News
Some Public reaction to NEW COMMISSIONER; Residents say they did their own research on Edvin Martin
Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – He has not even begun working, but with the announcement of who is set to take over at the helm of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police and the ease of access to information on just about any public figure, we can report that there is mounting concern about the Governor’s selection, Edvin Martin
On Monday, in a Facebook post, the Turks and Caicos Islands learned that a retired police commissioner from Grenada was the man awarded what some might describe as an onerous scope of work as the new Police Commissioner for the TCI. Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, Governor of the islands announced who would carry on following the end of tenure of Trevor Botting in a season when crime is more heinous and higher than it’s ever been.
The leading concern expressed to Magnetic Media was the unbridled disappointment that a Turks & Caicos Islander was once again passed over for the job.
“What a shame we are still in a position where our own can’t rise to this level through succession planning,” said one man.
Another said, “Choose a reject over our own!”
Following that, residents had a lot to say about the less than admirable news reports which exposed the raised level of crime in Grenada.
One opined, “We went from bad to worse.”
New Commissioner, Edvin Martin served on the Grenada Police Force for 37 years. His final five years were as its Commissioner.
In his final twelve months of service in Grenada, while crime overall rose only slightly, homicides skyrocketed over 500 percent according to Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada.
“Last year for the same period we would have had three homicides. This year we are indeed at an alarming number of 14 homicides. As I’ve said, one homicide is one homicide too many,” he told the media in July 2023. 
Blamed for the rising murders by both Prime Minister Mitchell and Martin was poor conflict resolution skills in residents.
Turks and Caicos Islanders are sharing their findings on social media, admittedly perturbed by Daniel-Severatnam’s decision to bring in a chief of police who was riding retirement age and who had expressed a “deliberate” decision to leave the GPF.
Another person commenting said, “Nothing new… we always bringing retirees for positions here. I’m not against any foreigners but I have several questions.
- How is this fair to the local population who are forced to retire at 60?
- We’ve been doing this for several decades in our public services. What value has this added to the public service and what does this say about our succession planning? Does it even exist?
- What tangible capacities and capabilities has these numerous individuals built or left with us?
- Lastly, what message are we sending to our own people?”
Prior to Martin’s departure, he had reportedly spent weeks away from work because of ill health according to news agencies in Grenada. It was widely reported that his decision to leave was personal and he was not forced out.
“After consultation with my family it is my own deliberate decision to retire at this point in time and that there are no other influencing factors to cause or promote that decision,” Martin had said.
“I have heard the discussions in the public, I just want to make it absolutely clear it is my own deliberate decision in consultation with my family at this point in time.”
Yet, Martin went on to take up a post as Manager of The CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) in November, spending less than a month in the post before confirming his employment with the Turks and Caicos which will begin in 2024.
Another citizen weighed in on how easy it was to see what the TCI was getting in the Commissioner this go round; their reaction was confusion over the choice given so many perceived misses since 2014, which started the string of hiring of foreign police chiefs.
“With access to info via social media why didn’t TCIG capture this on the new COP?”
Despite concerns, Martin brings significant experience to his role as the TCIs new top cop. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree with honours in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI and has over 37 years in policing experience.
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