News
New Year’s Message
Good Day, Turks and Caicos Islands,
I welcome this opportunity to address you as we stand on the cusp of a New Year.
It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and determination as we collectively chart a path toward a brighter future.
2024 was a difficult year in policing. We lost several young men to gang violence, and innocent lives were felled by the use of illegal firearms.
To the families who lost loved ones, accept our condolences. I know that our words may ring hollow, but the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is doing everything possible to bring you closure.
I wish to pay tribute to the vast majority of our law-abiding and industrious citizens, who, through individual and collective efforts, have contributed to the progress of our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands over the past year.
Your resilience, hard work, and unity remain the foundation upon which we continue to build our nation.
I am confident that, in the year ahead, we will work together to ensure further development and progress while successfully overcoming the challenges that lie before us. The most pressing of these challenges is the level of criminal activity in our communities.
Ongoing gang wars have driven our murder rate to concerning levels, and we continue to be confronted by a small number of heartless individuals among us. However, we refuse to be defined or defeated by these challenges.
During a media briefing two weeks ago, I outlined the various steps we are taking to address crime alongside my executive team and senior leadership. These measures include enhancing the efficiency and capacity of our law enforcement agencies with increased manpower, equipment, training, and the integration of advanced technology. We also benefit from robust cooperation with our local, regional, and international partners.
Let me assure you that we will relentlessly pursue our current strategies while developing new initiatives to curb crime. We will not rest until the citizens, visitors, and investors of the Turks and Caicos Islands feel safe and secure.
As we enter 2025, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will embark on a transformative journey under the banner:
“Reigniting Progress: Transformation Unveiled.”
This transformative process will redefine who we are and how we deliver our services. It is time for the Force to undergo a much-needed metamorphosis and emerge as the reliable, trusted, and professional organization that our people deserve.
We are committed to becoming:
A reliable Force
A trusted Force
A Force with the highest standards
A Force that protects and serves with pride and integrity
A Professional Force
As gatekeepers of security, our vision is to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a safe and secure place to live, visit, and invest. We will uphold our core values of Respect, Transparency, Compassion, Integrity, Professionalism, Discipline, and Fairness as we pursue this mission.
Our strategic objectives for 2025 and beyond will focus on the following pillars:
Prevention and Reduction of Crime
We will enhance intelligence capabilities and improve crime reporting standards.
We will collaborate with partner agencies to develop comprehensive crime prevention strategies that integrate witness protection, offender management, diversion programs, and community education.
Tackling Local and Transnational Crime
To safeguard our borders, we will enhance drone and fixed-wing capabilities and ensure that officers are equipped and deployed to address priority areas effectively.
Developing Our People and Workforce
We will thoroughly review workforce capabilities, focusing on training, deployment, and equipment to ensure officers are prepared and empowered to serve.
Optimizing Technology and Collaboration
We will embrace modern technologies to support our objectives while closely collaborating with communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Working in collaboration with Communities and Stakeholders
With a revised strategy, we will enhance the Community Policing programme and increase the multi-agency neighbourhood scheme, school engagement, restorative justice, and community groups. We will also implement a robust media campaign to increase awareness, community communication, and intelligence. We believe in the rule of law for all.
I remind all law-abiding citizens that safety and security are not just the responsibility of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force—they are a shared mission. Together, we must stand united against crime. I encourage each of you to play your part in building a safer, stronger Turks and Caicos Islands.
As we look forward to 2025, let us embrace transformation, resilience, and hope.
May God bless every one of you. May God bless our beautiful-by-nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Best wishes for the New Year. May it bring peace, progress, and prosperity to all.
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
-
Crime2 days agoFrom TCI Police, a DOUBLE HOMICIDE:
-
Bahamas News1 week agoBahamas Prime Minister banking on 50% Food Tax reduction, Affordable Housing and Clean Energy to drive down Cost of Living
-
Bahamas News2 days agoFreeport Health Campus development, progressing steadily
-
Government1 week agoCabinet update on Cyber Security Breach, MONDAY, 30 DECEMBER 2024
-
Caribbean News1 week agoU.S. Virgin Islands Sets New Tourism Record in 2024, Welcoming Unprecedented Visitor Numbers
-
TCI News1 week agoNOMINATION DAY FOR TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS GENERAL ELECTIONS 2025
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCARPHA and TEPHINET Sign MoU to Increase Technical Skills of Public Health Professionals in the Caribbean
-
TCI News4 days agoTURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT (TCIG) – SPACEX INCIDENT PUBLIC ADVISORY