TCI News
Brazen Threats Against Police and Commissioner’s Family After Fatal Shootings Shock Turks and Caicos
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, August 29, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands are reeling after a vulgar and brazen threat was circulated online in the wake of two fatal police-involved shootings this week. The recorded message, allegedly made by a close friend of slain suspect Jaheim Forbes, promised to kill police officers, their families, and their friends “when the chance comes.”
What horrified residents even more was a subsequent post on Facebook — where the same individual allegedly asked the public to share a photo of the Police Commissioner’s wife so that she could be killed. For a small nation already on edge, the audacity and cruelty of the threats have shocked many to their core.
The Trigger: Forbes’ Death
The threats came after police shot and killed 20-year-old Jaheim Forbes during a 12:20 a.m. raid on August 26 in Five Cays. Police reported that Forbes, a known member of the Five Cays–Blue Hills Organized Crime Group and a suspect in the July 27 Hookah Lounge massacre, fired on officers as they executed a search warrant. They returned fire, fatally wounding him.
His mother, however, told Eagle Legal News Media that the shooting was unprovoked, sparking outrage and division in some corners of the community. Forbes’ death has become a flashpoint in the territory’s escalating war with gangs.
Confrontation with TCI’s Most Wanted
Less than two days later, on August 27, police on foot patrol in Miracle Close, Blue Hills confronted Andral Percival — TCI’s most wanted
fugitive. Percival has been on the run for years, wanted in a string of killings, including the chilling double murder of two brothers whose bodies were left abandoned in a remote house in the bushes. There is a cash reward of $10,000 for credible information leading to his arrest.
During Wednesday’s operation, police say Percival escaped after firing at them, but his associate opened fire first and was shot dead at the scene. A .40 caliber pistol was recovered.
Police Response to Threats
In a rare and strongly worded statement, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force condemned the threats as “toxic” and vowed they would not be deterred.
“I urge all men and women of the Force to remain vigilant. Do not hesitate to defend yourself and your family. We will not stop until we identify those carrying out these brutal criminal acts, and we will break the support chains that enable them.”
A Nation on Edge
Residents are openly wondering if gangs will retaliate against random relatives of police, while others commend the force for finally confronting suspects linked to the worst violence the country has seen in years.
What adds to the concern is that, according to a well-placed source, the man behind the threats is not even in the country — raising fears that organized crime networks are expanding beyond TCI’s borders.
For a nation weary from hurricanes, curfews, and massacres, the idea that criminals would brazenly call for the assassination of the Police Commissioner’s wife is almost unthinkable. Yet this is the toxic new reality in Turks and Caicos: a high-stakes standoff where law enforcement crackdowns are answered with audacious threats — and the public is left bracing for what comes next.
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TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News3 days agoThe Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
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TCI News5 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism