News
NEW: Jumilla Isma was Person of Interest, Killers got to him before Police
Deandrea Hamilton, Dana Malcolm and Wilkie Arthur
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, November 10, 2023 – Fourteen days before his public execution at the entrance to the Providenciales International Airport the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was reportedly searching for Jumilla Isma. Attorneys confirm to Magnetic Media that it was suspicions related to illegal guns and ammunition, including high-powered rifles that put the 24-year-old back on their radar for questioning.
It was also these allegations that led police to lay in wait at the Airport on October 19; reports to our newsroom indicate, they too were alerted about Isma’s attempt to unceremoniously leave the country.
Isma had checked in for a British Airways flight to get out of the Turks and Caicos then left the airport for reasons unknown. Following his slaying, a video was shared of him as he exited the check in terminal at their airport. By the
time he was to return, sources tell us, police officers were already stationed, prepared to seize Jumilla Isma on sight in order to take him in for questioning. Before that chance materialised, so-called ‘rivals’ who also learned of the 24-year-old’s whereabouts pounced on the man, shooting him dead in a vehicle along with another, 19-year-old Mike Forbes.
It has led those who knew Isma was a person of interest to TCI Police to surmise that had he been taken in or turned himself over to authorities, he may have been spared that fate.
The gruesome scene was sprawled practically at the airport’s gate, residents tell us, stressing that anyone looking to get in or out would have to pass by the body, the blood and the shot-up car. The killers, who are still at large, sent a third man, who was injured in the melee, scrambling back into the airport lobby soaked in blood as shocked travelers and airport workers looked on.
Isma was no stranger to the law, having been booked for murder multiple times in his short life.
He was charged with the double murder of Tamia Simmons and Stuart Harris – the two were shot to death in a suspected retaliation attack at their Five Cays home in September last year. Simmons, the girlfriend and Harris, the father of a young man wanted on the streets in an ongoing turf war. Isma was exonerated of the homicides in May 2023 because of a lack of evidence.
Prior to that, he had been convicted of the killing of Godly Petiote in 2021 and handed a life sentence but the ruling was overturned. This record may be one of the reasons his death was met with celebration from some residents.
In recent days, videos have emerged of young men spraying champagne and brandishing guns following the gruesome killing of the young man, who had been suspected of involvement in a slew of other crimes.
Despite these concerning videos, police have not yet approached the public with any new information about arrests or suspects in this case. Police have also not revealed why they were so interested in questioning the young man who is of Haitian heritage.
When we reached out to them their response was: “The RTCIPF will not be making any comments at this time.”
Magnetic Media is told Isma was aware he was a person of interest to police yet he decided against cooperating with law enforcers. Instead, his murder is another youth snuffed out in the record setting tally of homicides in ongoing feuds between groups or gangs in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What sparked this bloody back and forth is unclear, though drugs and profits from its sale have been fingered by authorities. What is certain is that it has forced beefed-up backing from the UK with additional detectives and aircraft imported to bolster expertise and crime fighting capacity.
In 2020, 15 officers were dispatched from the UK including two Superintendents, Lisa Mitcheson, ( Crime and Public Protection) and Martyn Ball (Specialist Operations). Again in 2022, 24 more officers were sent in to form an Anti-Gang Unit. In 2023 Superintendent Dean Holden (Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection) arrived.
The local government has pumped money into the cause as well. Budgets have continually increased over the past
three years from $29 million in 2021/22 to $34 million in 2022/23 and money was allocated for 12 marine officers to be added to the Police Force. In 2023/24 financials revealed the Police got $35.9 million, plus $6.2 million in Capital projects.
Since the double murder which marked the 16th and 17th killings for the Turks and Caicos in 2023, there have been threats against a reportedly innocent airport employee who had been accused of taking the video of Isma as he walked out of the terminal after checking in for his flight that fateful Thursday.
There has also been the release of a song which many have described as a group of young men, rhythmically, boldly confessing to the crime. A near 3-minute rap, featuring a variety of voices, well produced, which says among other things that Jumilla Isma or “Ju” thought he could catch a British Airways flight and get away with murders. The artists say they knew their act of getting even would be shocking to the nation, but they did not care and were instead focused only on ‘sending him home’.
Since the murders of Isma and Forbes, which drew condemning comments from government leaders including the Governor, Premier and Opposition party, the Royal TCI Police has kept all official information, including updates under lock and key.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
-
News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
Caribbean News7 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals