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

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#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

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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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

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Mottley Sworn in After Historic Clean Sweep in Barbados Election

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Barbados, February 12, 2026 – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley was this afternoon officially sworn in for a third consecutive term, hours after delivering one of the most emphatic election victories in Caribbean political history — another complete capture of all 30 seats in Barbados’ House of Assembly.

The ceremony, conducted by President His Excellency Lt. Col. The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, marked the formal start of a new administration following the February 11, 2026 general election, which returned the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to power with a renewed and overwhelming mandate.

In a statement after taking the oath, Mottley said she accepted the responsibility “with humility and resolve,” thanking the people of Barbados for placing their trust in her leadership once again and urging national unity as her government begins its new term. Attorney Wilfred Abrahams was also sworn in as Attorney General.

The result is historic not only for its scale but for its consistency. This is the third straight general election in which the BLP has won every constituency, reinforcing Mottley’s dominance in national politics and extending an unmatched era of one-party control in the modern democratic period.

Voting day unfolded under the watch of a CARICOM Election Observation Mission, led by Antigua and Barbuda’s Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes and supported by senior electoral officials from Belize and Jamaica. The team engaged key institutions ahead of the poll and monitored the process across the island.

Regional leaders were swift in their congratulations.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described the outcome as “emphatic and historic,” saying the clean sweep reflected how deeply Mottley’s leadership has connected with Barbadians and expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two countries.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also hailed the victory, noting that her re-election provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation within CARICOM and advance shared regional priorities.

The scale of the win again leaves Barbados without a parliamentary opposition, a reality that has become a defining feature of the political landscape since 2018. Supporters argue the repeated mandate reflects public confidence in Mottley’s stewardship of economic reform, climate diplomacy, the transition to a republic, and Barbados’ expanding global influence.

Now, newly sworn in and backed by another unanimous parliamentary majority, Mottley begins a third term with both extraordinary political capital and equally high expectations at home and across the region.

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Liberty Caribbean Committed to ‘Elevating Region’ at CANTO  

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Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago

Liberty Caribbean is Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and 42nd AGM

 

Port of Spain, TRININDAD & TOBAGO (February 1, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow. Liberty Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to turning regional connectivity into measurable economic and social outcomes as Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and its 42nd Annual General Meeting.

CANTO is the leading regional body that brings together telecommunications operators, ICT providers, regulators, governments, and industry partners to support the development of the Caribbean’s digital and communications landscape.

Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago delivered the sponsor’s address on behalf of Liberty Caribbean.

“The work of laying fibre and lighting towers is done; connectivity is now our foundation,” she said.

“The real task before us is to translate that foundation into innovation, productivity and prosperity for our people. Intelligent connectivity, such as networks designed for 5G, AI and IoT, will be the platform for smarter public services, more resilient systems and scaled opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs.”

Martin-Sulgan emphasised that infrastructure alone will not deliver sustainable progress.

“Digital progress must become digital prosperity. That means creating career pathways for young people, helping local businesses scale and ensuring citizens across our communities can fully participate in the digital economy. A connected Caribbean should also be a confident, creative and globally competitive Caribbean,” she said.

Liberty Caribbean is represented by a senior delegation at CANTO Connect to support the conference objectives of aligning policy, investment and execution across the region under this year’s theme ‘Elevate the Caribbean – From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness’.

Liberty Caribbean’s delegation includes Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer; Desron Bynoe, VP and General Manager, Flow Barbados; Susanna O’Sullivan, VP and General Manager, North Caribbean; Marilyn Sealy, Senior Director, Head of Communications; Dominic Boon, VP, People; Daniel Neiva, Chief Commercial Officer, B2B; Bradley Ramcharan, Director, B2B, Trinidad & Tobago; Yolande Headley, Country Manager, Dutch East Caribbean; and Jade Reymond, Country Manager, Flow Anguilla.

Martin-Sulgan thanked CANTO’s local secretariat for convening the forum and urged delegates to convert conversation into action.

“If we align policy, capital and capability, the Caribbean can move from connectivity to competitiveness. Liberty Caribbean will continue to invest in resilient networks, nurture homegrown talent and partner to deliver measurable social and economic value across our markets,” she said.

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