TCI News
Reflecting on Parents’ Pain as Hope is high for impact of ‘Reaching the Streets’
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
As a 16-year-old boy is awaiting charges after being held by police for gun possession, the Turks and Caicos begins its “Reaching the Streets’ Program is wrapped up its Providenciales tour, and is onto Grand Turk in an effort to steer young people away from the jaws of the criminal underworld.
The initiative led by David Burrows and supported by the government and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) opened on May 6th and last until May 8th in Providenciales followed by a similar session in Grand Turk until May 11.
The aim? To sharpen the eyes, ears, and mentoring skills of Turks and Caicos residents in an effort to have a population that can quickly recognize, interrupt, and lead young people, especially young men, away from criminal activity.
Criminality has attacked the Turks and Caicos’ young men hardest, sweeping through their ranks. Some are dead, cooling 6 feet under, others are in prison for drug and gun possession, even murder, and a few have fled the country.
One grieving mother Cherrybelle Smith, her son killed on January 3, 2024, said, “I beg all of y’all, let there be peace. Bring union, love peace. We don’t want any more young people [dying] look at all these handsome young men gone and left all these pretty girls with no men, y’all please stop. Give it up man,” she said, a lighthearted yet serious attempt at addressing the issue that took her son.
On February 8, 2024, one father spoke directly to Magnetic Media, his own son having just been killed hours earlier. 
“None of them can come up and say I do this because of that or I hate you because of this, the just- it’s just foolishness. I think [it’s] attitude, ‘hard mouth’. Back in the days it used to be a little fist fight, but now these fellas using guns, these children need to come together, somebody needs to get these children together and make peace or else we won’t have no young folks here” the parent told us.
“Hurt isn’t even the word for what people are going through at this point,” Paula Arthur-Rigby, mother of Ahsaam Ahkeem Ali Arthur-Astwood said speaking via Facebook Live. Her son was killed on September 2nd, 2022, her brother was killed on July 5, 2023.
For many parents and loved ones the pain can only be fully translated with a scream, a wail brought up from the stomach, witnessed by residents, politicians, by our own news team, over and over. It highlights the urgent need for participation in the upcoming program from all able residents and organizations.
Leading the program will be four men, introduced to the public by TCIG.
Foremost, Pastor Dr. David Burrows, a Global Youth and Family specialist, who has advised the Bahamas Government on youth matters and served on councils advocating for youth issues.
Dr Eric Fox who has been working in anger management for the past 30 years, following intensive training in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, Jamaica, and Barbados. Presently, Fox serves as the Executive Director of “Teen Challenge Bahamas.”
Dr. Carlos Reid, (mentored by the late Dr. Myles Munroe), is in a unique position to speak as a former career criminal now a prominent figure in the Bahamas, focusing on youth work and community development TCIG says. He founded “Youth Against Violence,” aimed at guiding the younger generation towards positive influences.
Finally, Orlando ‘Landlord’ Miller, who rose from humble beginnings in the Bahamas to become a successful figure in the gospel music industry.
“I am going on this trip because the older men who came before me who have poured into my life saw what I’ve become because of the knowledge they poured into me. They want to replicate that same thing in Turks and Caicos because if it has worked for me, it can work for them too,” said Landlord ahead of his arrival in the Turks and Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address
unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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