TCI News
Civilian round up crew asked to stand-down by TCI Police
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Tuesday, May 29, 2018 – The vigilante task force of civilian men, which cropped-up on Monday is being advised by the Police to stand down, as they could be acting illegally and potentially exposing themselves to danger, in their unauthorized capture of suspected illegal Haitian migrants.
“Members of the Public are asked to be very careful with respect to taking matters into their own hands when they see individuals who may appear to be illegal migrants. Only law enforcement officers can question, detain or place persons in vehicles. We appreciate that the public wish to assist Police and Immigration Officers, but they should always call the Police or Immigration to avoid an incident that could have a very negative outcome.”
The group of men have been sharing cell phone video of their apprehension activities; they essentially believe it is a patriotic response to the influx of Haitian sloops which have been making landfall in the Turks and Caicos; the illegal people who are getting away.
In the social media video, as many as five males, described as Haitians, are captured and appear bewildered as they are submissively seated in motor vehicles, with drivers, who are Turks and Caicos Islanders. The captors explain on the video that they are on the way to the Police station to turn the young men into authorities.
In the report from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police, it was said: The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and Immigration Service is investigating the landing of an illegal sloop on Monday, May 28th, 2018. A total of 29 Haitian migrants were caught near Technology Drive in the Long Bay area after a 40-foot sloop landed early Monday. Twenty-three males and six females were taken to the Detention Centre for processing following a joint interdiction effort by Law Enforcement and members of the Long Bay community.”
The self-appointed round up team says the Police need help, and they are among the residents prepared to give the assistance. Police have not said how many migrants the civilians managed to bring in, but they did say residents can safely help by doing this…
“If you have any information on this or any illegal landing or see someone believed to be an illegal migrant, please immediately call 911”.
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
Education
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”
