TCI News

National Security Row as Oswald Skippings takes on Trevor Botting

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2023

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicosIslands, October 9, 2023 – Trevor Botting, Turks and Caicos Islands outgoing Police Commissioner found himself at the start of the week, rejecting claims that his leadership has ‘damaged’ the Police Force. He penned a lengthy response to what he describes as ‘factually incorrect’ statement from Oswald Skippings, former Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos.

“It is unfortunate that Mr Skippings did not take the time to establish the facts before publication, but I am happy to put the record straight,” said Botting in his own release.

The response came on Monday October 2. It was aiming to rebuff assertions by the outspoken Skippings, who said the Marine Branch, Airwing and police sub-stations in Blue Hills, Salt Cay, Middle Caicos and Five Cays were shut down by Botting.

Skipping in the piece, featured in the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, called for the re-establishment of the institutions that were “deliberately dismantled by the Governor and Commissioner of Police and allowed by the elected government without a public outcry or any form of parliamentary or other opposition.”

But Botting, who is also the former TCI Deputy Commissioner of Police position laid most of the responsibility for these actions at the feet of his predecessor including the purchase of an aircraft unfit for use in the Turks and Caicos, and the closure of the Five Cays, Salt Cay and Middle Caicos stations.

“With respect to the RTCIPF Airwing, when I assumed the role of Commissioner, I undertook a review of the regulatory structure of the RTCIPF Airwing and found that it did not comply with local and international regulations and further funding was required to modernise the structure and bring the Unit in line with international and national requirements. The funding has taken time to be put in place, along with the recruitment of additional staff to meet the requirements and work is underway now, with the TCI CAA regulator, to apply for the Air Operators Certificate. Whilst Mr Skippings suggests that I tried to ‘frustrate and fire’ staff from the RTCIPF Airwing, this is simply not the case, and the staff that were in place when I took over as the Commissioner, remain in place today. Indeed, the objective was to add additional staff which has been done. We are now in a strong position to obtain our Air Operators Certificate.”

He also highlighted what he had done, including the closure of the Blue Hills police station that he says barely anyone visited; the hiring and training of Turks and Caicos Islanders at senior levels in the force; resale of said unfit aircraft; upgrading of Air Wing staff; and restoration of police presence to Salt Cay. The commissioner also mentioned longtime projects that were still dragging on, including the restoration of the Grand Turk Marine Branch.

“Rather than the Police Force being damaged by me as their Commissioner, it is firmly my view that the Force is in good shape to meet the demands placed on it,” Botting said in response to the scathing review by Skippings.

There was one thing that the two saw eye to eye on, a necessary increase in officers.

“I do agree with Mr. Skippings that the Force needs to continue to grow to meet the shifting and ever-more complex demands of Policing. As an aside, I would also fully support the increase in the capacity of our colleagues in Immigration,” Botting maintained.

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #rtcipf #tcipolice #turksandcaicosislands

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TCI News

HURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being

We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.

This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.

At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:

1. Evacuation Advisories

Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:

Middle Caicos

Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre

North Caicos

Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School

Providenciales

- - Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
  - Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
  - Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
  - Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
  - Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School

South Caicos

Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre

Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.

2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre

The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.

3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.

4. Shelter-in-Place

A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.

This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.

Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.

In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.

Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

6 days ago

October 25, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

6 days ago

October 24, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.

In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.

Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”

He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”

The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.

“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”

In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:

“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”

Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.