TCI News

What’s Coming for TCI Airports, a report by Minister Musgrove

Published

2 months ago

May 13, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

International Airlift has been confirmed for the Norman B. Saunders Sr. International Airport in South Caicos with Grand Turk to swiftly follow. American Airlines is the airline that will herald in those flights, to come by winter this year according to Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services speaking during an April ministerial statement made after the budget address.

“The construction of the new and fortified perimeter fence line at the JAGS McCartney International Airport is now completed, with inspection by international regulators scheduled to be completed by May 2024,” Musgrove continued.

Despite the good news, for the largest airport work is still lagging. Large crowds are still slowing business down and the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the redevelopment of the Howard Hamilton/Providenciales International is behind schedule, having not yet been published; but it is in process according to Musgrove.

”The Turk and Caicos Airports Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to adaptability, responding aggressively to the evolving needs and dynamics of its operation— Thereafter the critical next step is the issuance of the Invitation to Tender, inclusive of the draft PPP Agreement. This is going to be done this year” Musgrove said.

The contract should have been wrapped up by March after the project launch in August 2023.

Also mentioned in the budget for the Ministry of Immigration, is a suite of technological upgrades, including:

Drones which are already on the way to the country;

Rummaging Tools to allow Customs and Border Protection teams to rummage/search vessels that are identified as high risk;

Digital Forensic Equipment;

Anti-fraud Technology (prompted by a rise in fraudulent documents being presented by residents and agents to various government departments).

Much of the tech is aimed at protecting the country’s ports which were very active in the 2023/24 financial year. Other than the over 1.5 million tourists there were 332 seizures of prohibited and restricted goods at the borders amounting to $315.000 in fines. In terms of irregular migration which is one of the ministry’s main concerns, Musgrove provided this update.

”For the year 2023/2024 our teams have processed, detained, and repatriated over 4,400 persons from 35 boats, compared to 2882 persons from 31 boats in FY 2023/2024, and in addition to this, some 961 persons were removed in January to March of this year alone, through inland enforcement and compliance efforts. We have recorded a total of 103 deportations.”

In the draft budget, $27 million was set aside for spending in this ministry and it is expected to be one of the best-performing ministries financially. TCIG is expecting $112.5 million in Import Duties, 21 million from excess revenues from Ports and Sea Travel taxes. and another $38 million from other Customs Duties.

Related Topics:#americanairlines #magneticmedia #TCIAirports

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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.