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NEW:  Jumilla Isma was Person of Interest, Killers got to him before Police 

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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.

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RT&CIPF Acting Appointments 

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

 

Turks and Caicos, October 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) wishes to announce the following temporary leadership changes as Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin has proceeded on six weeks of leave.

Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Rodney Adams will serve as Acting Commissioner from October 1 to October 6.

Following this, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Kendall Grant will take over as Acting Commissioner.

Furthermore, effective October 7, 2024, the Force welcomes the temporary appointment of a second DCP, Fitz Bailey.  Mr. Bailey is a former DCP from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with over 40 years of policing experience. The appointment is for a period three months and will provide further resilience to the Force Executive at this time.

During his career, Mr. Bailey has led the following portfolios: the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Intelligence Branch, the Counter-Terrorism and the Organised Crime Investigation

Branch (C-TOC). He was instrumental in reviewing and reorganising the JCF’s Crime Reporting and Case Management Policy and established a Cold Case Unit.

Mr. Bailey holds a Master of Science in Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Science in National Security and Strategies from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and an Associate Degree in Accounting from the Management Institute for National Development.

Commissioner Martin stated: “Acting arrangements have been put in place to cover the period of my absence. The Force Executive has been fully briefed and will continue to maintain the strategic goals and objectives of the Force while at the same time ensuring the welfare of all staff”.

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Government

DETRESHA COX APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

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Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce Ms. Detresha Cox’s appointment to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Labor with the Ministry of Border Control and Labor.

Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (2023), which has provided her with in-depth knowledge of labor laws and standards. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Studies, concentrating on Governance and Public Policy at SALISES, UWI Mona, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Upon returning home from University, Ms. Cox served as a Senior Labor Inspector, a role in which she honed her skills in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this position, she managed labor disputes, mediated conflicts between employers and employees, conducted workplace inspections, and ensured compliance with occupational safety and health standards. Her academic grounding and her hands-on experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of labor issues and the leadership skills necessary for her new role.

Ms. Cox, on her new role said: “I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Labor. This appointment is a great honor, and I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the department’s mission and the nation’s labor policy of enhancing labor relations and promoting equitable employment opportunities. With a focus on policy development, compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, I will work diligently to ensure the department continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees. My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I look forward to driving positive change in the workforce. I want to express my sincere thanks for the overwhelming support and well wishes received; this encouragement has been a constant source of strength. As I step into this role, I believe that success is not just about what you accomplish but what you inspire others to do. Together, I look forward to building a brighter future for our workforce.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H. E. Anya Williams, remarked on Ms. Cox’s appointment, saying, “With extensive knowledge, a qualified educational background in Labor and Employment Relations, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing labor relations, Ms. Cox is poised to make significant contributions to the Ministry of Border Control and Labor. Embodying the qualities of a public servant—dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the workforce. We are excited to see Ms. Cox lead as Assistant Commissioner of Labor and contribute to the continued advancement of labor standards in our community. We look forward to Ms. Cox’s contributions in her new role and are confident that she will greatly benefit the Ministry of Labor and the workforce at large.

Congratulations, Ms. Cox, on this well-deserved promotion.”

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News

EUD invites input from residents as it reopens public consultation on the Renewable Energy Bill

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Providenciales, October 3, 2024 – The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government (TCIG) is pleased to announce a program of further public engagement on the country’s proposed Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 (RE Bill).

“The EUD has embarked on a comprehensive consultation program with key stakeholders to the RE Bill, including all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” explained EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “The program begins today with our request for your initial written feedback on the draft RE Bill, and continues throughout October with public meetings in communities across the country, a 5-part educational series that breaks down the key aspects of the proposed Bill, a brief survey to gauge your perspectives on both the RE Bill and solar development here in TCI, and more. We want to ensure residents have every opportunity to understand this important proposed legislation.”

The RE Bill puts legislated structure in place that enables a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all TCI residents, today and in the future:

  • It establishes a competitive government-managed procurement process for future large-scale renewable energy supplies
  • It enables homes and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy generators such as solar PV to meet their needs, and sell surpluses back to the grid
  • It makes it necessary for anyone who wants to produce renewable energy to get a license.
  • It outlines the rules for connecting renewable energy systems to the electricity grid, ensuring grid stability, safety and fairness.
  • It establishes an Energy Levy Fund which will collect a small fee from large-scale renewable energy producers to support new community renewable energy projects and research.

“With this Bill, our overarching goals are to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future,” added Commissioner Arthur. “It will provide a framework for renewable energy systems including licensing and interconnection, as well as the development of integrated resource planning for the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s an important piece of legislation that will impact us all.”

The schedule of public consultation sessions, hosted by the EUD Commissioner and his team, will be shared via the EUD’s social media channels and in print media in the coming days and throughout October.

“The resources we are making available to you will help you better understand the RE Bill and how it impacts you,” continued Mr. Arthur. “We encourage you to engage fully – to review the materials and share your written feedback over the coming weeks, and join us in your local church basements and community halls when we come out to see you in October. These smaller, face-to-face sessions provide the best opportunities for meaningful conversation on our country’s energy future.”

TCI residents have until Friday, October 25, 2024 to provide initial written feedback on the draft Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. The Bill and associated materials may be found at https://www.gov.tc/eud/. Further, residents are encouraged to follow the EUD’s social media pages for the RE Bill survey launch in mid-October, and for details on public meetings in communities across the country.

Feedback on the Renewable Energy Bill can be sent to the following email address eudconsultation@gov.tc.

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