News

The downward spiral of violent crime, is TCI at a breaking point?

Published

3 years ago

September 17, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, September 17, 2023 – Despite a concerted effort by our local law enforcement departments to control violent crimes, it appears to be a game of cat and mouse with head games, tough pursuits, and evasive captures of these criminals.

With the rising trend of serious crimes being at the heart of most Turks Islanders, concerned citizens are wondering where does it end? There’s a level of violence none like the country has ever seen, particularly on the island of Providenciales.

One has to wonder when will we get it under control? How many times will the country have to bolster the police department with foreign task forces as a crime prevention solution?

By no means should we downplay the short term effectiveness of this strategy, but it is still fractured in a sense and in more ways than one lacks continuity. It’s time to invest more in our own police officers; develop and promote the cream of the crop through real succession planning and raise the bar for under performers.

Furthermore, any short-term interventions must be combined with medium and long-term initiatives to enhance our national security.

Taking a holistic approach in tackling crime has been talked about, but is it really happening? More than ever before, online activities are driving real-world behavior, and activities on social media are increasingly leaking into real life, which is being played out among young men.

With that being said, who is monitoring social media in real time, trolling for suspicious gang related activities? We have to be in a better position to disrupt and dismantle these violent groups to avoid their grip becoming so tight that it creates a greater threat to tourism and the communities at large.

Over the years, the socioeconomic needs and public safety concerns in Kew Town and Dock Yard communities, have been largely ignored by successive governments and now it’s at a boiling point.

So, how do we fill these voids with real solutions? We the people, call on our representatives and officials to push for more creation of programs for our youth, improve job opportunities and invest more in these communities overall needs.

We have to find more effective ways to remove the barriers and plant safe spaces in underserved communities where violence is perpetuated. With ramping gun violence, you’re not just taking that person, you’re destroying a whole family and that’s what our people need to come to terms with.

Who are these victims and who are these perpetrators? Have we taken the time to understand their lives, parental support and economic situations? How do we mediate conflicts before they turn violent? We have to find ways to extract high-risk youth from the cycles of violence in their own neighborhoods.

The country need more resources to help make the much-needed work of violence prevention more sustainable? Are the local churches doing enough and do we have a think tank committee to brainstorm and share objective ideas?

These are real questions that need answers too. Sometimes, community leaders can maneuver and navigate in a way that law enforcement cannot.

The country’s internal security plan may be good, but at the end of the day, the back door is being left open with access to importation of illegal weapons which is counterproductive.

This is pretty evident with the number of ammunition and weapons being discovered at the Howard Hamilton airport in recent months. Another contributing factor could also include undetected migrant vessels that are making it to our shores.

Granted, we do not have the capacity for luggage checks on incoming international flights, but why not use sniffing dogs? On another front, the fact of the matter is, we have yet to see a dedicated maritime branch on the ground or a vessel stationed between the islands of Grand Turk, Great Sand Cay and Salt Cay to patrol the waters and enhance detection of illegal activity.

Our political leaders have talked about it, but when it comes to action, we see nothing tangible.

It goes to show how constant innovation and attentiveness is a must, in order to support our dedicated law enforcement officers.

There is no time like now to get gun trafficking under control. Where there are no illegal guns, there will be limited gun related deaths. In addition, it’s a stark reminder of the length and breadth armed gang members will go to take

revenge without regard for innocent bystanders.

Our country must take a look at violence through different lenses and treat it as a public health crisis.

This will require developing the necessary tools, methods, medical staff and resources to deal with the situations. I.e. establishing a trauma center and so forth.

Not only do we have to be proactive, but we must double our efforts and deal with the current challenges head on, because we are already in the midst of it all.

It will have to start with creating

well-targeted programs, clear diagnosis of our at risk youth and our young men involved in these violent crimes. This has to be complemented with the appropriate treatment plan that involves the family and community.

Challenges like this cannot be resolved by any single leader or by law enforcement alone. It will take the right tools and people coming together to create a movement that cannot be ignored.

Communities will need to remain vigilant and law enforcement agencies must remain mission-focused with results-driven leadership. Only then, will the country be in a much better position to reduce crimes and save more lives.

Ed Forbes

Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

Published

17 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

News

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

Published

18 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates World Pharmacy Day 2026

Published

19 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

“Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures”

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — September 23, 2026; TCI Hospital joined healthcare organisations around the world in celebrating World Pharmacy Day from September 21-25, 2026, recognising the vital contribution pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient safety, quality care and stronger healthcare systems.

Under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” this year’s observance highlighted the importance of enabling pharmacy professionals to use their knowledge, skills and expertise to their fullest potential in improving health outcomes and supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey.

As part of World Pharmacy Week, September 19–25, TCI Hospital celebrated its Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians while engaging patients, students and the wider community in activities focused on medication safety, pharmacy careers and the expanding role of pharmacy professionals in healthcare.

More Than Preparing Medications

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are integral members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team at TCI Hospital. While pharmacy is often associated with dispensing and preparing medicines, the work of pharmacy professionals extends far beyond the pharmacy counter.

The hospital’s pharmacy team works collaboratively with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to support the safe and appropriate use of medications throughout the patient journey. Their work includes medication preparation and management, medication reconciliation and review, patient education, and processes designed to identify and reduce medication-related risks.

Their specialised knowledge is particularly important in clinical areas such as the Neonatal Unit, Oncology and Dialysis services, where medication management requires precision, careful calculation, specialised preparation and close attention to individual patient needs.

For TCI Hospital, World Pharmacy Day therefore provides an opportunity not only to celebrate pharmacy professionals, but also to increase public understanding of their important contribution to safe, effective and patient-centred care.

Inspiring the Next Generation

An important part of TCI Hospital’s 2026 observance was engaging young people and introducing them to the diverse opportunities available within the pharmacy profession.

Students from Maranatha Academy in Providenciales and HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk, participated in an exposition designed to provide insight into the work of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and their contribution to patient care and medication safety.

Students explored how medications moved through the healthcare system, the safeguards used to help prevent medication errors, and the importance of medication reconciliation in identifying and resolving potential medication-related concerns.

The sessions also featured practical demonstrations of selected tools and processes used by pharmacy professionals, giving students an opportunity to experience aspects of the profession beyond the traditional image of dispensing medicines.

Through this engagement, TCI Hospital hoped to encourage more young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands to consider careers in pharmacy and the wider healthcare sector.

Taking Pharmacy Education into The Community

TCI Hospital extended the conversation beyond the hospital through a special TCI Hospital House Call Talk Show episode featuring pharmacy professionals and a patient.

The programme explored the role of pharmacists from both the healthcare professional and patient perspectives, including how pharmacy professionals contributed to safe medication use and how patients could become active partners in their own medication safety.

The discussion encouraged patients to know the medications they were taking, provide healthcare professionals with accurate and up-to-date information about their medicines, follow medication instructions carefully, and ask questions whenever they were uncertain about their treatment.

The programme also highlighted pharmacy as a rewarding healthcare career and encouraged young people to explore educational and professional opportunities in the field.

Medication Safety is a Shared Responsibility

World Pharmacy Day also provides an important reminder that medication safety is a shared responsibility involving healthcare organisations, healthcare professionals, patients and families.

Patients can contribute to safer care by maintaining an accurate list of their medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines; informing healthcare professionals about medications they are taking; following instructions for safe medication use; and asking questions when they do not understand why or how a medicine should be taken.

Healthcare organisations and professionals, in turn, have a responsibility to maintain systems that support safe medication practices and enable pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to contribute their expertise across the continuum of care.

TCI Hospital remains committed to strengthening medication safety, supporting its pharmacy workforce, educating patients and promoting effective collaboration across the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Celebrating the People Behind Safe Medication Use

Chief Executive Officer of TCI Hospital, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, said World Pharmacy Day is an important opportunity to recognise the expertise and dedication of the hospital’s pharmacy professionals.

“Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are essential members of the multidisciplinary team and make an invaluable contribution to safe, high-quality patient care every day. Their role extends far beyond preparing and dispensing medications. They bring specialised knowledge, precision and clinical expertise to medication management and work alongside our healthcare teams to reduce risks and support the best possible outcomes for our patients.

This year’s theme also reminds us that empowering pharmacists means creating opportunities for them to contribute their expertise across the patient journey. We are proud of our pharmacy team and sincerely thank them for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to helping build healthier futures for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant
Chief Executive Officer, TCI Hospital

Chief of Allied Services, Eleanor Hall, highlighted the importance of recognising pharmacy as an integral clinical service and supporting the continued professional development of the pharmacy workforce.

“Pharmacy is an essential component of safe and effective healthcare delivery. Our pharmacy professionals work collaboratively across disciplines and services, bringing expertise that supports clinical decision-making, medication safety and patient education. Their contribution is especially important as healthcare becomes increasingly complex and patients require more individualised approaches to medication management.

Empowering our pharmacy workforce also means investing in professional development, encouraging innovation and ensuring that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have opportunities to contribute their knowledge throughout the healthcare system. I am extremely pleased that this year’s activities also extend into our schools and community, helping people better understand the profession while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

Eleanor Hall
Chief of Allied Services, TCI Hospital

Pharmacy Manager Kennita Myers said the theme reflects both the responsibility carried by pharmacy professionals and the opportunities available to further strengthen their contribution to patient care.

“Every medication we prepare, review or manage represents a patient who is depending on us to get it right. Whether we are supporting neonatal care, oncology, dialysis or other hospital services, accuracy, vigilance and patient safety remain at the centre of everything we do.

Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are also educators and advocates for safe medication use. We want our patients to understand their medicines and feel confident asking questions about their treatment. We are equally passionate about introducing young people to pharmacy and showing them the many ways, they can build meaningful careers while contributing to the health of their community. World Pharmacists Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our profession, share our knowledge and inspire the next generation.”

Kennita Myers
Pharmacy Manager, TCI Hospital

Thank You to Our Pharmacy Professionals

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extends its sincere appreciation to its pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for their professionalism, expertise and commitment to patient safety.

Whether preparing specialised medications, supporting clinical teams, educating patients, reviewing medication therapy or strengthening medication-safety processes, pharmacy professionals play an important role at every stage of the patient journey.

Their work embodies the message of World Pharmacy Day 2026: “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”

To all of our Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, thank you for helping to keep our patients safe, supporting our healthcare teams and contributing every day to healthier futures for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.