Caribbean News
TCI Police Chief Links Haiti Instability to Regional Crime Surge in Major Caribbean Security Briefing
Georgetown, Guyana – In a sobering presentation at the 39th meeting of the Association of Caribbean Chiefs of Police (ACCP), newly appointed Turks and Caicos Islands Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of transnational crime, zeroing in on the worsening situation in Haiti and its ripple effects across the region.
Held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Guyana under the theme “United Against Crime,” the ACCP gathering brought together senior police leaders from across the Caribbean. Commissioner Bailey used the platform to deliver an in-depth slide presentation on the Caribbean’s illicit firearms crisis, with Haiti’s deteriorating state highlighted as a critical flashpoint.
Bailey explained that the collapse of law and order in Haiti has made the country both a receiver and transmitter of illegal weapons. “The illegal movement of weapons, ammunition, and other contraband into Haiti and across Caribbean borders has been greatly aided by the worsening instability,” he said. Intelligence reports, he added, reveal that the vast majority of these weapons originate in the United States, with Florida serving as a key export hub.
In a striking case study, Bailey revealed that Haitian gangs are not only using these weapons domestically but are also involved in regional
arms trade. “There is a booming trade in food-for-weapons between Haiti and Jamaica,” he stated, pointing to a complex transnational criminal network that spans air and sea routes.
The instability in Haiti has also driven an increase in human trafficking, with Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) among the nations experiencing a surge in irregular migration. “This instability is fueling human trafficking, especially to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Bailey warned. According to Bailey, the growing flow of arms and people from Haiti is exacerbating violent crime in the region. TCI recently topped the region’s per capita homicide rate for the second year in a row—an escalation directly linked to gun violence. From January 1 to April 23, 2025, local police seized seven illegal firearms, including high-powered, military-style weapons.
Throughout his presentation, Bailey emphasized the importance of unified regional responses, praising CARICOM IMPACS for its work on intelligence sharing and interdiction operations. He also highlighted the significance of joint legal action, referencing the Caribbean’s support for Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers.
Bailey called for an aggressive, intelligence-driven strategy that includes financial investigations, targeting facilitators like corrupt professionals and businesses, and boosting legal frameworks across the Caribbean. He concluded by urging Caribbean nations to deepen collaboration with international bodies such as INTERPOL and the UNODC.
“Haiti is not just a local crisis,” Bailey said. “It’s a regional threat with consequences for every member of CARICOM. We must treat it as such.”
As the Caribbean grapples with the deadly consequences of illicit firearms and transnational crime, the TCI Commissioner’s presentation reinforced that unity and proactive policing are no longer optional—they are urgent necessities.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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