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Opposition Leader Meets with Governor, Calls for National Strategy to Curb Gun Violence

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In the wake of the July 27 massacre at the Island Hookah & Cigar Lounge, Opposition Leader Hon. Edwin A. Astwood met with Acting Governor Anya Williams, who serves as the national security authority for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The meeting follows a wave of public outcry and mounting pressure on the government to address escalating violence across the territory.

In a formal statement, Astwood expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Opposition to the families of the three people killed and the ten others injured during the deadly 24-second shooting rampage.

“The heartbreaking news of the mass shooting… is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for our government to take decisive and innovative action,” he said.

While acknowledging the swift response by the Royal TCI Police Force, Astwood stressed that the country can no longer afford to be reactive, and instead must adopt a proactive, multi-pronged approach to national security and crime prevention.

Key Priorities from the Opposition Leader

Astwood outlined several immediate areas for government focus:

  1. Youth Diversion and Employment Programs– Initiatives to provide job training, mentorship, and real opportunities for at-risk youth, breaking the cycle of gang involvement.
  2. Modern Surveillance and Intelligence– Investment in CCTV expansion, predictive crime analytics, and real-time monitoring to disrupt gun networks before violence erupts.
  3. Stronger Border Security– Upgrading detection technology and intelligence-sharing to stop the flow of illegal weapons, drugs, and undocumented migrants.
  4. Community Engagement and Trust-Building– Encouraging closer ties between law enforcement and the public, including stronger witness protection, anti-retaliation messaging, and incentives like cash rewards.

Astwood warned that gun violence is more than a policing issue—it is a social and economic crisis threatening the very identity and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Our people, our visitors, and our islands deserve peace and security,” he said. “It is our shared responsibility to make that an immediate reality.”

The Opposition is calling for these initiatives to be prioritized in national policy, budget allocations, and public debate. In his view, safeguarding the country demands unity, strategy, and urgency.

TCI News

TCI Boat Club Donates $7,000 to TCI SNAP Centre from 11th Annual Poker Run

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 10 September 2025: The TCI Boat Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to community support by donating $7,000 to the SNAP Centre, raised through its highly successful 11th Annual Poker Run.

This generous contribution highlights the club’s dedication to supporting the vital services the SNAP Centre provides to children with special needs and their families in Providenciales. Last year’s donation assisted with much-needed upgrades at the Centre, and this year’s contribution will further strengthen the delivery of critical programmes and services for students.

“Our Annual Poker Run is more than just a fun event on the water; it’s a way for our community to come together and make a tangible difference. The SNAP Centre does invaluable work, and we are honoured to contribute and partner with their mission,” said Ms. Jenekah Stubbs of the TCI Boat Club.

Director of the Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs expressed gratitude on behalf of the centre: “We are truly thankful for the TCI Boat Club’s continued generosity. This donation will directly support our efforts to provide a safe, supportive, and empowering learning environment for our students. Partnerships like these remind us that when the community comes together, children with special needs are given the opportunity to thrive.”

The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, also commended the donation, stating: “The SNAP Centre plays a crucial role in our education system, offering specialised services that make a real difference in the lives of children and families. I applaud the TCI Boat Club for their ongoing commitment to education and inclusion, and for demonstrating the power of community in supporting our nation’s future.”

The SNAP Centre remains dedicated to providing essential support, education, and resources for children with special needs.

Donations such as this ensure the Centre can continue to expand services and create meaningful opportunities for students and their families.

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Government

Tamica Prospere Appointed Director of Learning and Development

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Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tamica Prospere as the Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Mrs. Prospere holds a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (RQF Level 5), a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and an Associate Degree in Education, also from UWI. She has further enhanced her credentials with certifications and coursework in content delivery, human resource management, talent management, and training and development from esteemed institutions, including Mico University College and CIPD.

With a strong foundation in public service and education in St. Lucia, Mrs. Prospere dedicated over a decade to classroom teaching at the secondary school level, beginning in 2002. During her tenure, she educated a diverse student body across various subjects, including Mathematics, Information Technology, and Life Skills, all aimed at fostering students’ personal and social well-being. She also facilitated community adult learning programs, showcasing her enduring commitment to promoting inclusive and varied educational opportunities.

Her career in public service in the Turks and Caicos Islands began in 2014 as a teacher at Marjorie Basden High School. From 2019, she served as the Learning and Development Manager for the legacy Customs Department and later for the TCI Border Force. In this role, she made significant contributions to improvements and championed a culture of professional growth.

Mrs. Prospere has been a strong advocate for leadership development through several key programmes. She conceptualised and introduced the Leading Effectively through Accountability and Development (LEAD) programme for the management team, which has successfully run for three consecutive years, with its most recent leadership reinforcement event held in 2025. Additionally, she implemented several programmes in partnership with educational institutions, resulting in 27 Border Force officers earning continuing professional development (CPD) certifications in supervisory management from UWI and 10 managers completing the Dynamic Leadership course with the Caribbean Maritime University.

She played a pivotal role in developing operational strategic plans and frameworks for both the Customs Department and the TCI Border Force. Mrs. Prospere spearheaded the creation and delivery of professional programmes, such as the Customs Broker Certification Programme. She introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate scalable learning for aspiring Customs Brokers.

Moreover, she led the implementation of several significant projects, most notably the Regional Clearance System in the TCI and a comprehensive revamp of customs procedures at Howard Hamilton International Airport, which greatly enhanced operational efficiency. She also facilitated key engagements that strengthened partnerships with leading regional bodies, including the Caribbean Customs Legislation and Enforcement Council (CCLEC), the border security team within CARICOM IMPACS, and the customs advisory arm of CARTAC. These collaborations were instrumental in securing vital technical assistance for training.

Speaking on the appointment, Mrs. Prospere said, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the Learning and Development Directorate. I believe that a world-class public service is built together. I’m dedicated to partnering with civil servants at all levels to foster a dynamic learning environment where we can collectively develop the skills needed to be adaptable, exceed standards, and deliver truly exceptional service to the public.”

In congratulating Mrs. Prospere, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams stated, “We are pleased to extend congratulations to Mrs. Tamica Prospere on her appointment as the new Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of training and development, Mrs. Prospere has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to building capacity and strengthening the public service workforce in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her innovative and strategic approach to learning has transformed teams and empowered individuals, ensuring the public service is well-equipped to meet the demands of a constantly evolving landscape.

As the government continues its efforts to enhance service delivery through robust and comprehensive training initiatives, we are confident that Mrs. Prospere’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous growth across the public sector.

Congratulations Mrs. Prospere, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to working with you to shape the future of learning and development in the Public Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

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TCI News

Purchasing Stolen Items Online

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***PUBLIC ADVISORY***

10th September 2025

 

The Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has taken notice of stolen items being advertised for sale on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Members of the public are reminded to exercise extreme caution when purchasing items online and to always verify the legitimacy of such transactions.

For 2025, the RT&CIPF detected FIVE incidents involving the online sale of stolen goods.

We strongly urge individuals to verify the seller’s identity and reputation, and request proof of ownership. Persons are also asked to be cautious of unusually low prices of items and sellers who pressure you to complete the sale quickly.

Whenever possible, meet the seller in person at a safe location to inspect items before payment.

Please be advised that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse and due diligence should be conducted when purchasing items.

Persons found purchasing or acquiring stolen goods may be charged with:

  • Handling Stolen Goods, contrary to Section 17(1) of the Theft Act states: “A person handles stolen goods if (otherwise than in the course of stealing) knowingly or believing them to be stolen goods he dishonestly undertakes or assists in their retention, renewal, disposal or realization by or for the benefit of another person, or if he arranges to do so”
  • 17(2) A person guilty of handling stolen goods shall on conviction on indictment be liable to a term of imprisonment of fourteen years.
  1. acquires criminal property;
  2. use criminal property; or
  3. has possession of criminal property.

Additionally, Section 126(1)(c) of the Proceeds of Crime Act, Chap. 3:15, sub-heading: Acquisition, use and possession states: A person is guilty of an offence if he—

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

Police Headquarters, Airport Road

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Tel: 649-941-4448|Email: media@tcipolice.tc

If found guilty on summary conviction, he faces imprisonment for a term of two years or a fine of $200,000 or both; or

(b) On conviction in indictment, to imprisonment for a term of fourteen years or a fine without limit or to both.

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