TCI News

TCI Government trying to ensure Safe Rides with NEW Rating System

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2024

Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer

Visitors in the Turks and Caicos will now have direct access to a list of credible taxi drivers with the rollout of a multi-pronged “Rate Your Ride” system. The initiative comes on the heels of an attack on a tourist weeks prior.

The government is providing both information and allowing for feedback from tourists under the new system.

The information rollout via social media instructs tourists on the necessary identification to look for including license plates, TIDES ambassador cards and approved drivers licenses before accepting a ride. It is being shared widely on the government’s social media channels.

Also detailed, is how to use the mandatory tides cards which much be carried by all registered drivers. Each card will have a QR code which will take visitors to a list of approved drivers registered with the ministry of tourism’s regulations department.

The feedback section of the system uses a QR code which leads to a simplified portal allowing guests to use an online forum where they can rate the cleanliness, comfort, safety and professionalism of their drivers.

The ministry has not indicated how these ratings will be collated and whether consecutive negative or positive responses will have an effect on drivers’ public transportation licenses.

The rollout comes days after a New Jersey woman went public about being beaten two weeks ago in an attack by a man claiming to be a taxi driver.

Suyapa Ramos went to ABC news with her story after she was brutally assaulted. The woman said the attacker growled as he beat her, but was adamant that there were no sexual advances.

”I fought for my life, it was so scary to feel yourself so close to death,” the mother said after leaving the Turks and Caicos.

Police arrested her alleged attacker Davidson Martin, who Ramos says pretended to be a taxi driver. Residents say he is an illegal jitney, part of a group of mainly men who operate unlicensed cars as public transport vehicles while not having the legal right to do so.

Some may just be trying to make a quick buck but others have more nefarious plans evidenced by repeated warnings from the police to residents. Early this year, at least two women reported being assaulted by a male driver operating a jitney; one had to jump from the moving car.

It’s clear with the new rollout, the government is hoping to avoid the confusion which can be dangerous.

The QR codes are available on the government’s social media at My Experience TCI on Facebook.

Related Topics:#magneticmedia #NewRatingSystem #RateYourRide #tci

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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.