Turks and Caicos, May 19, 2026 – Jamaica’s Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness used his weekend visit to Turks and Caicos to spotlight a security partnership now being credited with helping to drive down murders and major crime across the islands.

Holness was in Providenciales for the official opening celebrations of Sandals Resorts International’s US$150 million Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, where he joined regional dignitaries, including Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick.

But beyond the tourism headlines, Holness also met with the Jamaica Constabulary Force contingent currently deployed in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I am in Turks and Caicos Islands, where I am meeting with a contingent from the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” Holness posted. “These officers have been instrumental in helping to reduce crime here in the islands.”

The Jamaican Prime Minister said the officers’ work reflected the strength of their training and added that the TCI Government was pleased with their service under Commissioner Fitz Bailey.

The deployment began formally on May 20, 2025, when the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force welcomed 30 JCF officers, who took oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony. Police said at the time the deployment was part of a strategic move to strengthen operational and tactical capacity.

Current reporting from The Gleaner describes the Jamaican team as a 28-member contingent now stationed in TCI. Premier Misick told the newspaper the officers have had a “tremendous and positive” impact. He said murders fell from 47 in 2024 to 27 in 2025, with no murders recorded from September to mid-May, while major crimes declined by roughly 50 to 60 percent.

Local media in the Turks and Caicos Islands have reported similar historical context, listing TCI murders at 48 in 2024 and 27 in 2025, after years of fluctuating but worsening violent crime.

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam described the partnership as one that is “building capability, delivering tangible results and helping to keep our communities safe.” Her office said Holness, the Governor and Premier Misick met the Jamaican tactical officers to thank them for their service and discuss transnational threats, social drivers of crime and sustainable growth.

The partnership has also expanded into training. In March, officers from the JCF, RTCIPF and TCI Regiment completed joint Level Two tactical training in Jamaica, with 31 law enforcement officers participating, including 20 from TCI and 11 from Jamaica.

Holness praised the officers as ambassadors for Jamaica, saying their work showed the JCF’s ability to operate regionally and internationally.

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Turks and Caicos, May 19, 2026 – Someone is believed to have deliberately set the fire at the Grand Turk landfill, which triggered heavy smoke, disrupted schools and businesses and prompted a full government investigation into the environmental hazard now affecting the capital island community.

The blaze erupted Tuesday morning at the Grand Turk dumpsite, where officials say scrap metal, derelict vehicles and discarded mechanical components fueled a fast-moving and difficult-to-control fire.

In a statement, the Environmental Health Department confirmed that “initial observations suggest the possibility of deliberate ignition,” while stressing that a full investigation has now been launched to determine the exact cause.

Health Minister Kyle Knowles also confirmed the probe remains active, saying authorities are assessing whether the fire was intentionally set while emergency crews continue containment and monitoring operations.

The smoke emergency forced precautionary evacuations near the landfill site and disrupted classes and businesses in surrounding communities, particularly North Back Salina.

Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood, who lives in the affected community and formerly served as Minister of Health, said explosions from the blaze were heard throughout the area as the fire rapidly intensified.

Astwood warned residents have now endured more than 30 hours of smoke exposure, raising fears about possible health impacts from unknown airborne chemicals linked to burning metals, electrical components and vehicle parts.

He said students lost two days of productive learning while families and businesses remained engulfed in smoke conditions.

Government health officials have advised residents living nearby to keep windows and doors closed and urged persons with respiratory illnesses, children and the elderly to take extra precautions.

Minister Knowles said while there is currently no evidence of long-term public health impacts, the incident exposed vulnerabilities in landfill fire suppression capabilities and reinforced the need for stronger environmental management systems.

Government has now outlined plans to strengthen fire prevention measures at landfill sites, including the installation of two 100-foot groundwater wells to improve emergency water access and a more robust scrap metal and derelict vehicle management programme.

Officials say fires involving metals are particularly dangerous because they retain heat, conceal ignition points and can continue smouldering long after visible flames disappear.

The Grand Turk Landfill fire is being described as the first major incident of its kind in many years.

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Academy Eagles FC were crowned champions of the Beaches sponsored Men’s Provo Premier League after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over defending champions, SWA Sharks, at the Venetian Road football field.

In a match that featured a mix of youth and experienced players, the Academy Eagles eventually broke through late in the game when Jean Innocent found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Innocent doubled the lead in the 95th minute from the penalty spot to clinch the championship.

Academy Eagles head coach Aaron Lawrence expressed immense pride in his squad’s performance. “I applaud the team for their discipline throughout the season and their ability to stick to the plan heading into this game,” Lawrence shared, adding special praise for team captain Myherwens Varis for “following tactical instructions throughout the game.”

“This victory would not have been possible without the thoughtful support from our main sponsor, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. This is the second year running with this relationship. This has provided exposure for the semi-professional players and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association,” Lawrence noted.

On the opposing sideline, SWA Sharks coach Jack Watson was modest in defeat. While he noted that his team executed their strategy well, he recognized the Eagles’ determination. “I congratulate the Eagles team for wanting the win more,” Watson said. “We played to the game plan, but I fault a lapse in judgment that gave up two goals.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos, returning for a second year of sponsoring the competition, expressed ongoing dedication to youth football in the islands. General Manager Deryk Meany shared his enthusiasm, “I am satisfied with the impact that the league is having on youth development throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and our resort’s involvement in fielding a team for the competition.” The final phase of the tournament now transitions to a knockout format among the eight participating clubs.

League executives also weighed in on the success of the season. Provo Premier League President, Phillip Baptiste, expressed his satisfaction with the league format and highlighted the significant progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) over the course of the tournament.

“This is what true success looks like as corporate partners like Beaches Turks and Caicos resort joins forces with the TCIFA in providing an avenue for youth development and sports. While we are happy for the continued sponsorship, we are anticipating more support from other entities. This is not only a win for sports, it is a win for development here in the TCI,” Baptiste shared.

TCIFA Technical Director Dane Ritchie echoed these positive sentiments, pointing to the league’s development as an avenue for showcasing local talent on a broader stage. “Our team continues to learn as they work on developing talents with the youth players, as well as providing a broader marketing avenue for the league to be seen internationally with FIFA+ streaming,” Ritchie said.

He added, “the TCIFA commends the growth of the coaching staff involved in the league and looks forward to further enhancing the competition to make them more competitive in the Caribbean leagues.”

Beaches FC and Cheshire Hall FC have both punched their tickets for the first two spots in the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Teachers’ Young Strikers and 5-0 thrashing of Provo United respectively in the first two quarter finals.