News
NEW: Jumilla Isma was Person of Interest, Killers got to him before Police
Deandrea Hamilton, Dana Malcolm and Wilkie Arthur
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, November 10, 2023 – Fourteen days before his public execution at the entrance to the Providenciales International Airport the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was reportedly searching for Jumilla Isma. Attorneys confirm to Magnetic Media that it was suspicions related to illegal guns and ammunition, including high-powered rifles that put the 24-year-old back on their radar for questioning.
It was also these allegations that led police to lay in wait at the Airport on October 19; reports to our newsroom indicate, they too were alerted about Isma’s attempt to unceremoniously leave the country.
Isma had checked in for a British Airways flight to get out of the Turks and Caicos then left the airport for reasons unknown. Following his slaying, a video was shared of him as he exited the check in terminal at their airport. By the
time he was to return, sources tell us, police officers were already stationed, prepared to seize Jumilla Isma on sight in order to take him in for questioning. Before that chance materialised, so-called ‘rivals’ who also learned of the 24-year-old’s whereabouts pounced on the man, shooting him dead in a vehicle along with another, 19-year-old Mike Forbes.
It has led those who knew Isma was a person of interest to TCI Police to surmise that had he been taken in or turned himself over to authorities, he may have been spared that fate.
The gruesome scene was sprawled practically at the airport’s gate, residents tell us, stressing that anyone looking to get in or out would have to pass by the body, the blood and the shot-up car. The killers, who are still at large, sent a third man, who was injured in the melee, scrambling back into the airport lobby soaked in blood as shocked travelers and airport workers looked on.
Isma was no stranger to the law, having been booked for murder multiple times in his short life.
He was charged with the double murder of Tamia Simmons and Stuart Harris – the two were shot to death in a suspected retaliation attack at their Five Cays home in September last year. Simmons, the girlfriend and Harris, the father of a young man wanted on the streets in an ongoing turf war. Isma was exonerated of the homicides in May 2023 because of a lack of evidence.
Prior to that, he had been convicted of the killing of Godly Petiote in 2021 and handed a life sentence but the ruling was overturned. This record may be one of the reasons his death was met with celebration from some residents.
In recent days, videos have emerged of young men spraying champagne and brandishing guns following the gruesome killing of the young man, who had been suspected of involvement in a slew of other crimes.
Despite these concerning videos, police have not yet approached the public with any new information about arrests or suspects in this case. Police have also not revealed why they were so interested in questioning the young man who is of Haitian heritage.
When we reached out to them their response was: “The RTCIPF will not be making any comments at this time.”
Magnetic Media is told Isma was aware he was a person of interest to police yet he decided against cooperating with law enforcers. Instead, his murder is another youth snuffed out in the record setting tally of homicides in ongoing feuds between groups or gangs in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
What sparked this bloody back and forth is unclear, though drugs and profits from its sale have been fingered by authorities. What is certain is that it has forced beefed-up backing from the UK with additional detectives and aircraft imported to bolster expertise and crime fighting capacity.
In 2020, 15 officers were dispatched from the UK including two Superintendents, Lisa Mitcheson, ( Crime and Public Protection) and Martyn Ball (Specialist Operations). Again in 2022, 24 more officers were sent in to form an Anti-Gang Unit. In 2023 Superintendent Dean Holden (Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection) arrived.
The local government has pumped money into the cause as well. Budgets have continually increased over the past
three years from $29 million in 2021/22 to $34 million in 2022/23 and money was allocated for 12 marine officers to be added to the Police Force. In 2023/24 financials revealed the Police got $35.9 million, plus $6.2 million in Capital projects.
Since the double murder which marked the 16th and 17th killings for the Turks and Caicos in 2023, there have been threats against a reportedly innocent airport employee who had been accused of taking the video of Isma as he walked out of the terminal after checking in for his flight that fateful Thursday.
There has also been the release of a song which many have described as a group of young men, rhythmically, boldly confessing to the crime. A near 3-minute rap, featuring a variety of voices, well produced, which says among other things that Jumilla Isma or “Ju” thought he could catch a British Airways flight and get away with murders. The artists say they knew their act of getting even would be shocking to the nation, but they did not care and were instead focused only on ‘sending him home’.
Since the murders of Isma and Forbes, which drew condemning comments from government leaders including the Governor, Premier and Opposition party, the Royal TCI Police has kept all official information, including updates under lock and key.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
