Commissioner Martin on Leave and adds Jamaican ‘gang buster’ to Police Team

Deandrea Hamilton and Wilkie Arthur

Magnetic Media & Eagle Legal News

Turks and Caicos, October 3, 2024 – One hundred and sixty one days on the job and the Police Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr. Edvin Martin is on a month and a half leave of absence.

One month after his retirement from the Jamaican Constabulary Force, Mr. Fitz Bailey will find himself continuing the same career path, but this time as a new Deputy Commissioner of Police within the Royal TCI Police Force.

The announcements follow a killing rampage which has driven the homicide count to record levels, 36 murdered in the Turks and Caicos Islands this year.

It also follows a September press conference where country leaders acknowledged that the islands are facing a “crime epidemic” which has overwhelmed everyone, including an undersized local police Force.

Fitz Bailey, has been labelled a “power house investigator” by Jamaican leaders.  He has also been called a “gang buster.”

Though rebuked for his management of some cases, Bailey was said to be beloved by Jamaican society and is well educated in criminology.

Having earned two Master of Science degrees in Psychology and Criminal Investigation and National Security Strategies from the University of Liverpool and the University of the West Indies, he is nationally decorated with an Order of Distinction in the rank of an officer awarded by the Jamaican Government.

“I have never gotten so many petitions for anyone to remain in their position.  I’ve gotten calls from members of civil society, members of the private sector, just average persons.  You have developed a great deal of goodwill in the country,” said Andrew Holness, Jamaican Prime Minister during the officer’s retirement dinner on September 6, 2024.

But the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands are tepid about the news.

“We live in a society where local employees are required to retire at 60, while expatriate contract workers are able to commence their service at the same age,” wrote one resident on social media.

Fitz Bailey with four decades under his belt is an interim fixture, explained Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin in a letter of notice to staff; that letter was leaked to the general public.

“…there will be a temporary appointment of a second Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey with effort from Monday, October 7, 2024.  Mr. Bailey, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police from the Jamaica Constabulary Force has over forty (40) years of policing experience.  He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in crime prevention, investigations, tackling gang violence and public safety.”

As the new DCP enters, the current Police Commissioner takes an exit, though said to be temporary.

“Due to unavoidable personal reasons that cannot be deferred, I will need to proceed on leave for six (6) weeks effective Tuesday October 1, 2024.  Acting arrangements have been put in place to cover the period of my absence.  The Force Executive Team are fully briefed.  They will continue to maintain the strategic goals of the organization while ensuring the welfare of all of the staff,” said Commissioner Martin, who hails originally from Grenada.

Police Commissioner Edvin Martin took lead of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in April 2024, after a delayed start to the job due to health concerns.