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Balderdash! CRIME IS POLITICAL, Upend the DIVISION 

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Deandrea Hamilton 

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, February 4, 2025 – There is this tendency, perhaps even an obsession to declare that “crime is not political” yet everything in the way the Turks and Caicos Islands has unsuccessfully managed the surging crime rate suggests just the opposite.

If crime is not political, then why does the National Security Council (NSC) exclude the Opposition party from having a role on its high level body and within its high stakes meetings?

I mean, to have the Opposition party – whomever they are – sitting on the outside screams that it must be political because only the executive government gets to have multiple representatives, (rightfully so) seated at the table.  What is the big secret that both political leaders cannot be present and make representative presentations?  We want them to do so much more than just sign the cheques!

The Governor of the territory is the boss of national security, not the elected premier.  We are often reminded of this when crime and its management runs amuck.  The Governor works with the government of the day to establish prevention and response strategies to guard the territory, inside and out.  The UK dictates what should happen.  The local government funds what it costs to make those things happen. And despite the tens of millions of dollars pumped into anti-crime and anti-smuggling tactics, the country is still saddled by a homicide rate that rivals the worst in the world.

There are also far too many illegal migrants; they’re being stopped but they’re also obviously breaching our porous borders more often than not.

With this dynamic relationship clearly and sometimes frustratingly understood, and given the epic failures evident in the inability of leaders to stop the surging homicide numbers year in and year out, it is apparent that it really does not matter how many political representatives there are, so let’s have them both!

From my vantage point, no matter which political party is in office, they are expected to work with, agree with and comply with the crime and border security plan, largely designed by the United Kingdom. Therefore, when the National Security Council was crafted by the UK in an effort to be more inclusive of the TCI’s elected leaders, it should have grafted in, at that top tier table, a seat for the Opposition Leader, who is also an elected member of the whole of government.

Oh, that’s another statement often made as the remedy to the crime crisis in the Turks and Caicos Islands; but when there is no Opposition party at the NSC table, it is not the whole of government.

Based on this reasoning, we earnestly expect the governor to announce that the British have seen the disadvantage and disenfranchisement of excluding the opposition and will expand the Council for the whole of government to be rightly represented.

It is a non-conventional approach.  But since the murderers do seem to care who they kill, be they PNP or PDM or child or woman or old man or young man, or tourist; we need a non-conventional response.

We need this considered change. In doing this, the UK truly makes crime an issue that is non-political and non-partisan because win or lose, everyone shares the accolades and everyone shares the blame.

More importantly though, when all political parties are represented at the NSC table, there is a subtle but strong message being sent to the Populous.  The UK and its Governor are saying, with both respected leaders sitting at the table, we demonstrate a true appreciation of the wider public and their thoughts on what needs to happen in order to curtail crime.  It says we want your hurts, pains, expectations and aspirations for a more peaceful society added to the plethora of ways or incentives we have at our disposal in order to combat crime.

Conversations and discussions will be more robust and enriched.  We would certainly find that better ideas are fielded, substantial and substantive input would become a valued resource and prayerfully,we hope, a more commonsense approach to crime abatement and prevention is solidified and then executed; no matter who is in the executive office of government.

Why is the Opposition kept away from this body?  The people should be told, post haste, forthwith!

In the absence of any explanation as to why in a Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson led administration, Washington Misick as the then Opposition Leader was not invited in and why in a Washington Misick led administration, Edwin Astwood is locked outside, I am moved to conclude that there is no real reason and including all major political ideologies opens the door to agreement and ultimately, continuity of the commitments.

Together, a bulletproof plan is hatched to tackle the challenges of crime.  Together we set an important global, regional standard where despite the political divide, everyone is welcomed at the table, everyone has input, everyone (ultimately and eventually) agrees, everyone signs off and then, everyone is more likely to buy in.  That is the true “whole of government” approach.  Respect each voter.  Invite us in through these two individuals.  Hear them communicate our concerns.  Create a more inclusive, commonsense plan.  Then take our money, which we happily and lavishly hand over and action the initiatives.

How many more years are we going to support this orchestrated division by the UK and its Governor?  Pitting one party against the other at the most critical time; yet expecting all parties to support the country’s national security strategy.

So do not say to Voters, crime is not political when no side – PNP or PDM – has made sure both sides are at this important convening.  It’s Balderdash!

Just imagine, a maturation of the political landscape so that our political leaders know when to stand apart on an issue and when its time to bind together.  How invigorating and beautiful it would be to have elected leaders, standing in solidarity and in the boldness sometimes required in order to represent Voters’ interests to the UK, whether at the table or in the public square.

If a 300% increase in murder can’t cause the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the UK to lock hands for the sake of preserving life and tranquility in this fine territory, then what in the hell will?

In the next government, both must be at the head table.  Then, and only then are we ALL truly represented.

As a closing thought, I often wonder: ‘How is it a National Security Council when it leaves out the person who democratically represents roughly 50% of the nation?’

Get it together guys; literally!

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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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