Independent writer
Turks and Caicos Resilient in the Face of Threats
#TurksandCaicos, June 8, 2024 – Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, was once a quiet and close-knit community. Recently, however, the town was jolted awake by an unprecedented series of bomb threats. Though these threats turned out to be hoaxes, they have left residents questioning the safety and security of our airport terminals.
Despite the quick reaction and response by our law enforcement team, these events have also raised questions about the preparedness of our overall national security apparatus. Are they properly equipped to handle threats of this nature or did it demonstrate a need for more cutting-edge tools to safeguard our nation?
This situation has also prompted local officials to review and potentially overhaul our national security strategies to better address such dangers in the future.
Not long ago, when local gang activity first erupted in sporadic violence, many felt that the country was caught off guard which left top level law enforcement leaders scrambling to put measures in place. Despite efforts to curb this violence, gang activities have escalated, leaving many lives shattered and have undermine our national security.
If we fail to identify, arrest and expose these perpetrators, they could seek to exploit other vulnerabilities, such as online networks, vessels etc, leading to more serious financial losses and disruptions.
To stay ahead of these threats and become more proactive, should our country hire a security analyst if we don’t have one?
This particular individual will be responsible for defining and implementing robust security measures, policies, and controls based on
industry best practices, threat assessment etc. We need experts who can monitor network traffic and respond immediately to potential threats with minimal disruption to commerce.
Although the Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory, and the UK is responsible for our external security, they are not in a position to respond instantly to every call. Therefore, forming strong regional and international security partnerships is crucial.
The recent bomb threats appear to be linked to the current detention of five Americans being held on ammunition charges. If the ammunition was indeed found in carry-on luggage, the US should be more concerned about a potential TSA security breach, which could have had far more serious consequences.
Furthermore, the meeting that was held between US delegates and our local government should have been centered primarily around a joint effort to thoroughly investigating these bomb threats and expose those responsible.
The attempt by US Representative Guy Reschenthaler to assert pressure on our judicial system and smear the country’s image, was unwarranted and his statement should be retracted.
Our relationship with the US has been robust and beneficial, and it’s not only because of our strong economy trading partnership and tourism. This mutually beneficial relationship goes far back, particularly during the Cold War when the US used our land and airspace as a strategic advantage. To suggest that the Turks and Caicos Islands are now targeting Americans is absurd and baseless.
With tourism playing a vital role in our marketing strategy, from a public relations standpoint, perhaps we could and should do more to debunk any misinformation.
If the world didn’t know about the Turks and Caicos Islands before, they certainly do now. The recent events and threats may have inadvertently brought more positive than negative attention to our nation, demonstrating zero tolerance for such acts.
This situation has certainly been a litmus test for our new governor and the Premier, and it underscores the need for more proactive measures.
Hats off to our dedicated airport security team for stepping up their game with identifying and confiscating these illegal items.
As a proud citizen of these beautiful by nature islands, I must say they have passed this first test with flying colors.
Relative to these two matters in question, many have shared similar sentiments, by looking at it from both sides of the coin. Arguably, there is no jubilee in these criminal sentencing that were handed down and there are no winners.
With such broad spectrum of cases, each with its own unique perspectives, what we do know is a precedent has been set. We are hopeful the magistrate will continue to examine each case independently for the pursuit of more just outcomes.
Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen
Turks and Caicos, January 10, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands have long been a sought-after escape for travelers seeking tropical tranquility. It’s evident by the surge in visitors.
According to published reports, between January and November 2024, 1,785,920 visitors arrived on our shores. This represents a 10.53% increase in Air arrivals with Cruise tourism surging by 25.53% compared to the previous year.
While these figures highlight a very impressive growth and must be commended, they also raise an urgent question: Are we doing enough to protect this vital yet fragile industry?
Tourism, by nature, is unpredictable, and as a developing nation, Turks and Caicos must tackle its vulnerabilities head-on. Grand Turk, in particular, provides a glaring example of these challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic halted cruise tourism for 18 months, devastating local businesses. Even now, slow seasons or minimal ship arrivals leave small business owners struggling to stay afloat.
The key question is this: How resilient is our tourism sector, especially cruise tourism? While the island of Providenciales faces unrest due to rising violent crime in select areas and challenges with local connecting flight delays, Grand Turk wrestles with a lack of appeal and unresolved safety concerns.
Visitors’ first impressions often define their experience. Yet, in 2025, Grand Turk cruise visitors are greeted by hurricane-damaged buildings left in ruins since 2008. The absence of strategically placed garbage bins and daily cleaning crews along the beach further detracts from our image as a premier destination.
These issues may seem minor, but in the age of social media, one negative TikTok or Instagram post can significantly harm our reputation.
Safety is another critical issue. Thousands of cruise passengers frequent Grand Turk’s beaches, yet there are no lifeguards beyond Carnival Cruise Line’s designated areas. Additionally, we lack mobile beach response vehicles or maritime vessels to address emergencies swiftly. Lighting on Front Street remains insufficient despite years of successive government promises, leaving both residents and visitors at risk.
These gaps not only jeopardize our visitors’ experience but also our industry’s long-term viability. Tourists come to Turks and Caicos for exclusive, memorable experiences, yet we risk deterring them with these persistent oversights.
To safeguard our future, we must rethink our priorities. Investments in basic infrastructure—such as cleaning, safety measures, and strategic planning—are not mere enhancements but essential to maintaining our standing as a premier destination.
Additionally, the focus must not only be on higher growth, but more efficiency. A shift from merely increasing visitor numbers to creating an experience will encourage repeat visits and builds loyalty.
As the saying goes, “Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg.” If we are to remain “beautiful by nature,” we must live up to that promise—not only for tourists but also for the pride and prosperity of our islands.
Grand Turk deserves more than to be a pit stop; it should be an integral part of an unforgettable journey. As concerned citizens, we remain hopeful, but the stakes are too high to settle for anything less.
Cheers!
Ed Forbes
Want your holiday Turkey to be tender, flavorful and juicy? Well here are some tips for the perfect bird!
- Choose the Right Turkey
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh turkeys tend to be juicier, but a properly thawed frozen turkey works just as well.
- Size: Allow 1 to 1.5 pounds per person.
- Thaw Properly
- In the fridge: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
- In cold water: Submerge in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound.
- Brine for Moisture (Optional)
Brining infuses flavor and keeps the meat moist.
- Basic Brine: Combine water, salt, sugar, and herbs. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Prepare the Turkey
- Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season Generously
- Rub the turkey with butter or oil to help crisp the skin.
- Season inside and out with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage).
- Add aromatics (onion, garlic, lemon, fresh herbs) inside the cavity for flavor.
- Use a Roasting Pan
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan to allow even cooking.
- Bake at the Right Temperature
- Preheat oven: 325°F (163°C) for slow roasting or 375°F (190°C) for faster roasting.
- Cover the breast with foil during the first half of cooking to prevent overbrowning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh without touching the bone.
- Remove the turkey when the breast reads 165°F (74°C) and the thigh reads 175°F (79°C).
- Basting
- Baste every 30-45 minutes with pan drippings, melted butter, or broth for added moisture.
- Let It Rest
- Rest the turkey for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Carve and Serve
- Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey, slicing against the grain for tender pieces.
Bonus Tips
- Avoid overcooking by checking the turkey’s temperature earlier than expected.
- Use a butter-soaked cheesecloth draped over the turkey for extra moisture and browning.
Enjoy your tender, juicy turkey!
Photo by Tastes Better from Scratch
UK Chief Veterinary Officer shares advice on helping pets stay safe over Christmas
The Chief Veterinary Officer (UK) reminded families of some of the ways to exercise caution with their pets around Christmas to ensure a safe festive period for the whole family.
It is particularly important to remain vigilant about what your pet is consuming as harmful foods can often be more accessible around the house during this time of year.
It is best to check with your vet regarding any specific diets, but here are some general reminders which can help:
- Chocolate is poisonous for dogs and if consumed requires urgent vet attention, so be wary about leaving boxes of chocolates exposed to dogs.
- If you are sharing your Christmas dinners with pets, certain elements should not under any circumstances be given to them: Turkey bones can cause blockages in their airways, while onions, garlic, shallots and leeks should also not be shared with dogs as these ingredients are all toxic to them.
- Sweet items should also be shared with caution as mincemeat, currants, raisins and sultanas are also toxic. Vets will be best placed to
advise on the entire list, as diets can also vary depending on the pets.
Pets should also be supervised around Christmas decorations: keep tinsel and decorations such as Christmas lights at a safe distance to avoid animals eating or chewing them, and regularly hoover to avoid pets eating fallen pine needles. Be mindful of other festive hazards including poinsettias, holly berries and mistletoe which can also be harmful if eaten.
Keep your pets safe in the cold weather by making sure their bedding is kept away from cold draughts and keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes when out on a walk.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:
“Whilst Christmas is not the best time to introduce a new pet to your household, there are precautions you can take over the festive period to make sure you are taking steps to keep them safe and happy.
There are some increased risks around this time – from potential hazards such as toxic foods to making sure your animals are kept warm – and being aware of these will help you and your pets have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.”
If you are buying a new dog for Christmas, make sure you check the animal is microchipped and that the keeper’s details are registered to a compliant database. Deceitful pet sellers use a range of tactics to ‘Petfish’ unsuspecting buyers. These unscrupulous sellers pretend that the puppy or kitten they’re selling you comes from a happy home. In reality, the animal may have been bred or kept in poor conditions.
Bringing pets to the UK from overseas has increased animal health and welfare risks. If rescuing a pet from abroad, families should check who the rescue organisation is, that the pet will be transported by an authorised transporter and that the animal has received a vet check before travel. Prospective owners should also check that the pet has been tested for any relevant disease before moving them to the UK.
It’s important to do your research so you know your new pet has come from a responsible seller.
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