TCI News
From Clarendon to Turks and Caicos: Commissioner Fitz Bailey Given Expanded Powers to Tackle Crime Surge
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — A year ago, Fitz Bailey was charged with overseeing a crime crackdown in Clarendon, Jamaica, where a devastating surge in violence—including the tragic deaths of children—prompted the imposition of stringent curfews and extraordinary police operations.
At the time, Bailey, then a Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), told the public:
“We have deployed additional resources to maintain order, provide support to the victims’ families and ensure the community’s safety… We are working tirelessly to identify the perpetrators and their motives.”
That crackdown, backed by Jamaica’s full security apparatus—from the Jamaica Defence Force to anti-gang units—led to a 39% reduction in homicides in Clarendon. It was praised as a rare success in a region often overwhelmed by organized crime.
Now, one year later, Commissioner Bailey has been granted similar authority in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In the aftermath of a deadly mass shooting at a hookah lounge in Providenciales—the worst in TCI’s history—Bailey has been formally empowered to use extraordinary police powers under sweeping new amendments to the Disaster Management Act and other national security laws.
Drastic but Deliberate Measures
Effective July 31, the following have been approved:
- The Commissioner of Police can now advise the Governor to declare specific locations as Disaster Zones due to crime or
public disorder—triggering curfews, restricted movement, and business hour limitations. - Liquor curfews are now enforced island-wide: midnight closure Sunday to Thursday, 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with no exemptions for 90 days.
- New laws will authorize:
- Warrantless searches
- Cordon-and-search zones
- Temporary curfews in high-crime areas
- Legal protections for officers acting in good faith during high-risk engagements
The Premier and Cabinet have also agreed to:
- Conduct a full review of the liquor licensing regime, imposing mandatory police vetting and security checks on all establishments.
- Crack down on underage access to alcohol, with stricter penalties and enforcement.
- Eradicate illegal informal settlements, especially those harboring criminal activity.
- Accelerate a Safe City Technology Strategy, deploying CCTV, smart lighting, and connected traffic policing systems across Providenciales and beyond.
The Why: A Wake-Up Call
These new authorities come amid a wave of high-profile violence—gang-linked murders, arsons, and mass shootings—that have shaken public trust in TCI’s ability to maintain order. For many, the July 27 massacre was the tipping point.
Premier Washington Misick, in a national address, made the stakes clear:
“We will leave no stone unturned and no safe haven for those who betray this country… This moment will become a turning point in our nation’s story.”
Imported Strategy, Local Application
Bailey’s playbook—crafted in Jamaica under fire—is now TCI’s frontline defense. Civil liberties may be curbed, but the message from leadership is clear: public order is not negotiable.
Whether these measures lead to a Clarendon-style turnaround or face greater resistance remains to be seen. But the days of soft handling are done. Commissioner Fitz Bailey has been handed the keys—and the country is watching what he does next.
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.
