News

Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Addresses Excessive Water Levels in Providenciales

Published

1 year ago

November 14, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2023 – The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) is fully committed to resolving the pressing issue of excessive water levels affecting various regions in Providenciales. We have implemented a comprehensive approach, as outlined below:

Downtown Area: Our pump stations in downtown Providenciales are actively working to pump out the surplus water. This continuous process will persist until all the water has been successfully removed, ensuring smoother access for everyone in the area. Kindly note that we are pulling water from the Kew Town area, behind the Ball Park and within the Town Center Mall.
Five Cays and South Dock: In the Five Cays area, including South Dock, our pump stations are in operation. These pumps have been automated to efficiently address water-related concerns in this region.
Leeward Highway: The Leeward Highway is equipped with strategically positioned suction valves, designed to expedite the removal of water along this major roadway. We kindly urge the motoring public to exercise caution and care while passing through these affected areas.
Maintenance and Investment: Our dedicated team within the Public Works Department continues to diligently clean our drains and maintain our pumps and equipment to ensure their proper functioning.
Drainage Capital Project: In addition to our ongoing efforts, we are excited to announce the initiation of the Drainage Capital Project. This project is set to enhance our capacity to remove excess water in a faster and more efficient manner. We believe that this significant investment will further strengthen our ability to combat water-related challenges in Providenciales.

Furthermore, we wish to bring to your attention the importance of being mindful while transporting items in the open beds of pickup trucks. Motorists with pickup trucks that lack bed covers should take precautions to secure their cargo before leaving various venues. While on the road, strong winds can blow lightweight items out of the back of truck beds, potentially causing hazards on the highways and roadsides.

Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jamell Robinson commented on the significant water presence in Providenciales, stating, “Over the years, the Public Works Department has made significant investments in equipment and infrastructure. Notably, we have constructed a catch basin and a pumping station specifically designed to mitigate water-related issues, even during high tide. These investments showcase our unwavering commitment to effectively address such challenges. I would like to thank the hard working team from PWD who has been addressing this issue from early this morning and will continue late into the evening until the issue is resolved.”

The Ministry of PPID would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the motoring public of Providenciales for their patience and cooperation as we work tirelessly to reduce water levels in these affected areas. Your support and understanding are invaluable as we endeavor to create a safer and more accessible environment for all.

We also kindly request that individuals refrain from throwing garbage and other debris in the various areas of Providenciales. The improper disposal of waste can contribute to the blockage of our wells and drains, hindering our efforts to manage water levels effectively. Your responsible waste disposal will greatly assist in maintaining a clean and functional drainage system for the benefit of our community.

We thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we strive to ensure a safer, more accessible Providenciales for all its residents and visitors.

Crime

Former Police Officer Opens up to Eagle Legal about Frightening Kidnapping and Robbery at Gunpoint; alarmed at TCI Police silence

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islands – In the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a former police officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands was the victim of a terrifying robbery and kidnapping in the Dock Yard area, Eagle Legal News Media has learned.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m., the victim had just dropped off his girlfriend near Bible Street (Behind Mara) and returned to his vehicle when he was confronted by a lone, masked man armed with a firearm. The attacker, described as aggressive and agitated, demanded the victim’s wallet, phone, and other valuables. The victim, trying to remain calm, complied. His wallet reportedly contained over $1,000 in cash.

Despite giving up his belongings, the gunman continued to threaten him, demanding more money and pressing the firearm to the victim’s head and body. The victim described the ordeal as intense, saying he felt as if the bullets were already tearing through him due to the attacker’s inexplicable rage.

Although he considered using his police training to subdue the attacker, the victim noticed other men nearby observing the situation without intervening. Concerned for his life, he instead came up with a plan: he told the robber he could take him to an ATM to withdraw more cash.

“I felt like he was going to kill me for more money,” the victim said. “So I told him we could go to the ATM, even though I knew it was closed, just to get out of Dock Yard and buy myself a chance to survive.”

The assailant agreed, and the two drove to a nearby ATM, with the victim behind the wheel and the gunman keeping the firearm aimed at him the entire time, threatening him with violent language. When they arrived and found the ATM closed, the victim seized his moment.

“As soon as I stepped out of the car, I ran like Usain Bolt,” he recounted, “I tore through the bushes straight to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.”

There, he hid in the brush for a time before emerging to seek help. He contacted authorities from the hospital, where he was treated for minor cuts and bruises sustained during his escape.

Thankfully, he was not shot.

The former officer described his assailant as a male with a mixed Jamaican-Haitian accent who spoke fluent English. The man reportedly told him he was hungry and desperate for money.

He recalled the gunman saying, “If you don’t get me more money, I’ll kill you.”

The assailant fled the scene in the victim’s car, which was later recovered by police in Dock Yard. As of this report, no arrests have been made.

The victim contacted Eagle Legal News after seeing no official police report released about the incident.

Bahamas News

CARIFTA Games 2025 – Trinidad & Tobago

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S

The 2025 CARIFTA Athletics Games will be held at Hasely Crawford Stadium from April 19–21, while the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships take place at the National Aquatic Centre from April 19–22, with Open Water events on April 23 at Five Islands Beach.

Friday April 18, 2025

52nd CARIFTA Athletics Games and the XXXVIII CARIFTA Aquatics Championships Opening Ceremony

Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Admission Free

Saturday April 19, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad