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Ralph Higgs on Lew1 Shipping and National Trust dispute

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – The standoff between the National Trust and Lew 1Shippig is nothing short of a “national crisis” whish has serious and direct implications for citizens and businesses on North and Middle Caicos, and the cays in between, states Hon. Ralph Higgs.

Arguing that the Government should not have “allowed” the situation to become a crisis, the former Tourism Minister said the administration needs to intervene and “rectify” the impasse, as it is impractical, if not impossible for the shipping entity to operate from South Dock.

“It will increase the already high freight between Providenciales, Pine and Parrott Cay, North and Middle Caicos, by at least three-fold, and most of the journey would be on the high seas, the ocean, there could be many days when the sea is rough for Lew 1 to travel from South Dock to North Caicos, and the islands in between, making a bad situation even more,” he said.

The Lew 1 Shipping line is required  to pay U$100,000 obligation to help sustain the lifeline of the TCI National Trust,  and it argues that the effects could be “disastrous and inflationary” for the country, as it must  must increase its shipping rates and cargo costs, and pass them onto merchants who must pass them on to the consumer, which is potential  costly, and could harm the economies of North and Middle Caicos and operate as a stealth tax.

Mr. Higgs said when he was in office, on many occasions the National Trust has proposed the cost to Lew 1 Shipping, in Heaving Down Rock, and he and the former administration resisted, as they could not support any higher freight on the “backs of the people, and businesses” on the island, recalling that the Trust had sought to close down the operation of the shipping company, for non-payment, and the then Government intervened.

Arguing that for the Government should not have allowed the “lifeline” of North and Middle Caicos and the resort islands of Parrott Cay and Pine Cay to be cut, he said it “demonstrates” a lack of appreciation for the value that the shipping line brings to the islands and shows that the administration does not care about the “struggles of the people, and businesses face on a daily basis.

“We made sure negations continued between” the company and the Trust, and “prevent any disruption in the important service” that they provide to the island, and he wants to the Government to order the Trust to allow the company to resume operations, and “commence the necessary arrangements” to “write off” the “small debt’ of $100,000 and find an amicable way to address other concerns raised by the agency.

Crime

Police Report NEW MURDER, No 44 for 2024

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Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.

Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.

RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body.  The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.

The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.

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

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Minister response to Trump deportation

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Statement from the Minister of Immigration

Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands

 

 

 

Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.

Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds with international norms and legal standards.

We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.

We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.

Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.

To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.

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Reported Weekend Incidents

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Turks and Caicos,  December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.

Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station

Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,

struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery

On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.

Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property

On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.

We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.

Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.

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