Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

Development for Latin America and the Caribbean is on track as 22 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are in good standing, with the expectation of being reached by 2030, compared to only 15 percent globally. 

This is according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), during the seventh Forum of Latin American and Caribbean Countries on Sustainable Development.

Though this is good news, the organization reports that there is concern as the progresses for 46 percent of those targets remain insufficient and 36 percent projected to me missed. 

This is due to issues such as extreme poverty which the report says was at 11.4 percent in 2023, stagnating poverty rates, 29.1 percent;  rising food insecurity, 29.6 percent in 2022; high homicides rated at 19.9 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021; and the increase in climate disasters that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in the region

The SDG’s emerged in September of 2015, when the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations at the Sustainable Development Summit in New York.

They were described as  “a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.”

This recent development comes after reports last year stated that the region must advance its efforts, which appears to be the case this year. However, there is much room for further actions, given the concerns of some of the goals being missed due to insufficient progress.

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

A warm welcome laced with cautious hope from residents is what greeted Edvin Martin, Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), when he was sworn into office on April 22, 2024. 

Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Co-chair of the National Security Council,  spoke on behalf of residents during the ceremony, held in Providenciales.

“We have been looking forward to your arrival and for everything that we know about you we are expecting great things,” Misick said, indicating the country was anxious for a return to more peaceful days.

Acknowledging that policing is not the job of a single person, Misick also vowed his support.

The residents who tuned into the live event shared similar sentiments, many welcoming Martin, others, hopeful that his confident words would come to fruition.

Dozens of congratulatory comments were shared by users to Martin, and obviously appraised of his record as former police chief of the Royal Grenada Defense Force commenters expressed satisfaction at his hiring. 

“One country’s loss is the next one’s gain….all the best sir,” said one user.

Others were pleased with his introductory remarks.

“He speaks with great confidence, professionalism, and surety, I have faith that he and the entire RTCIPF will do well, God Bless and protect you all,” one resident said. 

Another followed it up with  “He speaks with great authority! We are looking forward to great work from you and the RTCIPF team at large.”

Others were interested and hopeful, but still cautious, comments included:

“We Shall see what will be what.” 

“Hopefully we see more than just ‘Round-about Policing’ and Ticketing. We want guns off the street. Justice and Peace. All the best.”

Also in the comments? Residents seemingly from Martin’s home country of Grenada

 “Proud of you Mr. Martin and I am confident that you will do an excellent job. God is with you and we love and respect you,” said one such individual. 

Other residents were flat-out angry and called for boycotts of the ceremony. 

Rodney Adams, Deputy Commissioner of Police, advised Martin to take stock of and put to use his entire team rather than engaging with a select few.

“I firmly believe that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We, your executive team, are here willing and able to work with you as our team leader to get the job done.”

For his part, Martin made several promises to the people of the TCI, for whom he is now responsible.

“As your Commissioner of Police, I assure you of my unwavering commitment to serve this nation with pride and integrity. I commit to being a Commissioner for the people and doing everything within my power to safeguard our communities.” 

Martin began his tenure on April 22.

Hon. Kyle Knowles in “Forging Ahead: Building A Stronger, More Sustainable Ministry” has begun to set out on his mandate as he and his executive team continue introductory visits around the Islands within the Departments of the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities.

The Minister accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Director of Water Undertaken Mr. Omowale Harvey, Head of Secretariat Ms. Shanetta Thompson, and Executive Administrator Ms. Jasmine Malcolm on April 19th, 2024, ferried over to the Salt Cay.

The aim of the visit was to familiarize himself with the staff and to view the water plant and all water distribution sites on the Island.  The Hon.  Minister also took the opportunity to hear and observe the Department successes, challenges, and concerns firsthand.

Additionally, it allows the Minister the opportunity to communicate with the community on his position, goals, and objectives as their new Minister with responsibilities of Water Undertaken.

The Minister and his Executive Team look forward to their upcoming visits to the various Departments around the islands as they continue to build a stronger, more sustainable ministry.