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TCI Police encourage ‘vigilance in support’ as Ministry of Education announces 232-SAFE Lifeline following Teenager Suicide

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Turks and Caicos, November 4, 2024 – Around 1 a.m. on Sunday October 29, a 17-year old teenager was found by his father, unresponsive at their Palm Grove home and police confirm they are looking into the heartbreaking death as a suspected suicide.

The boy was reportedly found hanging.  School was dismissed early and a new avenue for access to qualified help has been announced by the Minister of Education.

“We know that this is an incredibly difficult time for the school and larger community as it is still a shock to lose someone in such a tragic manner.  The Ministry of Education through its Student Support Services continues to provide emotional and psychological support and we urge all our students who are in need of intervention to use the services available to them including the Student Support Services Hotline number 232-SAFE (7233).  The Ministry considers its responsibility for the safety and well-being of children of utmost importance.”

The official report, by Royal TCI Police Force explained: Officers were called to the scene shortly after 1:00 a.m., where the minor was found unresponsive.  Medical personnel confirmed his passing shortly afterwards.

Assistant Superintendent attached to the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit Grantley Williams said, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends during this difficult time.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has initiated an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.  We recognize that the loss of a young life impacts an entire community.”

Indeed it does.  The Turks and Caicos has been overwhelmed by an uncharacteristically high rate of murder, hitting a record 41 homicides this year; the latest recorded on Sunday November 3, 2024.

This suspected suicide has demanded a different kind of alarm and officials are swift to offer advice.

“As we grieve alongside the minor’s family and community, we want to encourage everyone to remain vigilant in supporting each other.  This loss is a reminder of how important it is to reach out to those around us who may be facing emotional struggles.

“I also wish to appeal to the public; please exercise respect, humanity and sensitivity in what you post or circulate on social media platforms regarding this tragedy.”

The Ministry of Education swooped in as well; identifying the teenager later that day.

“The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is deeply saddened by the passing of a form 5 student, Lizander Francis, of the HJ Robinson High School. This is indeed a very unfortunate incident, and we extend sympathy to the family, principal, staff and students of the school.

The Ministry is committed to doing everything to lend support to the family, student population and staff. As an immediate response, the Student Support Services (a multiagency initiative) has been activated, where debriefing sessions are being conducted with all students and teachers. The Department of Social Development and the Department of Behavioural Health Services together with Guidance Counselors across Grand Turk have been mobilized to provide psychological first aid to all affected persons. In the coming days, continued group and individual intervention sessions will be extended to students and staff at HJ Robinson High School.”

Lizander Francis was a Fifth Form student at the HJ Robinson High School and a member of the Cadet Corps.  He was a very jovial young man who cared about his classmates and his friends.  He was well mannered, kind, respectful, diligent and full of promise.

The Honorable Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Cultureand the team from the Ministry, Departments and all schools, extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Lizander Francis during this time of profound loss. The Minister stated, “The loss of a child is an unimaginable sorrow, and our hearts naturally seek understanding in moments like these. I commend you to Almighty God and encourage you to find strength and comfort in trusting Him.”

TCI Police also informed, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), an arm of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, should be contacted at 338 4013 if you have any concerns about a child you believe has been harmed or is at risk of harm. Persons are also encouraged to dial 911.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

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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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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