News
$100,000 in Cash, 18 Guns, 57 Arrests now TCI Police gets 50 NEW Armed Police to kill Crime
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 26, 2025 – Roughly 40-days after a crime crackdown initiative was launched, leaders from the Royal TCI Police report having taken in 18 firearms, illicit drugs, over $100,000 in cash and confirm 57 arrests, with nine individuals formally charged in a court of law.
“These targetted operations were organised to include intelligence driven policing, proactive policing, and specialist operations, strengthening our borders and community engagement initiatives and were carried out in tandem with the Border Force and the TCI Regiment,” said Rodney Adams, Acting Commissioner of Police in a Wednesday January 22, 2025 press conference.
The partnership operations also resulted in one person being arrested for murder.
On Saturday January 25, came the confirmed count of additional support from the United Kingdom, which is responsible for National Security in the Turks and Caicos as a British Overseas territory.
Twelve new officers are to be deployed, augmenting the current 13 on loan from the UK which – at this time – support the tactical unit with
eight armed officers and the investigative unit with five skilled in intelligence led operations.
The additional manpower was in response to the infiltration of regional gangsters, which drove the Turks and Caicos’ murder rate to unprecedented heights: 48 homicides in 2024. Now, the UK’s Defence ministry is sending more help and the TCI Government is advancing new money to better staff the Serious Crimes Unit.
“To fortify our capacity, following discussions with regional partners, we have worked to secure secondments for up to thirty specialist armed officers. This will take us to a complement of fifty additional armed officers, while the police recruit seventy-five new rank and file positions approved by Cabinet for expedited recruitment. Additional support has also been approved for the TCI Regiment.”
Ahead of the confirmed support, the Turks and Caicos National Security Council had announced the help would be dispatched, after the vexing crime trend took out two innocent people on Saturday January 18; one a young father and South Caicos native, the other a Sheriff’s deputy and tourist from Chicago, Illinois.
A lone shooter pulled the trigger; shooting three people and giving rise to new fears and fresh reports on the safety of the Turks and Caicos Islands for tourists.
“We will continue to work in collaboration with our regional and international partners as well,” said DCP Adams at the Thursday January 23, press event, adding, “You would have heard about the upsurge that will be happening soon so we will be having additional partners that will be joining us from the region…” explained Adams.
Additionally, it was shared that Cabinet on January 20, approved extra funding for the Police; a Cabinet summary shared:
- Noting the previous uplift of over $3.5m in the Police 2024/25 Budget, Cabinet approved special funding of an additional $500,000 from the Contingency Fund to cover the cost of immediate specialized tactical police deployments from within the region to assist with crime fighting initiatives
- Approved special funding of $100,000 from the Contingency Fund to assist TCI Crimestoppers with crime fighting initiatives such as rewards and tips
- The above is in addition to the previous $730,000 that was awarded to the Police in the November approved supplementary to increase their Serious Crime budget from $500,000 to $1.2m during the 2024/25 financial year
It was also explained that over $5 Million in illegal drugs, mainly Cannabis was seized at TCI Borders in 2024 and the 18 unregistered firearms uncovered during December and January special-ops, were largely found on the streets. Unimaginable in an island nation, which only a decade ago – 2014 – recorded only two murders for the entire year.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
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