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.
Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks
When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?
Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.
Should you sleep in a bra?
Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.
“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”
But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.
Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you
Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.
Lessens breast pain
Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
- Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
- Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
- Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
- Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
- Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight
“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”
A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.
Protects lactating breasts
If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:
- Holds nursing pads in place
- Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
- Reduces nipple chafing
- Supports the structure of your breasts
Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.
Prevents fungal infections
Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.
“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also
covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”
Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.
Reduces nipple irritation
Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:
- Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
- The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
- A sleep bra that’s too loose
Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.
Helps with recovery after surgery
It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:
- Decrease fluid collection
- Minimize pain
- Hold gauze and drains in place
“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”
Diminishes stretch marks
Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.
“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”
Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on
Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.
Causes skin irritation and infection
A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:
- Dirty
- Too tight
- Too loose
Restricts circulation
“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”
Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.
Tips for wearing a bra to bed
If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.
For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:
- Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
- Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
- Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
- Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.
Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
