News
TCI Police Commissioner Shuffle; Thirteen Years, Six Commissioners and deadly crime higher than ever
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, November 22, 2024 – He was a little over five months on the job in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the newest Commissioner of Police, and now he is gone. Edvin Martin, despite his effervescent optimism about disrupting the negative crime trends of the islands, has unceremoniously bid farewell.
Residents on Thursday November 21, learned that a six week leave of absence would become a total departure from the role which Mr. Martin had taken up on April 22, 2024.
Edvin Martin had already been suspiciously delayed in starting as the Commissioner of the Royal TCI Police when he was installed in a
military-styled ceremony at the Downtown ballpark; originally he was expected to join the Force in February.
Met with undisclosed challenges, the man who once headed the Grenadian Police Force appeared months late in the TCI and didn’t last even half a year.
Instead, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos announced the resignation of Martin, who hails originally from Grenada.
“The circumstances are unavoidable due to a personal matter that requires Mr Martin’s urgent attention. To maintain stability and direction, with effect from 22 November Deputy Commissioner Fitz Bailey will act as Commissioner on an interim basis whilst a permanent recruitment process is taken forward. Mr Kendall Grant will act as the second Deputy Commissioner alongside Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams,” explained the statement from the office of Her Excellency, Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI Governor.
It is reported by other sources that a serious health condition is behind the resignation of Martin. The governor stopped short of offering any reason for the sudden departure.
“The situation is regrettable and I know this was a difficult decision for Mr Martin and his family,” she said in her statement of November 21.
This outcome, following the controversial hiring of Martin has only fuelled public concern about the UK’s management of national security. Topping the list of recommendations: that the chief executive of the Royal TCI Police, is native to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Not since 2011 has an indigenous individual held the post of Commissioner of Police.
In March 2011, Colin Farquhar of Canada was hired to lead the police force just as the Turks and Caicos prepared to return to elected governance following a two year period of UK direct rule.
Three years later, in February 2014, James Smith of Scotland was crowned commissioner where he remained for five years.
In August 2019, Trevor Botting, who served as the deputy police commissioner under James Smith was promoted. Botting, was a former senior officer with the UK Sussex Police, who, in the Turks and Caicos held on to the ‘top cop’ job until November 2023, when he quietly demitted office and an announcement ushered in the era of Edvin Martin.
That era however was to be delayed; first until February, then until May but with a sudden vacancy, the arrival of Commissioner Martin came earlier and would be short-lived.
For three months residents of the Turks and Caicos would have Chris Eyre, former Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police given the interim job of TCI Police Commissioner. Eyre was sworn in in February 2024. But Eyre would mysteriously vanish, exiting in April ahead of schedule. Hurriedly, Edvin Martin would be plugged into the job, appearing fit and healthy.
National Security leaders aimed to reassure residents and visitors that this tumultuousness was not impacting the fight against illegal migration and gang-fueled crime.
And in the absence of the duly appointed police commissioner, leadership of the Police Force fell to DCP Rodney Adams or ACP Kendall
Grant, both of whom are native to the Turks and Caicos and both would serve in Martin’s stead.
Residents believe Adams’ and Grant’s ability to jump into the job of police commander is evidence of their qualification for the role on a more permanent basis. The Office of the Governor’s apparent resistance to hiring a Turks and Caicos Islander is a trend many have characterised as demeaning and demoralising. Countless numbers are on record citing that if a Turks and Caicos Islander is capable of holding the reins for months, they are also capable of holding the post forever.
The escalating murder rate and the apparent inability for ‘outsiders’ to effectively bring about that desperately needed abatement in deadly crime, is another reason many doubt the staffing choices of the British.
The new interim commissioner is a retiree from Jamaica: Fitz Bailey.
Bailey, a 40-year, decorated officer who ascended to deputy commissioner on the Jamaica Constabulary Force, was brought in at the start of October when Martin’s leave of absence was announced.
“I am confident Mr Bailey is well placed to lead the Force drawing on his wealth of complex crime experience and strategic leadership. I thank the officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their continued professionalism and dedicated service,” said the governor.
The news of the resignation of Edvin Martin has left many residents dumbfounded.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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