News
REACHING THE STREETS: EMPOWERING YOUTH TO BREAK FREE FROM CRIMINALITY
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services successfully executed the phase two of its groundbreaking “Reaching the Streets” (RTS) initiative on the 6-8th on Providenciales and 9th -11th on
Grand Turk.
The “Reaching the Streets” programme, developed by Dr. David Burrows and partners from the Bahamas, and steered by the collaborative efforts of multiple government agencies is a comprehensive intervention strategy designed specifically to address and mitigate the challenges posed by youth involvement in delinquent activities, including gun and gang-related crimes. This programme is not just an intervention, but a substantial investment in the future of our young people, offering them alternatives and opportunities that steer them away from violence. It is intended to include preventative, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies.
This transformative multi sector initiative geared to toward mitigation of violence and capacity building of key stakeholders was rolled out in a phased approach commencing with:
Phase 1 – Of the programme brought together key stakeholders from across the country to participate in nation-wide consultations.
Phase 2 – Executed just last week, brought these stakeholders once again to conduct a national training and development session under the direction of Dr. Burrows and his team, to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders involved with youth development and advocacy.
Phase 3 – Encompasses implementation and monitoring impact! Our facilitators will deliver to the core working group a strategic implementation plan that will guide next steps. It is envisioned that key stakeholders across the Turks & Caicos Islands will be strategically grouped to create “Zones of Impact”. This approach will more efficiently streamline programmes, and allow better coordinated access to funding, technical support as well as programme monitoring at a national level through the Department of Youth Affairs.
Moving forward, our responsibility will be to tailor the strategies to reflect the needs of TCI Youth. Our aim is to also bring greater awareness to and strengthen the existing programmes that are provided through the various entities including government, churches and the wider society. It is imperative that we continue to prioritize the well-being of at-risk youth and invest in initiatives which seek to break the cycle of violence ultimately fostering thriving communities and a more equitable society for all.
Hon. Rachel Taylor Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services commented, “we understand that the path away from criminality is not an easy one, but with the right support and resources, it is absolutely achievable. Through strategies such as the RTS initiative, we are committed to providing a holistic, personalized approach that addresses the root causes of criminal behavior and equips participants with the tools they need to build meaningful and fulfilling lives.”
The success of the “Reaching the Streets” programme hinges on multi-stakeholder buy-in and active participation. It calls for mentors,
financial support, and advocacy. It requires us to come together, not occasionally, but consistently, to provide sustainable solutions and support systems to our youth. This is our collective responsibility and our most potent response mechanism against the cycle of violence that threatens to consume our community.
On behalf of the Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor and the core working group which includes The Ministries of Health, Home Affairs, Public Safety & Utilities, Tourism, as well as the National Security Council, TCI Christian Council, Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel & Tourism Association and concerned citizens, a hearty thank you is extended to all that participated in this ground breaking initiative. The Reaching the Streets programme would not be possible without your valuable support.
For more information about the Reaching the Streets program or to get involved, please email youthdepartment@gov.tc .
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
