News
TCI rolls out measures to protect against Haiti security crises
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2024 – Flights have been cut and border security increased as local officials attempt to protect the Turks and Caicos islands from any ripple effects coming from a major spike in unrest in Haiti this week.
“Our primary focus is to ensure the safety of our citizens, residents, and visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we are working closely with the National Security Council to achieve this goal,” Arlington Musgrove told Magnetic Media on Tuesday afternoon.
As for what peacekeeping looks like in the Turks and Caicos, it’s focused at the borders where authorities expect to be engaged with any fast boats, the preferred method of transport for migrants coming in from Haiti.
The National Security Council says several plans have been drawn up. These include:
- The activation of a Strategic Coordinating Group (SGC) to coordinate and operationalize a comprehensive strategy on land, air, and sea.
- The continuation of Operation Shepherd, a joint operation between the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the TCI Regiment to tackle serious and organized crime and provide reassurance to communities through stepped-up patrols and other operations.
- Suspension of flights into and out of the Haitian capital and Cap Haitien.
Missing from that lineup is any mention of increased sea presence from the United Kingdom which is responsible for the Turks and Caicos’ National Security. It’s a measure that a slew of residents have expressed that they want to see following the unrest.
Included in that number is Bishop Coleta Williams, Chaplain to the House of Assembly. He says the UK could do much more if they wanted to.
“We just had a major infraction with the prison in Haiti— if the British government, the mother country, wanted to help you deal with your national security and immigration struggle they have the power to do it. All you need is one ship between here and there,” he said during a March 3 sermon.
The statement comes amidst a series of armed clashes in the French-speaking nation.
On Saturday and Monday, March 4, gangs attacked the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince battling with the Haitian military in an attempt to bring it under their control; that attempt was foiled.
Two days earlier, on Saturday, March 2, the gangs had successfully broken into several jails in the capital freeing over 4,000 prisoners in a violent clash with police that left at least 12 people dead. Fingered as the mastermind is Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier; a former cop turned gang leader.
Chérizier has been vocal in his distaste for Ariel Henry, Prime Minister of Haiti. In September 2023, Chérizier called for an uprising to remove Henry from his post as PM.
“Our fight will be with weapons,” the gang leader had told Reuters at the time.
Henry was out of the country during the attacks, securing a deal with Kenya to lead multinational forces for peacekeeping in Haiti.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News1 week agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News1 week agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News6 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News1 week agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News1 week agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man