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Ending the violence in TCI Demands Deep Solutions, Not Quick Fixes

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Ed Forbes 

 

Turks and Caicos, December 1818, 2024 – Turks and Caicos Islands can no longer afford to leave our future to chance when it comes to gang violence; It’s certainly a name we wish to erase.

Despite the concerted effort made by our dedicated law enforcement departments to infiltrate and disrupt these groups, there appears to be no abating when it comes to violent crimes.

It is evident the challenges facing our country runs deeper than the changing of guards. The population of TCI continues to grow  immensely, and everything from our natural environment to our sense of security we once took for granted is being impacted.

We are seeing the impact with serious crimes, housing inequality, electricity hikes, food prices and the like. We are also beginning to see a generational divide in home ownership. Despite a bustling economy, there still seems to  be so many challenges with unemployment particularly with our young men.

The question so many of our citizens continues to grapple with is, whether our government is moving fast enough to keep up with the growing demands, and are we running a 1st world country with 3rd world resources?

The relentless scourge of violence shows the impact of the scope and scale of these tit-for-tat killings, and it’s hitting at the core of our being.

With that being said, not only should the police and the courts seek to inflict maximum disruption, penalties and arrest of the perpetrators, but seek to find real and sustainable solutions.

The writing is on the wall with the infiltration of gang violence, a number of them from our neighboring countries who are no strangers to violence. Unfortunately, fear in the communities will only deepen if it continues and innocent bystanders could eventually get caught up in the crossfire.

Let’s face it, dealing with gang related violence in TCI is out of our league. “Its a culture shock”. This goes beyond law enforcement arresting their way out of this one.

What we don’t want is for entrenched crime areas like Five Cays, Kew Town and Dook Yard, to become the prologue for further violence in other communities.

In my opinion, the only plausible way to bring this escalating horror to a grind, is to do the following.

-Tap into the knowledge and expertise of foreign Investigators who understand the complexity of these types of crimes.

Well-trained professional gang task force investigators, who also understand the importance of truce negotiations between these groups to help resolve their conflicts and save them from themselves.

-Jamaica, the United States and select countries in Central America, lived this horror and have been dealing with this level of violence for years before they were able to get it under control.

Therefore, why not expand our reach in such countries. What we need is intelligence-driven strategies and skilled boots on the ground.

A multifaceted approach with the right intervention, will help to prevent other young men in our communities from emulating this kind of violence or profiting from this lawless butchery of human lives.

The AGs office has taken progressive steps with the implementation of ordinances to tackle gang and organized related crimes, but we

cannot stop there. What we need now are the right resources to help reinforce it.

What is also important to understand is, because of our geographic location, wide open borders, and the use of the US currency, it’s a different dynamics which requires a unique approach.

Although the complexities of gang violence look pretty daunting and long lasting good outcomes far from guaranteed, we cannot recoil into our corners and wish it would go away.

In the interim, what have we done differently in the affected communities to strengthen our resolve?

-Do we have substations in these communities be it mobile units or brick and mortar buildings?

-Is the department equipped with Ariel surveillance and would a helicopter rather then a fixed-wing aircraft prove to be more effective?

-Are we building trust in the respective communities by assigning police officers to specific neighborhoods to build relationships and familiarity with residents?

-Do we have committed and progressive leadership, with the ability to maintain high morale and motivation of our dedicated police officers?

-Are we strengthening the family structure within those communities through parenting classes, financial assistance, and conflict resolution resources?

-Are there tax incentives for employers willing to hire ex-convicts giving them a second chance?

-What long-term strategic plan are in place for a HM Coastguard ship to remain in our waters to deter or repatriate illegal migrants?

In these communities, there is a clear and present danger of them becoming a haven for drugs and weapons traffickers, because it appears more lucrative and there are limited alternatives.

In an age of uncertainty, our law enforcement agencies must have the ability to act with predictability and decisiveness.

It’s now an urgent matter that must concern all of us, whether we choose to confront the problem or just look the other way it’s obviously something we need to tackle head on. If you see something, say something.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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