TCI News

Astwood calls for IMMIGRATION meeting and announces measures to be taken for TCI Border Security

Published

4 months ago

April 3, 2024

Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer

More police, more money and more collaboration is what Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader says it will take to help increase protection from illegal immigration and he’s calling for a collaborative meeting with the Premier to discuss the issue.

In an open letter shared with the public on March 8 Astwood made his case.

“In my capacity as leader of the opposition, I respectfully request an urgent meeting involving the government, the governor, the opposition, and the leadership team of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force. This meeting is crucial for strategizing on how best to prevent the potential spillover of the unstable situation in Haiti onto our shores,” he said.

The letter also listed a myriad of suggestions that Astwood said would help to prepare the country to protect its borders including:

Temporary suspension of all active leave for members of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force, TCI Regiment, immigration, and customs officers until further notice. Astwood encouraged TCIG to use relevant budget allocations to pay the officers for their overtime.
An immediate increase in the weapons and combat equipment stockpiles of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force.
Additional sea vessels capable of detecting, catching, and subduing other fast-moving sea vessels, ‘as the mode of illegal trafficking has changed.’
Redirection of the $9 million, recently appropriated for land acquisition in the recent Supplementary Appropriations 2024 Bill, to fund the suggested and required National Security efforts.

Astwood also had demands for the British.

“We propose inviting the British government to consider the deployment of military personnel and equipment to strategic locations across our nation,” he said.

The Opposition Leader maintained that with a ‘civil war’ next door the Turks and Caicos could not afford to be complacent.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens must be a top priority, and proactive measures need to be taken swiftly to prevent any adverse impact on our beloved nation, our lives, and our livelihood.Let us address this clear and present danger with a unified front, being proactive rather than reactive.”

No official response from TCIG has been shared publicly.

Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.