News

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

Published

8 months 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

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.