MP Willin Belliard Hails Bold Justice and Security Reforms in Budget Debate

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Member of Parliament Willin Belliard, an attorney, former police officer and representative of the governing party, delivered a passionate address during the 2025 Budget Debate on May 20, placing strong emphasis on justice reform and enhanced public safety. His remarks underscored major investments in the legal and law enforcement sectors aimed at restoring confidence, expanding capacity, and tackling serious crime.

“Justice is the bedrock of a fair society,” Belliard declared, pointing to a $3.2 million allocation for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This investment will support the hiring of new prosecutors, implementation of digital case file systems, and reinforcement of witness protection programs—key steps toward modernizing the justice system and ensuring timely, effective prosecution of serious offenses.

The government’s shift to zero-based budgeting for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force marked another milestone. Belliard described this as both a financial and philosophical transformation, where every dollar must now demonstrate measurable impact on public safety. “This is a smarter, leaner, results-driven policing model,” he said, emphasizing trust, accountability, and community engagement as central pillars.

Addressing crime and community safety, Belliard stressed that economic progress is meaningless without security. “This government does not tolerate violence, nor do we make excuses for inaction,” he said, highlighting increased funding for law enforcement, community policing initiatives, and youth outreach programs aimed at breaking cycles of violence.

The nation’s maritime security also received a boost with the commissioning of two new marine police vessels—Sea Challenger and Sea Contender—acquired through partnerships with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). These vessels are expected to significantly enhance coastal patrols, emergency response, and interdiction efforts.

Belliard welcomed the arrival of 10 tactical officers from the Barbados Police Service and 30 additional officers who arrived on the day of his address. These reinforcements will strengthen frontline operations, while upcoming intelligence training by CARICOM IMPACS is set to improve coordination and strategy in the fight against organized crime.

In closing, MP Belliard assured residents that this Budget marks the beginning of a new chapter: “Let history say: this was the moment Turks and Caicos turned the page—and never looked back.”