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Targeted Attack; Three Shot, Two Dead

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Deandrea Hamilton, Dana Malcolm and Wilkie Arthur

Editorial Staff

 

#TurksandCaicos, October 23, 2023 – The double homicide of Thursday afternoon was a “targeted” incident, according to the national security leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI Governor and Rodney Adams, Acting Police Commissioner.  The distinction of the bold daytime shooting is crucial because it was yet another spray of gunfire erupting in a highly trafficked area for residents and tourists.

In a Friday (October 20) joint statement Daniel-Selveratnam and Adams confirmed that it was Jumilla Isma, 24 and Mike Forbes, 19 who were gunned down in a vehicle as they approached the Providenciales International Airport terminal around 5:52pm.

“Based on our preliminary investigation, this was a targeted incident,” said Rodney Adams.

The scene, once news broke of the shooting, was crowded with police vehicles, heavily armed officers and residents who had come to see if what they were hearing was true.

It was a grizzly sight. Bodies, blood, car doors of a silver coloured Honda Fit were flung open and early reports that there were two dead, at least one other man injured.

Bone-chilling shrills and screams in the distance could be heard from loved ones.  One woman, described as Jumilla’s sisters was speaking to their mother on cell phone, delivering news of the young man’s death.

“…Jim on the ground Mummy. (loud sobbing) Mummy dat’s Jim!!!!  (woman pacing) Mummy, Jim DEAD!!!”

It was clearly an ambush and many speaking off-the-record to Magnetic Media informed, young Jumilla Isma was a wanted man.  Not by TCI Police, but by others who had vowed payback for crimes allegedly committed by the 24-year-old; heartless crimes, which they believed, he had managed to outrun even in the courtroom.

A widely circulated and suspicious cell phone video showed an unsuspecting Isma earlier on Thursday leaving the airport terminal area wearing a blue shirt, dark pants and his long dreadlocks wrapped; he had just checked-in for a British Airways flight, our news organization was informed; that flight is scheduled for a 6:43 p.m. departure from the PLS.

It is unknown who was filming the man’s movements and why he left the airport, but Jumilla Isma upon return to board that plane, would face a fatal interception. Yards away from the spot where he was last caught on camera alive and well, he would die.  There was a mixture of reactions; tremendous grief for loved ones and unbridled joy for others who believed the young man got what he deserved.

Again, captured on cell phone, was a sizeable crowd of undistinguishable people and voices clearly celebrating as they filmed the loud cheering and the British Airways plane in the evening sky, departing Providenciales without Isma as a passenger.  Most of the shouts were in Creole.

But the Governor is incensed by the brazen action.

“I am appalled at the nature of yesterday’s fatal incident. Such disregard for human life causes irreparable damage and consequential impact to the safety and security of our islands. I want to reassure the public of the multi-agency enforcement efforts to protect and secure our communities. I urge anyone with information to contact the police to assist their investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice,” said the Governor.

The fatal shooting, so near the airport also created a disruptive detour and a frightening situation for those working there.

Magnetic Media observed tourists and residents being denied entry to the airport, as the only way to the terminal meant a drive through the crime scene.  We are told it resulted in travellers either missing flights or being delayed.

Workers at the PLS were also shaken, many abandoned their work stations and hid out once they heard the barrage of bullets.

DCP Rodney Adams, Acting TCI Police Commissioner who was captured in cell phone video at the airport after the shooting of the three men, in the statement issued on Friday said he wants video of the crime if you have it. Reach out to the SCU or the Serious Crime Unit at 649-232-8752.

“The Force is taking every action including deploying all required resources to bring those responsible to justice. Additional patrols are in place to ensure safety and security across all communities of the TCI. I wish to give residents and visitors the reassurance that their safety is our number one priority.”

One man, who is unnamed, survived the attack.

Again, cell phone video of that man captured him kneeled down in the arrivals terminal of the Provo airport; the man was distressed and clearly under the watch by members of the Police Force.  His short pants were stained with blood, so was his right arm.  He held his shoulder with what looked to be his shirt, which he was no longer wearing.  The man was able to walk, appeared to be barely lucid, perhaps in shock; those at the airport speaking to us under the promise of anonymity said he ran to the airport, away from ambush.

The man was injured in the attack however and detained at hospital and it is likely his detainment that has caused the suspension of visitation at the Cheshire Hall Medical Center, which is also now guarded by armed police.

More comments of grave concern about the boldness of the crime came on Friday including from Washington Misick, Turks and Caicos Premier and the Opposition, People’s Democratic Movement.

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Fredrico Johnson Appointed to Permanent Secretary

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Turks and Caicos, November 2, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is excited to announce the appointment of Fredrico Johnson to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mr. Johnson is a distinguished senior management leader with over ten years of experience in both public and private sectors.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he directed the development and implementation of essential policies, ensured public service accountability, and promoted strategic initiatives focused on talent development and succession planning. His contributions to policy development included leading a delegation to the Bahamas for insights into a local government policy initiative and addressing public service backlogs, which greatly enhanced operational efficiency.

Additionally, Mr. Johnson previously served as District Commissioner, managing government services, projects, and financial planning on the island while collaborating with various government departments to deliver critical community services.

Currently, Mr. Johnson is pursuing a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Walden University (expected 2025) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in International Business from Johnson & Wales University. His ongoing professional development includes certifications in emergency management, urban search and rescue, and results-driven development.

In response to his appointment, Mr. Johnson shared his thoughts: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be appointed as the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Home Affairs. This role presents an incredible opportunity to serve our nation and its people, and I am driven by the belief that we must let our passion drive our success. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my support system and mentors, who have offered encouragement, guidance, and prayers throughout the years. Their unwavering support has been invaluable on this journey. A special thank you goes to Permanent Secretary James Astwood for his exemplary leadership over the past few years. His dedication and commitment have laid a strong foundation for us to build upon. I am also grateful to our Deputy Governor for her visionary approach, which has provided young leaders in the public service with the platform to grow, flourish, and lead. To the entire team, I am excited to work alongside you as we continue progressing and enhancing our ministry’s service to the public. Together, I am confident we will achieve great things.”

H.E. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, expressed her congratulations, stating, “It is with great enthusiasm that I congratulate Mr. Johnson on his appointment to Permanent Secretary. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to public service. He assisted in leading strategic initiatives that not only improved operational efficiency but also significantly elevated the level of service within the Ministry of Home Affairs. I have every confidence that he will bring the same dedication and innovative thinking to this new role, and I look forward to witnessing the continued positive impact he will have on the Ministry and the public service at large.

Congratulations to Mr. Johnson on your well-deserved promotion”.

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Edgar Howell appointed as Deputy Secretary

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Turks and Caicos, November 2, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Edgar Howell as the new Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture.

Mr. Howell brings a rich educational background, holding an Associates Degree in Biology from the College of the Bahamas (now the University of the Bahamas), a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology and Biochemistry from the University of the West Indies, and a Master’s Degree with distinction in Education Management. He embodies the philosophy that “Education is a lifelong journey,” continually pursuing professional development opportunities that enhance his skills and benefit his responsibilities.

Most recently, Mr. Howell served as Director of Education for fifteen years, following a five-year tenure as Deputy Director of Education. His extensive experience also includes four years of teaching Math, Chemistry, and Integrated Science at Clement Howell High School and one year as Head Teacher at Oseta Jolly Primary School.

Mr. Edgar Howell shared his thoughts on his new role, “Stephen Covey advised – ‘You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically, to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.’ I accepted that my bigger yes is to nation-building and focused on education and families. While this appointment as Deputy Permanent Secretary includes wider TCIG responsibilities, my values of Faith, Family, Patriotism, and Stewardship keep my bigger yes well aligned. My parents instilled a belief that ‘a charge to keep have I, a God to glorify…’ As always, I lean on the promise of Isaiah 41:10 – ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

E. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service expressed her confidence in Mr. Howell’s capabilities, stating, “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Howell on his new appointment. His unwavering dedication to the education sector over many years, coupled with his passion for nurturing the potential of our youth, is truly commendable. We eagerly look forward to the contributions he will further bring to our educational initiatives and the positive impact he will make in fostering the development of our community and the bright future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Congratulations, Mr Howell, on your well-deserved promotion.”

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Turks and Caicos Cruise Tourism Earns US$116 million for 2023/2024  

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS  – Cruise Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands is booming, earning the destination a whopping US $116 million over the 2023/2024 period.

A new Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) report entitled “The Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies, a Survey-based Analysis of the Impacts of Passenger, Crew and Cruise Line Spending” revealed that passenger and crew visits along with additional expenditures by the cruise lines and the destination itself generated a total of US$116.1 million in cruise tourism expenditure during the 2023/2024 cruise year.

The expenditure supported direct employment of 1,197 residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands paying $21.8 million in annual wages.

Quoting data collected from the Ministry of Tourism, the report said 945,040 cruise passengers arrived aboard cruise ships during the 2023/2024 cruise year. Of these, an estimated 796,670 passengers (84%) disembarked and visited the Grand Turk destination where the cruise port is located.

Utilising additional industry data and visiting cruise lines, the survey said 288,515 crew were aboard the cruise ships and 30 percent, or 87,710 crew, disembarked and visited the destination.

The report noted that passenger arrivals are up 15 percent from the last study in 2017/18.

“This is fantastic news, particularly for Grand Turk, our cruise capital,” said Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Josephine Connolly in response to the results of the surveys. “I am very proud of the work that our taxi drivers, tour operators, vendors and suppliers have been doing in Grand Turk to enhance the service and offerings to all who visit our shores. They have shown a commitment to truly develop the cruise industry and it is paying off.”

The Minister said that the Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos have been supporting tourism stakeholders in Grand Turk through a variety of initiatives.

“Through the TIDES programme from the Department of Tourism, we are ensuring that everyone is knowledgeable about the destination and can operate at a high standard. Experience Turks and Caicos recently held two workshops in collaboration with the Aquila Centre for Cruise Excellence in Product Development and Vendor Excellence for the cruise industry and the team has been working on developing new products such as Taste of Turks and Caicos which will introduce our enticing cuisine to cruise passengers every Thursday from November 7th as well as enhancing existing products with signage and maps,” Minister Connolly said.

The FCCA report is based on results from a survey conducted among passenger and crew onboard ships of member cruise lines. The surveys were undertaken during the eight-month period beginning in October 2023 and ending in May 2024 and were distributed onboard the ships via QR codes. Guests and crew completed the surveys online and they were only surveyed once during a cruise itinerary.

The survey found that passengers accounted for the group that spent the most followed by crew and cruise lines and destinations. For the entire 2023/2024 cruise year, the estimated 791,730 cruise passengers who disembarked and spent a total of US$81.4 million.

Passengers spent 73 percent of their onshore expenditure on shore excursions, watches and jewelry, and food and beverages.

Crew spent money on food and beverages, clothing, and other purchases which accounted for 74 percent of their onshore spending. For the entire 2023/2024 cruise year, the estimated 95,780 crew who went ashore and visited Grand Turk spent an estimated total of $4.5 million ($US).

Cruise lines made payments to local businesses for a variety of goods and services, including payments for port fees and taxes, navigation services, utilities and other supplies. The destination itself had employees and employee wages related to its cruise operations. Based upon data provided by the FCCA member cruise lines and the destination, the report estimates that cruise lines and the Turks and Caicos Islands itself were responsible for approximately $30.2 million in direct spending during the 2023/2024 cruise year.

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