News
Expectations high for Community Policing with opening of Mobile Police Station in Kew Town
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, December 2, 2024 – It has been 23 days since the newest police precinct was commissioned to serve in one of the more crime plagued communities of Providenciales; the expectation from those who staff the National Security Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands are expecting a pioneering success story from the investment.
At the ceremony to launch this new service, Washington Misick, TCI Premier informed that work has already started on sourcing a second mobile police station. The country’s first was commissioned on Wednesday, November 6 at a ribbon cutting ceremony.
“The governor and I have already put out feelers for another one of these because it’s going to take some time to put in place physical
buildings, but that’s no reason why we shouldn’t have more physical presence of the Police in our communities,” said Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The first Police Command Mobile Unit is stationed in Kew Town, Providenciales.
The commissioning of the mobile station was held during Police Week, the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force celebrated 225 years of service in the islands.
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your time here on earth. Your service to our country exemplifies this spirit. You stand at the first line of defence often facing difficulties and sacrifice and many will never fully understand. But your courage is seen, your efforts are valued and your work makes an impact every single day. Today we say thank you,” said the Premier as he recognized the Police Force as the “heart of our community.”
As leader on national security, Daleeni Daniel Selveratnam, TCI governor was also on hand, praising the materialisation of the mobile unit, explaining its value to the community.
“This is a very proud day for a very simple reason. At the heart of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is the community. They are the community, they are the heart of the community and they protect the community. The command vehicle that we have today gets them into that community, equips them to have that visible presence.”
The governor acknowledged that the tasks put to the Police Force are complex and ever evolving; she describes the efforts of officers as “heroic.”
“They are driving reform, they are driving that change and they are tackling all efforts in order to disrupt and dismantle but often when it gets to the police it’s too late. The indicators of crime start in the community. Part and parcel of our role as being in that community is to assure that we are able to work hand and hand across government, across social sectors, across different charities to be able to see those indicators and ensure appropriate interventions,” expressed Her Excellency Daniel-Selveratnam.
In the governor’s presentation, it was said the mobile police station will enable members of the Force to forge meaningful connections within the community.
“To get trust, police need to be out there, they need to be forming day to day relationships not just when someone’s in a problem space, where there’s great anxiety and where there’s emotion. 
So a key part of this vehicle, yes its responsiveness, but it’s also being an active visible presence in the day to day lives of our communities and enabling the police force to be equipped, but also the community to be equipped in developing that trusted relationship so that we can really, truly tackle the root causes of crime and drive a better tomorrow,” she explained.
Acting then as the Commissioner of the Royal TCI Police was Kendall Grant, who communicated what the command unit represents amongst officers.
“At the heart of our mission is the drive to serve, protect, cooperate and collaborate with our community. This mobile station represents our devotion to that mission providing a flexible quick response, an accessible tactic to policing,” said Grant.
Several government ministers were on hand for the ribbon cutting and dedication of the vehicle. Rev. Wilbert Jennings, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council performed the blessing of the Mobile Command Center.
The theme for Police Week this year was “Stronger Together, Uniting our Communities, Protecting Lives.”
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
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
