News
“Our Sense of Security is at Risk: Is It Time for TCI to Rethink Gun Ownership?”
Turks and Caicos, September 5, 2024 – In the Turks and Caicos Islands, we find ourselves at a crossroads where the increasing wave of gun-related violence is shattering the sense of security that once defined our communities.
The question we must confront is whether law-abiding citizens should have the right to arm themselves in the face of these threats, or whether that decision would bring more harm than good.
It’s not about promoting a culture of guns in our beautiful by nature islands, but about acknowledging a harsh reality: crime is not just a problem in “other” parts of the community.
The violence we’re witnessing is no longer confined to distant headlines; it has reached our doorsteps, mentally and physically affecting us all, regardless of where we live.
The psychological impact of knowing that a crime has occurred close to home can be devastating, and the fear that the perpetrators remain at large only heightens this sense of insecurity.
Currently, only a very small fraction of our population is legally allowed to own firearms, leaving the rest of us vulnerable, sitting ducks in the face of potential attacks.
But does this mean that more people should be armed? Owning a gun, while providing a sense of security, also carries significant risks. The potential for tragic accidents or misuse is real, and the decision to own a firearm should be made with great caution. It’s a
responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
Nevertheless, there is a compelling argument that criminals are deterred by the possibility of encountering an armed homeowner. Studies suggest that 74% of criminals avoid homes when they believe the residents may be armed. Yet, the mere presence of guns in a home introduces new risks, especially if they are not stored securely or used responsibly.
The debate over firearm ownership is not a simple one. It requires us to weigh the need for personal protection against the potential dangers that come with increased access to guns.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, even less-lethal means of self-defense, such as Tasers and pepper spray, are currently restricted, leaving citizens with few options to protect themselves.
If we do move toward allowing more citizens to own firearms, it should come with strict regulations. Mandatory training, mental health evaluations, and regular recertification should be non-negotiable. This will ensure that only those who are fully capable of handling such responsibility are granted this right.
There are other alternatives that should not be overlooked.
Focusing on strengthening social controls—through community engagement, education, and economic support. Most importantly, providing real solutions to protect our wide open borders might offer an even more sustainable solution.
Ultimately, the question of whether expanding legal gun ownership is the right path for our islands is complex and fraught with challenges.
What is clear, however, is that the current situation—where violent crime is rising and citizens feel increasingly unsafe—is untenable. We must carefully evaluate our security needs and consider all options to protect our community before the situation deteriorates further.
Every country must assess its own circumstances and decide what’s in the best interest of its people. For us, that means having an honest conversation about the role of firearms or other deterrent devices in our society, and whether they are a necessary tool for our defense.
This should include taking a closer look at the arrest and conviction rate of the offenders to better determine whether or not this is prudent step or a danger toward more violence.
When it’s all said and done, the stakes are high, and the decisions we make now will shape the future of safety in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, October 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) wishes to announce the following temporary leadership changes as Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin has proceeded on six weeks of leave.
Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Rodney Adams will serve as Acting Commissioner from October 1 to October 6.
Following this, Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Kendall Grant will take over as Acting Commissioner. 
Furthermore, effective October 7, 2024, the Force welcomes the temporary appointment of a second DCP, Fitz Bailey. Mr. Bailey is a former DCP from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with over 40 years of policing experience. The appointment is for a period three months and will provide further resilience to the Force Executive at this time.
During his career, Mr. Bailey has led the following portfolios: the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Intelligence Branch, the Counter-Terrorism and the Organised Crime Investigation
Branch (C-TOC). He was instrumental in reviewing and reorganising the JCF’s Crime Reporting and Case Management Policy and established a Cold Case Unit.
Mr. Bailey holds a Master of Science in Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Science in National Security and Strategies from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and an Associate Degree in Accounting from the Management Institute for National Development.
Commissioner Martin stated: “Acting arrangements have been put in place to cover the period of my absence. The Force Executive has been fully briefed and will continue to maintain the strategic goals and objectives of the Force while at the same time ensuring the welfare of all staff”.
Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is proud to announce Ms. Detresha Cox’s appointment to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Labor with the Ministry of Border Control and Labor.
Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill (2023), which has provided her with in-depth knowledge of labor laws and standards. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Studies, concentrating on Governance and Public Policy at SALISES, UWI Mona, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
Upon returning home from University, Ms. Cox served as a Senior Labor Inspector, a role in which she honed her skills in applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this position, she managed labor disputes, mediated conflicts between employers and employees, conducted workplace inspections, and ensured compliance with occupational safety and health standards. Her academic
grounding and her hands-on experience have equipped her with a deep understanding of labor issues and the leadership skills necessary for her new role.
Ms. Cox, on her new role said: “I am incredibly honored and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Labor. This appointment is a great honor, and I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the department’s mission and the nation’s labor policy of enhancing labor relations and promoting equitable employment opportunities. With a focus on policy development, compliance, and fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, I will work diligently to ensure the department continues to meet the needs of both employers and employees. My dedication to public service remains unwavering, and I look forward to driving positive change in the workforce. I want to express my sincere thanks for the overwhelming support and well wishes received; this encouragement has been a constant source of strength. As I step into this role, I believe that success is not just about what you accomplish but what you inspire others to do. Together, I look forward to building a brighter future for our workforce.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H. E. Anya Williams, remarked on Ms. Cox’s appointment, saying, “With extensive knowledge, a qualified educational background in Labor and Employment Relations, hands-on experience, and a commitment to advancing labor relations, Ms. Cox is poised to make significant contributions to the Ministry of Border Control and Labor. Embodying the qualities of a public servant—dedication, expertise, and a genuine commitment to uplifting the workforce. We are excited to see Ms. Cox lead as Assistant Commissioner of Labor and contribute to the continued advancement of labor standards in our community. We look forward to Ms. Cox’s contributions in her new role and are confident that she will greatly benefit the Ministry of Labor and the workforce at large.
Congratulations, Ms. Cox, on this well-deserved promotion.”
News
EUD invites input from residents as it reopens public consultation on the Renewable Energy Bill
Providenciales, October 3, 2024 – The Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government (TCIG) is pleased to announce a program of further public engagement on the country’s proposed Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023 (RE Bill).
“The EUD has embarked on a comprehensive consultation program with key stakeholders to the RE Bill, including all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” explained EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur. “The program begins today with our request for your initial written feedback on the draft RE Bill, and continues throughout October with public meetings in communities across the country, a 5-part educational series that breaks down the key aspects of the proposed Bill, a brief survey to gauge your perspectives on both the RE Bill and solar development here in TCI, and more. We want to ensure residents have every opportunity to understand this important proposed legislation.”
The RE Bill puts legislated structure in place that enables a safe, reliable, and sustainable energy supply for all TCI residents, today and in the future:
- It establishes a competitive government-managed procurement process for future large-scale renewable energy supplies
- It enables homes and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy generators such as solar PV to meet their needs, and sell surpluses back to the grid
- It makes it necessary for anyone who wants to produce renewable energy to get a license.
- It outlines the rules for connecting renewable energy systems to the electricity grid, ensuring grid stability, safety and fairness.
- It establishes an Energy Levy Fund which will collect a small fee from large-scale renewable energy producers to support new community renewable energy projects and research.
“With this Bill, our overarching goals are to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, increase energy diversity, enhance energy security, and support the country’s transition to a more sustainable energy future,” added Commissioner Arthur. “It will provide a framework for renewable energy systems including licensing and interconnection, as well as the development of integrated resource planning for the energy sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s an important piece of legislation that will impact us all.”
The schedule of public consultation sessions, hosted by the EUD Commissioner and his team, will be shared via the EUD’s social media channels and in print media in the coming days and throughout October.
“The resources we are making available to you will help you better understand the RE Bill and how it impacts you,” continued Mr. Arthur. “We encourage you to engage fully – to review the materials and share your written feedback over the coming weeks, and join us in your local church basements and community halls when we come out to see you in October. These smaller, face-to-face sessions provide the best opportunities for meaningful conversation on our country’s energy future.”
TCI residents have until Friday, October 25, 2024 to provide initial written feedback on the draft Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill 2023. The Bill and associated materials may be found at https://www.gov.tc/eud/. Further, residents are encouraged to follow the EUD’s social media pages for the RE Bill survey launch in mid-October, and for details on public meetings in communities across the country.
Feedback on the Renewable Energy Bill can be sent to the following email address eudconsultation@gov.tc.
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