TCI News

TURKS & CAICOS GOVERNOR’S RESPONSE TO ABC NEWS INTERVIEW

Published

2 months ago

May 22, 2024

The Turks and Caicos Islands values its warm relationship with the United States and
welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. Our countries have close ties and work in
strong partnership to tackle shared threats in the region.
In the spirit of respect for this relationship, the Hon. Premier and I received a US
Congressional Delegation to listen to their concerns about five US Nationals charged and
on bail for the possession of ammunition offences. US Congressman Guy
Reschenthaler’s commentary on ABC news following the meeting is highly regrettable.
His characterisation of our meeting is not one we recognise. Our discussions were
professional and respectful with a focus on clarifying the legal position and the well-being
of the individuals.

A mandatory minimum sentence of 12-years and a fine for possession of firearms and/or
ammunition is in place to serve and protect all who reside and visit the Turks and Caicos
Islands. The law provides discretion in exceptional circumstances for the judge to impose
a reduced custodial sentence less than the 12-years and a fine that is fair and just for
each case. To date, no US National has received the mandatory minimum sentence of
12-years.

We do not target US Nationals and any statements to the contrary are without merit. Our
independent justice system upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless
of nationality, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our Islands. All five US
Nationals are on bail with reporting conditions and are receiving US consular support.
Three have pled guilty and two will enter their pleas within the next two weeks.
Like the United States, we have a constitutional separation of the executive and judicial
branches. There is no remit for the Turks and Caicos Islands Executive nor the UK
Government to intervene or comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts.

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Law enforcement agencies apply professional standard operating procedures for
processing matters through the legal system and will investigate any concerns where it is
felt standards were not met. There have been no United Nations sanctions against His
Majesty’s Prison Grand Turk. A February 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights
Commission report was positive with no findings against prisoner conditions.
I appreciate the Congressman is concerned for his constituent, but the situation calls for
respectful dialogue that guards against misrepresentation. It is important there is respect
for due process and for public servants to perform their duties without fear or compromise.
The rule of law is paramount and all are equal before the law.
The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to welcome all visitors to enjoy our Beautiful by
Nature Islands.

Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.