TCI News
Crime challenges are “not Insurmountable” says New Police Commissioner Dana Malcolm
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 24, 2024 – At this moment I can feel the enormity of responsibility bestowed on me and the weight of accountability and expectations of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) as well as members of the wider community.”
That was the acknowledgment from Edvin Martin, new Commissioner of Police as he was sworn into his role as head of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) on Monday, April 22.
“I also feel an unprecedented opportunity and a distinguished privilege to serve by leading the Police Force into an era of modern
policing,” he maintained.
A well-trained force that is averse to corruption and maintains the trust of the people is what Martin promised in the address that spoke to the Police, the residents and the criminals.
Not only does the Commissioner say he understands the gravity of his role and the lofty expectations to reverse high crime which he described as a ‘tremendous mandate’, he maintains he has a good grasp of the issues plaguing the country.
To the residents, Martin called on them and all stakeholders to form an anti-crime coalition with an all-hands-on-deck approach.
“There should be no bystanders in addressing the carnage in our communities,” he said.
Even as Martin listed the threats of immigration, terrorism, cybercrime, transnational organized criminal activity, and the associated gang violence, illegal firearms and drug trading, he assured:
”I urge you listening to me today, do not despair, for while these threats may be challenging, they are not insurmountable.”
The process for tackling them will need a tightened-up RTCIPF, according to the commissioner, one that is focused, well trained and adequately resourced.
For Martin this means the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) must retool, restructure and reengineer its responses.
In this vein the top cop spoke directly to officers during his address, maintaining that the public deserves an accountable Police Force.
“As a service organization there will be allegations that cause the public to question our integrity; we must seek out and purge the organization of any semblance of bias, corruption and malfeasance,” he said.
Martin maintained the top brass now has a mandate to work to ensure fairness in work and promotions.
“Anything less than this will be an injustice— we must do everything possible to inspire confidence in our force and improve our legitimacy as gatekeepers of law and order,” said the new Commissioner.
As part of the crime fighting plan several immediate actions are to be taken:
- The immediate and aggressive addressing of the spate violent crimes
- Collaborating with stakeholders to address safety challenges in the tourism industry
- Redefining the Police Force image to become the pride of the TCI
- Greater technological innovation
- Restructure the force to better align with contemporaries
- Frequent Town Hall meetings
- Increased safety at police stations.
Martin had words for the mayhem causers and their ‘glaring disregard for human life and safety’ too. 
”Under my watch I can assure you that the RTCIPF will not sit idly by and observe this unrelenting rampage and havoc. Today I call on you to put down your weapons of destruction and change your criminal ways,” he said.
Martin, who recently retired as Grenadian PC is credited with being lead of his home force for five years, serving a total 37 years before bowing out and moving on to head the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit.
Only months into that CARICOM job, Edvin Martin was approved and announced as police commissioner designate for the Turks and Caicos Islands, succeeding Trevor Botting.
“My first order of business ladies and gentlemen, this morning, is to give a special thanks to God, as He directs my path in every single thing that I do. I am grateful for His blessings and His guidance,” started Mr Martin when delivering his inaugural remarks at the outdoor ceremony.
The acknowledgment of God was a distinctive moment that many are hoping will auger well for the mission of newly installed policing leader for the TCI. Soon after his bold remarks, Martin, with his wife looking on from the audience took the oath of office and oath of allegiance in a live streamed event.
Also giving remarks at the swearing-in ceremony staged at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex were Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, TCI Governor and Washington Misick, TCI Premier.
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – The Integrity Commission advises that the Register of Interests for Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, as at 31st December 2023 has been completed. Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.
The Commission would, therefore, like to inform members of the public that, it is has compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2023 for the Members of the House of Assembly, as at
31st December 2023.
The Register of Interests 2023 is now available for public inspection at the following locations:
⦁ House of Assembly in Grand Turk
⦁ Office of the Premier – Grand Turk and Providenciales
⦁ Office of the Integrity Commission – Grand Turk and Providenciales (during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.)
⦁ Office of the District Commissioner – Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and 1 South Caicos.
The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.
For further information or any assistance please contact the Integrity Commission: By telephone at: 946-1941(Grand Turk Office) or 941-7847 (Providenciales Office)
By e-mail at: secretary@integritycommission.tc or info@integritycommission.tc
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – On this World First Aid Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is proud to honor over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers. Our
dedicated volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.
Today, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain. The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework. At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society.
In 2024, World First Aid Day casts a spotlight on the vital nexus of first aid and sports—a domain where passion and precaution coexist. As we embrace the spirit of athleticism that pushes human boundaries and fosters unity, we also recognize the inherent risks
involved. Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike. It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of our sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality, unmarred by preventable injuries.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross is dedicated to promoting first aid education and practices, ensuring that the exhilarating world of sports remains a safe space for all. Join us in observing World First Aid Day and in championing the cause of first aid readiness in every walk of life
Turks and Caicos, September 14, 2024 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department’s Vector Control Unit, Mr Deon Wilson and Mr Hilton Robinson, recently participated in a specialised Pest Control Machine Calibration and Maintenance Workshop held in the Cayman Islands from August 27 to 29, 2024. The training, organised and facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), aimed to strengthen the capacity of vector control staff across CARPHA Member States.
The workshop focused on the calibration and maintenance of vector control equipment, a critical component in the effective management of mosquito and other pest populations. Participants were trained to enhance their competencies in calibrating both Ultra Low Volume (ULV) and thermal fogging equipment, vital tools in the fight against vector-borne diseases.
Key topics covered in the workshop included:
- The biology, species identification, and habitat of medically important vector species.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vector control.
- Principles of adulticiding, including the application of adulticides to control adult mosquito populations.
- An overview of ULV and thermal fogging equipment, with hands-on training in maintenance and calibration.
- Best practices for pesticide usage, including application techniques, mixology, safe storage, and proper disposal of chemicals.
This comprehensive training opportunity will equip the Vector Control Unit with the latest knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain vector control operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The enhanced expertise gained will contribute to more efficient pest management practices, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all residents and visitors.
The Minister of Health and Human Services commented on the training, “We are committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities. By investing in the development of our Vector Control Unit, we ensure that our team is well-prepared to tackle vector-borne diseases effectively. This training provided by CARPHA is a valuable opportunity for our staff to gain critical skills in the calibration and maintenance of essential equipment, thereby enhancing our ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to pest-related health risks.” The Ministry of Health and Human Services continues to prioritise the professional development of its staff to maintain the highest standards of public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Department at email: ehd@gov.tc or Tel: 1-649-338-2143/44. For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
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