News
Crime Crisis in Providenciales
Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2024 – It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to the senseless violence gripping our country.
As a former representative for Wheeland, Northwest Central and West Caicos and a candidate for the upcoming election, I am particularly concerned about the impact that two murders in the constituency in the past week have had on residents.
This surge in crime is causing a disheartening climate of fear and I strongly condemn these heinous acts and the pain inflicted on our communities.
The crime situation in Providenciales has reached a critical juncture. Violent incidents are escalating, and far too often, lives are tragically cut short. While our communities live in constant fear, the government remains disturbingly silent and inactive.
The country rightfully demands and deserves answers and solutions to this national crisis. When will the government acknowledge the severity of this crisis? How many more lives must be lost before meaningful action is taken?
The people of Turks and Caicos Islands deserve strong, decisive leadership that prioritizes safety and stability. We cannot afford to stand by and do nothing, as crime ravages our country.
This is not just a policing issue; it strikes at the core of our society, impacting families, businesses, and the future of our country.
The time has come for the government to implement a strategic and actionable plan to increase police presence, strengthen crime prevention efforts, and address the known root causes of violence.
I seriously believe that the increase in violent crime and gun-related incidents can be curbed through a multi-faceted approach that also includes enhanced resources and targeted training which are essential for law enforcement to respond swiftly to threats.
Beyond that, we must actively engage with our communities, not just through community policing but by directly addressing the concerns and threats to their safety and well-being that they have identified.
As an advocate for the people of Wheeland, I am committed to fostering collaboration between local leaders, law enforcement, and residents through outreach programs that build trust and promote community-driven solutions.
I also believe that job creation and youth development programs are critical to reducing crime. Too many young people in Wheeland and across Providenciales are faced with limited opportunities. By investing in vocational training, education, and extracurricular activities, we can keep them engaged and give them meaningful, alternative avenues to crime.
At the same time, we must also get to the bottom of the illegal guns problem which has gotten out of control.
Rehabilitation programs are another key aspect. We need to support those who have made mistakes but want a second chance through reintegration initiatives that lower recidivism rates and help ex-offenders lead meaningful lives.
The fears of our people are valid. They deserve more than empty promises. They deserve real, strong leadership.
If re-elected to represent Wheeland, Northwest Central and West Caicos you can be assured that I will tirelessly advocate for stronger security measures and community-driven solutions to restore peace and safety in the constituency and in the wider Turks and Caicos Islands.
Hon. Vaden D. Williams – PDM Candidate for Electoral District No. 10
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 – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
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.”
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