Caribbean News

Turks and Caicos Islands once again Grapple with Rising Firearms-Related Offenses

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2024

#TurksandCaicos#GunCrime, February 23rd, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are currently facing an unprecedented surge in violent crimes, particularly those involving firearms. This disturbing trend has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving citizens, law enforcement, and political leaders in a state of alarm.

Retaliatory gang violence appears to be the primary motive for these murders. The frequent reports of grave offenses have underscored the urgent need for effective strategies to combat this menace and restore peace and normalcy to the islands.

The escalating violence in TCI not only poses a direct threat to public safety but also raises critical questions about the efficacy of current measures to prevent such incidents. Families who have lost loved ones to this wave of crime are particularly frustrated with the apparent lack of accountability and justice, seeking more than just words of condolence from their leaders.

A significant concern is whether the British government, in conjunction with local elected and appointed officials, is taking adequate steps to secure the borders and tighten control over entry points to curb the inflow of illegal weapons and contraband.

Effective border management is crucial for interrupting the channels through which these illicit items are entering TCI, a task that demands immediate and focused attention.

It seems as if the progress previously made by local law enforcement is now overshadowed. The responsibility of the government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens is paramount. Without decisive action to address these security lapses, the islands risk witnessing a further escalation in violence, with innocent bystanders increasingly caught in the crossfire.

The call to action is clear: TCI requires a comprehensive and practical plan to stem the tide of violence. This plan must encompass both preventive measures to halt the influx of illegal firearms and aggressive strategies to eliminate those already circulating within the communities.

Like many concerned citizens, I too will argue that the British government and local politicians have fallen short in this critical area, prompting calls for the declaration of a state of emergency to address the crisis head-on. As we can see, it goes beyond changing leadership faces.

Proposed measures should include additional attempts of the gun buyback program, enhanced investigative efforts, strategic traffic stops to detect weapons and contraband, the utilization of inmate informants to dismantle gang networks operating inside and outside the prison walls, significantly increasing the Crime Stoppers rewards, establishment of a specialized first responder task force in Grand Turk, to include the reestablishment of the Capital’s maritime unit with the necessary resources to patrols and intercept illicit trafficking.

The community’s patience is wearing thin with mere discussions, proposed plans and unfulfilled promises. The demand is for immediate, tangible action to disrupt the cycle of violence. The effectiveness of current strategies is in question, and there is a consensus that a more robust approach is necessary.

Among the suggestions are initiatives aimed at engaging at-risk youth, who are often drawn into criminal activities due to a lack of alternatives and positive influences. Addressing the root causes of youth involvement in crime is seen as essential for long-term change.

The reality is, we are living in an era of dramatic upheaval and the TCI community is at a critical juncture.

The collective effort of law enforcement, government, and citizens is imperative in turning the tide against the proliferation of firearms-related offenses.

This is why, I like others are committed to giving disenfranchised youth a second chance to avoid getting caught up again in the nonsense and an opportunity to become productive citizens.

Against this backdrop, how will we respond to the cry for help? Will the community rally behind law enforcement? It will only get worse not better if too many good people do nothing.

We call on our community to find peaceful ways to have civil discourse rather than retaliate. Avoid the temptation of retaliation as violence is never the answer.

The path forward involves not only stringent security measures but also a deep commitment to social programs that address the underlying factors contributing to the rise in violence.

The time for action is now, to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands for generations to come.

By Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen

Related Topics:#guncrime #magneticmedianews #turksandcaicos

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Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards

Published

6 days ago

October 8, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

~Sandals Resorts hosts the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala & celebrates its 32nd consecutive win as The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, October 8, 2025 – Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.

The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.

Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:

Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Surrounded by the beauty of Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.

“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with world-class hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

Caribbean News

Caribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

1 week ago

October 6, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson is the keynote speaker at CaribCon

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano

Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.

Simon Baptiste

“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23^rd to 26^th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.

Sponsors are:

Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.

Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.

Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.

For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.

For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co

Caribbean News

Guyanese Scholar and Olympian Arrested in Iowa ICE Crackdown

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

September 27, 2025 – In a shocking breach of public trust and institutional oversight, Ian Andre Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, who is a citizen of Guyana, was arrested on September 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a string of serious offenses that raise troubling questions about hiring practices, accountability, and public safety.

Roberts, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is a former Olympian and accomplished scholar. According to online reports, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University after transferring from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he played soccer. He holds two master’s degrees—from St. John’s University and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business—attended an Executive MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management and earned a doctorate in education with a focus on urban educational leadership from Trident University.

Despite these accomplishments, Roberts was living and working without legal authorization. ICE reported that he fled a traffic stop and abandoned his school-issued vehicle. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. He also has a prior weapons-related charge.

ICE officials questioned how Roberts could hold such a prominent role while subject to a final deportation order issued in May 2024. The school district said they were unaware of his immigration status, noting that he had undergone background checks and completed an I-9 form confirming work authorization. Roberts was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

This case highlights vulnerabilities in systems meant to safeguard public institutions and underscores the challenges ICE faces in identifying individuals operating outside U.S. immigration laws while in positions of authority.

For many, Roberts has become a near-literal poster child for these enforcement gaps.