TCI News

Serious Allegations get New Police Commissioner’s Attention

Published

5 months ago

May 13, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

Police have responded, succinct and to the point, to an explosive letter penned by an anonymous writer claiming to be an officer, alleging corruption.

“The RTCIPF is aware of the anonymous letter in circulation,” they confirmed after Magnetic Media queries, Denyse Renne, Media Relations Officer told us the only response the police would be making had already been delivered in the swearing in ceremony of Edvin Martin, Police Commissioner, by the man himself.

Remarks included ; “The public deserves an accountable police force, a police force that is professional and responsive to the needs of its citizens. One that is trusted and has the support of the people it serves. In this context, as a service organisation, and with any such organisation, there will be allegations which cause the public to question our integrity. As law enforcers, we must seek out and purge the organization of any semblance of bias, corruption, and malfeasance. It cannot be a case of doing as I say and not as I do. Simultaneously, at the Executive level, we must address the issues that negatively impact morale and motivation – particularly ensuring fairness and impartiality in providing opportunities and ensuring the best candidates are promoted to ensure continuity and succession planning,” Martin said.

The remarks, though they came before the anonymous letter, are particularly poignant when taken in context of the complaints fielded by the individual claiming to be an officer.

“In order for us to create safe and wonderful communities there must be an internal clean up,” said the letter from the Police Commissioner.

“For years hardworking police officers were treated unfairly , with injustice and their careers crippled at the hands of the executive team while all of their friends benefit from promotions, training, conferences and are placed in areas of the force to work where they cannot function,” the writer claimed boldly.

In the letter observed by Magnetic Media, the writer, who could be anyone, gave not only examples of cronyism, but shared enough information with the public to directly identify those he/she is accusing;especially in the small close knit islands of the Turks and Caicos.

Upon receipt of the letter Magnetic Media had included this fact in our questions giving the force the opportunity to clarify whether the allegations were true and under investigation; or whether they were false and dispel them; protecting the reputations of those mentioned and the integrity of the force. They did not respond to this line of questioning.

Included in the allegations cited by this mystery writer are:

Cronyism, with promotions being given to a select group of favored officers even without the requisite expertise.
Favoritism to romantic partners resulting in promotions or changes in assignment.
Favoritism regarding opportunities for training
Officers facing difficulties receiving their due overtime pay
Misconduct
Misuse of police assets including vehicles

The alleged officer claims that these actions are directly impacting the force by grinding down officers’ morale and making them disillusioned with the force. The writer cited this as a serious concern.

“We have seen hard working police officers lose motivation, become fed up and left the police force without any care to the force executive team and the HR Department who cares not about retention of good officers,” the writer accused

As for why the individual didn’t identify themselves, this reason was shared

“There is a lack of trust with some of the members of the force executive team and we all have seen countless police officers treated unfairly and victimized for highlighting issues in the organization.”

Related Topics:#magneticmedia #NewPoliceCommissioner #tcipolice

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SUCCESSFULLY EVACUATES TCI STUDENTS AHEAD OF HURRICANE MILTON

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8^th October 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture under the leadership of Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor is pleased to announce the successful evacuation of all Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) students from the Orlando and Tampa area in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm. Protecting the safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority, and swift action was taken to protect them from potential danger.

A total of six (6) students returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands today and two (2) students will return, tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, while four (4) students will remain with family members in other states.

The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, particularly our students, both home and abroad. Special thanks is extended to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) for their support in this endeavour.

On behalf of the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, we extend our thoughts and prayers for the people of Florida and all other nations impacted by Hurricane Milton, hoping for their safety and swift recovery.

News

Thirty- Two Illegal Migrants intercepted at sea

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, October 08^th, 2024 – Marine Branch Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) responded early today (October 8) to a report from the Radar Station regarding a suspicious vessel near Bird Rock, Leeward Settlement, Providenciales.

At 1:28 a.m., officers aboard the Sea Pursuit intercepted a 34-foot grey Panga fiberglass boat with a 250hp Yamaha engine, transporting THIRTY-TWO (32) illegal migrants—two females and 30 males, suspected to be of Haitian descent.

The illegal migrants were handed over to the Immigration Task Force for processing. Border Force, TCI Regiment, and TCI Customs also participated in the operation.

The RTCIPF can confirm the following statistical data for the year (October 08) thus far:

Number of Interceptions: Fifteen (15)

Number of Males: Nine Hundred and Forty-Seven (947)

Number of Females: One Hundred and Ninety-Five (195)

Total number of Illegal Migrants: One Thousand One Hundred and Forty-Two (1142) Included in the 1142 figure are TWENTY-FOUR CHILDREN.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton said, “The number of people interdicted this year is considerably lower than last year when we detained a total of 4016 illegal migrants at sea. In the previous six months, we have seen an expansion of our radar capabilities, and the collaboration and coordination with the Border Force and the TCI Regiment, together with air and marine assets from the United States and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, has never been better. We will continue to work closely with national and international allies to deter people from making these perilous journeys and target the gangs who facilitate the illegal trade. We build our national capability every month and will do whatever it takes to interdict illegal vessels bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on illegal activities.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.

News

Turks & Caicos Police Force New DCP Sworn In

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 8, 2024 – Mr Fitz Bailey was officially sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) today, October 7, in a ceremony led by H.E. Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.

His appointment is set for three months to enhance the RTCIPF’s leadership capacity.

Mr Bailey brings extensive experience from his time with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), where he held senior roles in critical areas such as the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Intelligence Branch, and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch. (C-TOC). His accomplishments include reorganizing the JCF’s Crime Reporting and Case Management Policy and establishing a Cold Case Unit.

Mr Bailey holds advanced degrees in Psychology, Criminal Investigation, and National Security and has a background in Accounting. Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, Acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, and HR Consultant Joe Perry were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.