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Orlando Mother Remanded for Bullet possession in Turks and Caicos

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Wilkie Arthur and Deandrea Hamilton 

Editorial staff

 

Remanded until July, but her attorney Leanna Brooks-Campbell is likely to make application for bail as the matter is now transfered to the Supreme Court.

American tourist from Orlando, Florida Shanita Shinee Grier, 45, who was arrested Monday, after two bullets were allegedly found in her baggage is the newest defendant facing the stiff penalties associated with breaching the Turks & Caicos Firearms Ordinance.

Grier was exiting TCI at the Providenciales International Airport with her daughter when the ammunition was detected, ending her Mother’s Day trip to the islands on an unexpectedly sour note.

Today, the chief magistrate remanded her to prison until July 5, 2024, however that can change.

She is facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition; a crime punishable with a minimum 12 year sentence except in the case of a judge ruling that the case falls in the category of “exceptional.”

Then, and only then would it warrant a different sentence by a judge.

Support for the Floridian was impressive; Bryan Hagerich and Ryan Watson and their relatives filled the Magistrate’s Court on Old Airport Road informs Court Correspondent, Wilkie Arthur.

It was a show of patriotic solidarity on an issue which has elicited emotive views on all sides for Americans who are hoping to prove they were tourists on holiday and nothing more.

Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvanian and Ryan Watson of Oklahoma also charged in two separate instances for being in possession of ammunition while wrapping up their TCI vacations in April and May respectively.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos Invests in the Future of the Islands by Empowering Local Youth

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands by actively empowering the next generation through multi-faceted initiatives focused on education, career exploration, community outreach, environmental responsibility and safety.

As the academic year draws to a close, the resort takes immense pride in reflecting on its unwavering commitment within the community, having supported over 4000 students and continued partnerships with over 15 schools across the islands since the beginning of the year.

This support has involved a range of initiatives, from providing essential school supplies and resources to facilitating enriching educational programmes and workshops designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth amongst the students. “We remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and contributing to a brighter future for the Turks and Caicos Islands through continued investment in education,” Beaches Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan shared.

One standout area the resort continues to support which is also popularly requested by partner schools is the specialized tours and activities. These tours highlight the mission and corporate responsibilities of the resort in introducing these students to different aspects of employment within the hospitality industry.

Recent educational tours included welcoming students from A Louise Garland High School Turquoise Tourism Club, Raymond Gardiner High School Young Leaders Club, Iris Stubbs Primary School, male students from Oseta Jolly Primary School and Provo Christian Academy. These experiences provided first-hand insight into the operations of the world-class Beaches brand, fostering a sense of pride in the island’s tourism industry and leaving a lasting positive impression on the students.

Beaches Managing Director James McAnally emphasized Beaches’ commitment to these tours stating, “we are delighted to support the students and schools by providing them with these timely and enriching experiences.” He explained the rationale behind the initiative, saying, “we hope that these opportunities will broaden our student’s horizons, ignite their passions and ultimately contribute to their personal and academic growth.” McAnally further expressed the company’s philosophy, adding, “we feel it is crucial to give back to our community that so warmly welcomes us, and these initiatives are a meaningful way for us to do just that. By investing in the education and development of these young individuals, we aim to foster a brighter future for the entire region.”

Beaches aims to inspire young people to consider hospitality as a viable and fulfilling career path by showcasing diverse career opportunities and potential for advancement on every tour as the islands’ hospitality sector continues to thrive.

As schools and students get ready to close off for the summer holidays, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, Beaches Turks and Caicos will award complimentary day passes to deserving top students from partner schools – Clement Howell High School, Raymond Gardiner High School, Marjorie Basden High School, Enid Capron Primary School, and Thelma Lightbourne Primary School. This initiative rewards their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence throughout the academic year.

“What better way to kick start a well-deserved summer break than with a day of relaxation and fun at our resort said, Public Relations Manager Orville Morgan. “We commend these students on their accomplishments and wish them a happy and refreshing summer.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos remains dedicated to ongoing community engagement and fostering a brighter future for the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Unidentified Deceased Male Discovered in Grace Bay Area

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Turks and Caicos, July 5, 2025 – Around 7AM on today’s date 5th July 2025 officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) assisted by members of the public carried out a search in the community of Providenciales focusing on targeted areas.

Approximately 9:06 a.m. on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, while conducting the search operation in the Grace Bay area, one of the teams discovered the body of a deceased male in a decomposed state.

The discovery was made along Long Bay Road. The scene has been secured, and all appropriate partner agencies have been notified.

At present, the identity of the deceased has not been established. The RTCIPF will provide further updates as soon as the identification process is complete and the next of kin are informed.

Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams on commenting on the discovery of the body. We the police extend condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and ask that the public not speculate and await positive identification of the deceased.”

This matter remains under active investigation.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to anyone who may have information to contact 911 or the nearest Police Station. Information may also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS)

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Ministry of Health and Human Services Participates in UKOTs Public Health Conference 2025

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PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Ministry of Health and Human Services was represented at the 2025 UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) Public Health Conference held under the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Risk Communication” at the Park Plaza Victoria in London, from June 23–27, 2025.

Attending on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands were Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer, and Mr. Lynrod Brooks, Director of Health Policy and Planning.

Hosted by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under its Civil Resilience Programme, the conference convened Chief Medical Officers and senior technical officers from several UK Overseas Territories including Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands – as well as from the Crown Dependencies, St. Helena, Ascension and Gibraltar.

The week-long event featured a range of expert-led sessions and workshops, focusing on strengthening risk communication and public health resilience across the UKOTs. Key agenda items included:

  • Introduction to Behavioural Science-Informed Risk and Crisis Communication
  • Good Practice for Effective Crisis Communication
  • Crisis Alert! A Scenario-Based Exercise
  • Identifying Key Health Threats and RCCE (Risk Communication and Community Engagement) Needs – Workshops Parts 1 & 2
  • Civil Food Resilience in the UKOTs
  • Risk Communication and EPRR (Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response) Frameworks
  • Practical Approaches to Risk and Crisis Communication
  • Communicating Risks in Violence Prevention: Public Health Approaches
  • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support During Crisis
  • Responding to Emerging Infections
  • Antimicrobial Resistance: Assessing the Global Threat
  • Cervical Cancer Elimination and RCCE
  • Tackling Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Vaccine Hesitancy
  • Enhancing Comprehensive Prevention and Management of Diabetes – Interactive Session

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England. In his address, he emphasized both progress and persistent challenges in global public health.

Commenting on the importance of the conference, Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands, stated, “This gathering provided a critical opportunity to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Overseas Territories, particularly around preparedness and response to public health threats. Strengthening health security remains a top priority for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, echoed this sentiment, noting, “We are grateful for the continued support from the UK Government through the FCDO and UKHSA. This platform ensures that the Turks and Caicos Islands are part of a coordinated approach to building resilience and safeguarding public health.”

The Ministry’s participation in this conference forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the national capacity for emergency preparedness, community engagement, and evidence-informed public health communication.

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