News
Taking Back Our Communities: The PDM’s Plan to Address Crime and Violence
By Hon. Dwayne Taylor, All-Island Candidate for the PDM
Turks and Caicos, February 1, 2025 – Crime and violence have taken a devastating toll on the Turks and Caicos Islands, leaving a shadow over our communities and an overwhelming sense of fear among our people. In 2024, we saw an unprecedented 48 murders—a grim statistic that highlights just how dire the situation has become.
Every lost life is a tragedy, and every act of violence erodes the fabric of our society. Yet, under the PNP government, crime and violence is out of control with no effective solutions in sight.
This election is not just about choosing a government; it’s about reclaiming our streets, securing our communities, and ensuring a future where every citizen can live without fear. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has a clear and comprehensive plan to tackle crime and violence head-on—a plan rooted in leadership, accountability, and actionable solutions.
A Crisis Ignored by the PNP The PNP government has failed to protect the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their track record on crime is one of broken promises and ineffective strategies. Despite having access to millions of dollars in resources, the PNP has been unable to implement policies that meaningfully address the root causes of crime or provide the support needed to fight escalating gang violence. Instead of focusing on the real issues plaguing our communities, the PNP has opted for superficial measures and grandstanding.
Their inability to invest in meaningful policing, community engagement, and preventative initiatives has left us vulnerable. This lack of leadership has emboldened criminal elements, and the results are evident in the horrifying escalation of murders, robberies, and violent crimes across our islands. The PDM’s Vision for Safer Communities.
The PDM recognizes that crime and violence are not just criminal justice issues—they are societal issues that require a multifaceted approach. Our policy on crime and violence focuses on prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation.
We believe in addressing the root causes of crime while simultaneously ensuring that those who break the law face swift and fair justice. 
- Strengthening Law Enforcement The PDM will invest in advanced training, modern equipment, and cutting-edge technology for our police force. By enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement, we can better combat organized crime and dismantle gang networks.
- Community Policing Initiatives Trust between law enforcement and communities is essential for effective crime prevention. The PDM will implement community policing programs to foster collaboration, rebuild trust, and create safer neighbourhoods.
- Securing Our Borders The influx of illegal firearms, drugs, and human traffickers fuels much of the violence in 1 our communities. The PDM will strengthen border security through advanced surveillance systems and partnerships with regional and international agencies to intercept illegal activities before they reach our shores.
- Youth Empowerment Programs Preventing crime starts with providing our young people with alternatives. The PDM will invest in education, vocational training, and mentorship programs to steer at-risk youth away from gangs and criminal activities.
- Justice Reform and Rehabilitation The PDM will introduce reforms to ensure that justice is swift and fair. We will also focus on rehabilitation programs within the prison system, offering skills training and reintegration support to reduce recidivism and give offenders a second chance to contribute to society.
- Support for Victims Too often, victims of crime are forgotten. The PDM will prioritize victim support services, including counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy, to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Real Leadership, Real Solutions
What we are offering is not rhetoric—it’s a roadmap to safer communities.
The PDM is committed to addressing crime and violence with the seriousness it demands. We will not shy away from making the hard decisions or taking the bold actions needed to restore safety and security to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The PNP’s failure to act has brought us to this point, and their lack of vision leaves no hope for a better tomorrow. They have ignored the cries of a frightened nation, allowing criminal elements to thrive while our people live in fear.
The time for complacency is over.
The February 7th general elections are a turning point for our nation. We cannot afford another five years of inaction, excuses, and broken promises. The choice is clear: vote for a party with a proven track record of leadership, a comprehensive plan for tackling crime, and a genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of every Turk and Caicos Islander.
This is not just about today—it’s about the future we want for our children and grandchildren. It’s about creating a Turks and Caicos Islands where every citizen can walk freely in their community, where businesses can thrive, and where families can sleep soundly at night. Vote for the PDM.
Shade the circle by the bell—10 votes, 10 bells. Together, we will take back our streets, rebuild our communities, and create a safer, stronger Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
