News
TCI Police still guarded on Gang intel; but who does that profit?
By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, July 3, 2023 – It has been almost a year since the residents of the Turks and Caicos were told that there are gangs operating in their midst; murdering and trafficking in illicit goods yet identifying details on these criminal enterprises are practically non-existent.
We reached out to the Police to learn what they know and why that knowledge it hasn’t been shared with the public, even in part, to increase surveillance and make residents more aware of trends.
Magnetic Media queried who the gangs were and how they identify themselves and how many of the criminal organizations are operating in the country.
The police have replied.
“It would be inappropriate to identify gangs– as to do so would potentially compromise operational activity and alert gang members of the police forces awareness of their criminality making the targeting of them more challenging. However, the RTCIPF are striving to map out the gangs to have a coordinated approach to targeting and disrupting their criminality,” we were told.
Police also told us gang members don’t often overtly identify themselves as part of a specific gang ‘but evolve into a gang or group through their involvement in criminality together and frequent association.’
Despite this, we are told the gangs do identify themselves by name, usually attached to the area in which they operate but these names too, police failed to divulge.
We questioned where these gangs are headquartered, where they frequent and where they recruit young men,
though our questions were more geared toward providing information for caregivers and residents to be wary of having their own sons frequent once again we were told:
“It would be inappropriate to refer to specific locations that the gangs frequent or operate within and it is often the case that they will commit crime across several geographic locations.”
But this explanation exposes inconsistencies in how information is managed; the police bending their own rules when they want to. Case in point: In 2022 residents were told there were Jamaicans, Haitians and TC Bahamians heading various criminal organizations in the Turks and Caicos resulting in a bloody turf war.
The result was a spike in interest of the crime wave gripping TCI as journalists from around the region and the UK ran talk shows and headlining reports on this murder spree that spared no one. It was a disclosure which also resulted in a multi-country cooperation which eventually quelled the crime and stopped the rampage.
Proof that finger pointing has its benefits.
However, when we asked how many of these gangs were potentially spread out across the country and the size of the criminal camps, we were told, “It would be inappropriate to comment on specific numbers of gangs and the level of membership. However, the police are striving to map and assess the number of gangs and the current assessment is that the potential number of gangs operating in TCI is not exceptionally disproportionate to the population or when compared to other countries.”
Despite TCI being completely average according to Police, on the suspected amount of gangs in the country, those gangs managed to push the small nation to the top of the region (and likely the globe) in terms of murder rate.
In light of the interception of a US shipment of guns bound for the TCI last year, Magnetic Media also tried to find out if there were connections to any overseas gangs who were bankrolling the local criminals but information on that was murky as well though the Police did confirm there was evidence of overseas involvement.
“There is intelligence that would suggest that TCI, like most if not all countries in the region, have a transnational threat about organized crime with inevitable associated financial crime and money laundering.”
Despite the lengthy response, valuable information was missing, denying a nation still traumatized by the events of last year any real insight or confidence that police are vigorously working the angle of crime prevention.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
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