News
Threats against Public Officials amidst Airport Bomb Hoax
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – It’s confirmed, threats were made against Turks and Caicos public officials as emails announced that there were bombs placed at both the JAGS McCartney International Airport and the Providenciales International Airport; four different threats between April 26 and 29; now the lead police official is decrying the actions.
“I unequivocally condemn the actions of those who delight in creating chaos through cyberspace,” said Edvin Martin, Commissioner of Police, on Wednesday as he described the acts as reprehensible. 
Flights were delayed hours and passengers were stranded as airlines moved aircraft out of harm’s way and paused flights due to the threats. Each time, the airports were evacuated of passengers and personnel. While many believed the calls were a silly “prank”, standard precautions were taken to ensure public safety; it meant a significant inconvenience for travellers.
The police commissioner, in his Wednesday statement, revealed that the country’s public officials had also been targeted in bogus, but serious claims. Martin stopped short however of informing how those public figures and who specifically was targeted.
“A dedicated team of officers searched the premises and surroundings, but nothing was ever found. Threats have also been issued to public officials. The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, view bomb hoaxes and threats as wholly reprehensible and aimed at disrupting our community.”
These words did offer some comfort and context for an anxious public, though it took days for this branch of law enforcement to officially speak on the issue. The threats were yet another smear on the country’s safety record which captured international media attention, as well.
Also coming on Wednesday, about an hour before the public heard from the police chief, a statement from Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, who expressed his disappointment with what he described as the air of quiet from the government.
“The individual/ individuals/ organization behind these current threats appear to know well that the Airports are critical hubs of transportation and commerce, hence making them attractive targets to cause harm, sow chaos, or disrupt societal order. This is especially amplified in an archipelago nation and one that the economy is based on Tourism. As such, action is needed by the government, not silence,” he continued, “But the Premier and his team are saying nothing and doing nothing.”
Astwood’s suggestions for a more secure TCI against these threats include, increased cybersecurity measures; Email Threat Intelligence; Enhance Emergency Response Training; Explosive Detection Systems; and Email Authentication Protocols.
Despite this it was Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, who was the first and only legislative official to
comment. His words, shared in an update from the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) on Monday after the third and fourth emails included:
“We take each of these threats received to our airports very seriously. They are indeed criminal activity carried out through malicious emails, and the Airports Authority is doing everything within its power to ensure that there is increased security surveillance at its airports. They are also working with the police to crack down on these threats.”
The police are credited with taking action right away after threats were issued, clearing airports and doing safety sweeps. Royal TCI Police also provided the all clear notices in each case.
“If you have any information about the identities of those behind these hoaxes, I urge you to come forward and report it,” appealed the Commissioner, he continued, “We are collaborating with our regional and external partners to tackle this issue, our agency will also do everything possible to protect TCI.”
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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