News

The downward spiral of violent crime, is TCI at a breaking point?

Published

1 year ago

September 17, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, September 17, 2023 – Despite a concerted effort by our local law enforcement departments to control violent crimes, it appears to be a game of cat and mouse with head games, tough pursuits, and evasive captures of these criminals.

With the rising trend of serious crimes being at the heart of most Turks Islanders, concerned citizens are wondering where does it end? There’s a level of violence none like the country has ever seen, particularly on the island of Providenciales.

One has to wonder when will we get it under control? How many times will the country have to bolster the police department with foreign task forces as a crime prevention solution?

By no means should we downplay the short term effectiveness of this strategy, but it is still fractured in a sense and in more ways than one lacks continuity. It’s time to invest more in our own police officers; develop and promote the cream of the crop through real succession planning and raise the bar for under performers.

Furthermore, any short-term interventions must be combined with medium and long-term initiatives to enhance our national security.

Taking a holistic approach in tackling crime has been talked about, but is it really happening? More than ever before, online activities are driving real-world behavior, and activities on social media are increasingly leaking into real life, which is being played out among young men.

With that being said, who is monitoring social media in real time, trolling for suspicious gang related activities? We have to be in a better position to disrupt and dismantle these violent groups to avoid their grip becoming so tight that it creates a greater threat to tourism and the communities at large.

Over the years, the socioeconomic needs and public safety concerns in Kew Town and Dock Yard communities, have been largely ignored by successive governments and now it’s at a boiling point.

So, how do we fill these voids with real solutions? We the people, call on our representatives and officials to push for more creation of programs for our youth, improve job opportunities and invest more in these communities overall needs.

We have to find more effective ways to remove the barriers and plant safe spaces in underserved communities where violence is perpetuated. With ramping gun violence, you’re not just taking that person, you’re destroying a whole family and that’s what our people need to come to terms with.

Who are these victims and who are these perpetrators? Have we taken the time to understand their lives, parental support and economic situations? How do we mediate conflicts before they turn violent? We have to find ways to extract high-risk youth from the cycles of violence in their own neighborhoods.

The country need more resources to help make the much-needed work of violence prevention more sustainable? Are the local churches doing enough and do we have a think tank committee to brainstorm and share objective ideas?

These are real questions that need answers too. Sometimes, community leaders can maneuver and navigate in a way that law enforcement cannot.

The country’s internal security plan may be good, but at the end of the day, the back door is being left open with access to importation of illegal weapons which is counterproductive.

This is pretty evident with the number of ammunition and weapons being discovered at the Howard Hamilton airport in recent months. Another contributing factor could also include undetected migrant vessels that are making it to our shores.

Granted, we do not have the capacity for luggage checks on incoming international flights, but why not use sniffing dogs? On another front, the fact of the matter is, we have yet to see a dedicated maritime branch on the ground or a vessel stationed between the islands of Grand Turk, Great Sand Cay and Salt Cay to patrol the waters and enhance detection of illegal activity.

Our political leaders have talked about it, but when it comes to action, we see nothing tangible.

It goes to show how constant innovation and attentiveness is a must, in order to support our dedicated law enforcement officers.

There is no time like now to get gun trafficking under control. Where there are no illegal guns, there will be limited gun related deaths. In addition, it’s a stark reminder of the length and breadth armed gang members will go to take

revenge without regard for innocent bystanders.

Our country must take a look at violence through different lenses and treat it as a public health crisis.

This will require developing the necessary tools, methods, medical staff and resources to deal with the situations. I.e. establishing a trauma center and so forth.

Not only do we have to be proactive, but we must double our efforts and deal with the current challenges head on, because we are already in the midst of it all.

It will have to start with creating

well-targeted programs, clear diagnosis of our at risk youth and our young men involved in these violent crimes. This has to be complemented with the appropriate treatment plan that involves the family and community.

Challenges like this cannot be resolved by any single leader or by law enforcement alone. It will take the right tools and people coming together to create a movement that cannot be ignored.

Communities will need to remain vigilant and law enforcement agencies must remain mission-focused with results-driven leadership. Only then, will the country be in a much better position to reduce crimes and save more lives.

Ed Forbes

Education

Back-to-School Health Tips for Parents and Students: A Message from the Ministry of Health and Human Services Deandrea Hamilton You

Published

1 day ago

September 16, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 2024: As the school year begins, the Ministry of Health and Services is dedicated to ensuring students stay healthy and active throughout the academic year. The return to school is an exciting time, and we are encouraging parents to help their children build healthy habits that will support their physical and mental well-being. Here are some essential general health tips to keep in mind:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Encourage your child to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods that support growth and energy.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein in their daily meals.
- Limit sugary snacks and junk food, which can affect concentration and energy levels.

Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for mental clarity and physical performance.
- Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially during school hours.
- Equip them with a reusable water bottle to make hydration easy and accessible.
Stay Active: Physical activity promotes not just fitness, but also mental alertness.
- Encourage participation in school sports or active play during recess.
- Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, whether through organised sports or free play

Manage Stress: School can sometimes be stressful for students, especially as they balance academic and extracurricular activities.
- Teach your child to take regular breaks to relax and recharge.
- Encourage open conversations if they feel overwhelmed. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help.

Maintaining proper hygiene and practising illness prevention is essential for keeping students healthy, especially during the school year when they interact closely with others in classrooms and playgrounds. Here are some hygiene-related tips:

Wash Hands Regularly: Good hand hygiene is a key defense against illness.
1. Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom

Practice Good Hygiene: Promoting cleanliness reduces the spread of illness.
1. Remind your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
2. Encourage them to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infections.

Stay Home if You’re Sick:One of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness in schools is staying home when unwell.
1. Keep your child home if they are showing signs of illness to protect classmates and teachers.
2. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Get Vaccinated: Immunisations are critical for preventing diseases.
1. Ensure your child is up to date with their required vaccinations.
2. Consider the flu shot to protect against seasonal flu, especially before flu season begins.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Shaun D. Malcolm remarked, “The Ministry of Health and Services is committed to supporting the health and safety of our students as they return to school. By following these simple tips, parents can help their children have a healthy, productive, and enjoyable school year”.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

News

Press Release from Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Robert Been Jr.

Published

1 day ago

September 16, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Subject: The Neglect of Road Infrastructure in the TCI

Turks and Caicos, September 16, 2024 – The PDM along with Turks and Caicos Islanders are deeply concerned about the deplorable conditions of the highways and roads, particularly in Providenciales. As I travel across the island and listen to the concerns of our citizens, one issue that stands out is the lack of proper maintenance and upkeep of our roadways. This is not just a matter of inconvenience, but a blatant failure by the current PNP Administration to carry out one of the most basic functions of government: ensuring our roads are safe, functional, and well-maintained.

Many of the roads are overgrown with trees and bush, creating both an eyesore and a hazard for motorists and pedestrians. The once pristine landscapes that contributed to our image as “Beautiful by Nature” are now obscured by untrimmed vegetation and deteriorating road conditions. This is in stark contrast to the beauty that we proudly showcase to the world as our biggest selling point in the tourism market.

Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, and the condition of our roads is a reflection of how we maintain the image of our islands. When tourists drive through these overgrown, unkempt highways, what message are we sending? That we do not care about the very product we are trying to sell? This neglect not only affects the experience of our visitors but also places undue strain on our local residents who use these roads daily.

This lack of basic road maintenance is another example of the PNP’s incompetence. If they are failing at this most basic level, how can Turks and Caicos Islanders trust them to manage the more complex and pressing affairs of our country? Road maintenance is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bare minimum that the government should be providing for its citizens. When the PNP boasts about their achievements, we must ask, what good is a record-setting budget if they can’t even ensure the proper upkeep of our roadways?

The PDM understands the importance of basic government functions. A new PDM government will make it a priority to address the comprehensive repair and maintenance of the road infrastructure across the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. We will ensure that roads are not only repaired but also regularly maintained to prevent these kinds of issues from arising again. Our administration will focus on the fundamentals first, because we know that when the basics are handled well, everything else follows.

The future of our islands depends on a government that can effectively manage the day-to-day needs of its people, while also preparing for long-term development and growth. The PDM is committed to ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands remains beautiful, not just in name, but in reality. The people of this nation deserve better, and under a PDM government, we will make sure that you get it.

Robert Been Jr.
Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)
Turks and Caicos Islands

Crime

Deceased Male identified

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, September 15, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Serious Crime Unit has identified Barnabas Norbert as the victim of yesterday evening’s homicide.

Mr. Norbert, 60, of Blue Hills, Providenciales, was killed shortly after 9 pm.

Initial police reports indicated that the Police Control Room received reports that gunshots were heard near Phase One in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

Officers, along with medical personnel, responded and, upon arrival at the given location, noticed that two males had sustained what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Mr. Norbert was deceased, while another male, age 29, was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

The RTCIPF extends condolences to Mr. Norbert’s relatives and friends.

While at the scene of the homicide, officers received information shortly after 10 pm of an aggravated burglary in the area.

A male victim had arrived home when he was accosted by two armed men who proceeded to rob him of valuables. The armed suspects ran off and escaped.

Shortly after 2 am today (September 15), the Police Control Room received a report of a robbery at a restaurant in Kew Town.

Reports are that three males, one of whom was armed with a firearm approached employees as they were closing the establishment and robbed them of a black Honda Fit car. The vehicle was recovered in Dock Yard today.

These incidents remain under active investigation as the RTCIPF intensifies its efforts against criminal elements.

We are asking anyone with information that may help in these investigations to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.