MFR Lamentin have extended a heartfelt invitation to members of the Kalinago community and cultural experts to meet with the visiting students. “We would be honoured if you could spare some time to engage with our students and share your perspectives on the significance of the Kalinago civilization in both historical and contemporary contexts,” said Mahailiah Mellow, teacher and development officer from the delegation. “Your expertise and leadership would greatly enrich the students’ understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and enduring culture.”

This exchange not only represents a powerful educational moment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kalinago heritage across the Caribbean.

Black Island Girl Multimedia is a media and communications company founded by Jael Joseph, a Dominican-Canadian journalist, media producer, and cultural storyteller. The company is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented Caribbean voices, reshaping narratives around Caribbean identity, and telling stories that center Black and Indigenous perspectives particularly those often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.

Black Island Girl Multimedia focuses on:

  • Documentary production and multimedia storytelling; “Territory”, a documentary on the Kalinago people won Best Short Doc in 2023 at The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada.
  • Cultural preservation through digital media, podcasting, and live events
  • Education and advocacy, especially around Caribbean history, heritage, and the experiences of women, migrants, and Indigenous peoples
  • Event partnerships that align with social justice, cultural upliftment, and regional empowerment

The name “Black Island Girl” is both a declaration of identity and a mission: to represent the richness, resilience, and reality of Caribbean life through creative media rooted in truth and lived experience.

For Interviews, media contact:
ACEM By Jael Inc.
Email: jael.joseph@gmail.com
Phone: 767 277-3699 / 614 1770

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