TCI News
Historically here, Public-Private Partnership brings first CCTV to the Turks and Caicos
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 1, 2018 – The criminal element is already shaking in its boots, Magnetic Media is told, following the reveal on Tuesday of CCTV cameras now installed across Providenciales; the Police Force and its Partners gave a media tour on Tuesday of the hub – and it was impressive. 
James Smith, Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police led the tour and explained that the system is both Closed Circuit Television and a joint 911 Control Room, which will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a Police Force Silver Commander.
“…able to pre-position resources; they’ll be able to put in place measures to prevent things happening or to react quickly when they do happen. So this is a big deal for us, this is a fundamental stake change in the security of the country and of course, Provo is just the first step. The Government has funded not only these CCTV cameras but they are going out to bid now for the second phase which will take Grand Turk into it and eventually we will get North and South Caicos as well.”
The cameras were described as a versatile technology which allows managers of the site to program, search and see minute details as they happen.
“This is a different kind of camera; it focuses on the number plate of a car…” 
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government, said the Commissioner, is working on Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) software which will change how motor vehicles are numbered in the country and it will complement the CCTV system.
Stan Hartling, investor and developer of the Hartling Group which owns three resorts in Providenciales spoke on behalf of the Sponsors of the new CCTV system, he was joined by Mark Durliat, another major resort investor from Grace Bay Resorts. The Sponsors were roused to action last year after a spate of crime which attracted negative attention to Destination Turks and Caicos. The group, on the record, expressed grave concerned about the impact of crime on tourism and resolved to support Government and Police in the abatement of crime in a most tangible way.
“It gave me the confidence that we as a country, the core business people understand the importance of the Police and of safety in this country if we are going to be sustainable.” Mr. Hartling, explained that an online fundraiser was an amazing feat, “I think it was that in less than seven days, we raised about $600,000 specifically to be targeted toward national crime prevention. We got immediate response and we had great meetings with all levels of government: Governor, Premier, Deputy Premier, Commissioner of Police. And what became evident to us – we were all getting panicked when were at that time last year when some of the crimes were increasing and it included home invasions and some armed incidents and the initial reaction is fear and then playing the police. And it became evident to us that that was not necessarily the issue, we have some amazing people on the Police Force that really needed some help with additional resources and it became evident that normal ways to procure those were going to be timely and longer than some of us wanted.”
The private sector group was intimately involved in the complete overhaul of the 911 center, where re-wiring and retro-fitting was undertaken. The revamping of the center was completed in record time; under three months.
Mr. Hartling said there was also concern for the Police officers who would have to respond to crimes in progress, including to suspects who would likely be armed and dangerous.
“So part of this group has bought very high grade defense-level Taser guns and I know the training has taken place, body-cams for police officers so that they can feel that what’s happening is being recorded and it helps for evidence in court, makes people a little bit more accountable when they are around these officers… so we still have funds there, so if there is something that the Commissioner needs we can respond within four hours if we have to.”
The Governor, who heads up National Security for the Turks and Caicos called it a moment of celebration.
“Modern policing requires, I think, three key ingredients: the human factor, the technical factor and the community factor. Without the human factor, that is, well-trained, committed police officers under effective leadership nothing will be possible. TCI benefits from having in the RTCIPF, a local police force which is increasingly on top of its game.” His Excellency, Dr. John Freeman congratulated the Commissioner of Police, James Smith, “My thanks to them and to him. Without the technical factor, a police force is hobbled from facing down the criminals and would-be criminals. The RTCIPF is benefitting from increased technical capacity enabling it to be fit for the task, for that – thanks – and I readily express them, are due to TCIG without whose support and very significant budgetary allocations none of these improvements including the CCTV project would be possible. Without the community factor, a police force can never deliver optimally and community support takes many forms. A Police Force is not separate from the local community; it is part of it and relies upon it. The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force needs support if it is going to deliver on public safety.”
Governor Freeman said the private sector involvement and financial contribution to the CCTV project is a demonstration of the Community supporting the Police.
“I want to acknowledge and applaud that support by the business representatives here this morning. I hope that all of us in these islands will benefit from this new facility. Benefit in a way that really matters, namely enhanced security and public safety.”
CCTV video from as many as 106 specific areas in Providenciales is being beamed back to the Control Room, with the video segmented into zones. During the tour it was explained that the cameras are in a testing phase now, but are already live and recording.
The Control Room is established at the Digicel headquarters in the Turks and Caicos.
Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2025 – On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, the United States Coast Guard Southeast (USCG), working
in coordination with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment, and the TCI Border Force, intercepted a vessel carrying 103 migrants bound for Providenciales.
The suspicious vessel, first tracked by the USCG, was stopped at sea and later secured by the Sea Guardian vessel, which towed it safely to South Dock Marina. Upon arrival, the migrants were disembarked and handed over to the TCI Border Force for processing.
A breakdown of those on board confirmed:
- 75 males (including two minors)
- 28 females (including two minors)
This interception marks the 18th such operation in 2025, bringing the total number of migrants detained this year to 1,510. The RT&CIPF thanks the USCG and local agencies for their close cooperation, noting that this successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of layered security measures protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Force reminds the public that illegal migration is dangerous and life-threatening, and violations of the law will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information on illegal migration is urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or via the P3 app.
Photos Courtesy: Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force
TCI News
Invest Turks and Caicos Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Impact at 4th Annual General Meeting
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 19, 2025 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Invest TCI) proudly hosted its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton, Turks and Caicos, marking a historic milestone, under the theme ‘ Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Impact’.
The celebratory event brought together government officials, investors, developers, business leaders, and community stakeholders as the
agency reflected on ten years of strategic growth and outlined its vision for the next decade.
The meeting was called to order by Chairlady, Ms. Cindy Ewing, who welcomed the full house with energy and gratitude. She acknowledged the partnerships which have fuelled Invest TCI’s success over its first ten years. In her remarks, she stated, ‘This agency was created with a clear purpose, to attract sustainable investment that would strengthen our economy and open new doors for our people’.
The evening continued with a powerful address from Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development as cornerstones of the country’s future. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, community-driven infrastructure, and balanced growth. Building on that vision, Her Excellency, Acting Governor Anya Williams reflected on how the landscape has shifted from TCI once seeking foreign investors to now being actively pursued. She emphasized that with this new dynamic, growth must remain sustainable, protect the environment, and deliver lasting benefits for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Delivering the agency’s annual performance report, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove outlined achievements during the 2024–2025 financial year. These included the first Youth Business Summit, the opening of a new office in Grand Turk, the launch of the Community Pop-Up Series, the approval of the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, and advancement of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy. She also reflected on a decade of accomplishments, noting how Invest TCI has expanded its reach, strengthened its impact, and positioned the islands for greater opportunity.
A Ten Years in Review video presentation followed, sparking applause and pride as it highlighted milestones in national development. The film set the stage for an invigorating panel discussion under the theme “The Next Horizon: Catalyzing Economic Development through Investment,” moderated by financial expert Mr. Drexwell Seymour.
The panel featured an extraordinary lineup: Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, former Premiers Hon. Galmo Williams and Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove, and youth leader Ms. Arielle Neely. The discussion highlighted not only the perspectives of national leaders but also the entrepreneurial achievements of the former Premiers, both of whom have successfully built businesses that continue to contribute to the Turks and Caicos economy. The presence of three seasoned leaders alongside Invest TCI’s chief executive and a dynamic youth voice captivated the audience, underscoring both the depth of experience and the promise of the next generation.
The discussion was focused on how investment can power sustainable growth and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Key themes included sustainable development, innovation and technology, local business competitiveness, youth integration, and public-private collaboration. Panelists emphasized the need for robust legislative frameworks and compliance, while highlighting human capital development as the cornerstone of future progress. Ms. Neely added a compelling youth perspective, calling for measurable inclusion through Youth Impact data and innovative financing models to ensure young people are active stakeholders in shaping the economy.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Invest TCI also launched the Inaugural Developer Awards, created to recognize developers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive, responsible, and impactful development. The awards spotlighted projects that extended beyond commercial success to deliver meaningful community value.
Two award categories were introduced:
- Sustainability Trailblazer: Recognizing developers who lead in building sustainable legacies through infrastructure, cultural preservation, and enduring community partnerships.
- Community Impact Award: Honouring developers who have made the most visible social contributions through job creation, training, community programs, and philanthropy.
Submissions showcased initiatives such as recycling and composting programs, eliminating single-use plastics, landscaping with indigenous vegetation, and investments in renewable energy. Many also reflected consistent support for local charities, reinforcing the vision of development that uplifts both the economy and the community.
Nominees included The Hartling Group, Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos), Grace Bay Resorts, Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd., and JEM TCI Holdings Ltd. (Salterra Resort & Spa). Grace Bay Resorts received the Sustainability Trailblazer Award, while Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos) was honoured with the Community Impact Award.
Other memorable moments of the evening included two luxury raffle draws and a special recognition presented to Ms. Sheryl McLaughlin for five years of dedicated service to the agency.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Chair Mr. Walter Gardiner, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and extended appreciation to the organizers for delivering a successful and memorable celebration.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Providenciales will come alive this September as the Hair Evolution International Beauty Education Expo & Hair Show takes center stage for two days of creativity, culture, and community impact. Hosted by New Light Entertainment, the highly anticipated event runs from September 26–27, 2025, blending artistry with empowerment while spotlighting some of the region’s brightest talents and industry pioneers.
Day One, set for Friday, September 26 at Graceway Sports Centre, will feature the International Beauty Education Expo, an immersive
program dedicated to skill-building and professional growth. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can take part in live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions led by international experts. Highlights include the discussion “Where Style Meets Strategy: Elevating Beauty, Business & Wellbeing” featuring renowned panelists such as dermatologist Dr. Marsha Barnett, cosmetologist and educator Dr. Kym Stubbs, Jamaica International Beauty Expo founder Suzette Brown, Toronto-based event producer Keisha Pinto, and educator Orica Smart. Celebrity stylists will also lead specialized trade classes, including a wig installation masterclass taught by Sophia Kay.
The Expo’s mission goes beyond beauty. It provides networking opportunities, showcases local and international vendors, and connects aspiring professionals—particularly youth—with career pathways in the creative industry. Part proceeds will benefit the Cancer Society of the Turks and Caicos Islands, ensuring that the event makes a lasting impact both inside and outside the beauty arena.
On Saturday, September 27, the spotlight shifts to Brayton Hall for the dazzling Main Stage Hair & Fashion Showcases. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the night promises high-energy runway performances, fantasy hair creations, cutting-edge barbering, and striking fashion presentations. Local and international talents will converge, blending artistry with entertainment for an unforgettable show.
The evening will also honor trailblazers who have made extraordinary contributions to the beauty industry. This year’s Hair Evolution Honourees include:
- Commenci Duncan-Hanfield, recipient of the Legacy in Beauty & Community Impact Award, recognized for her lasting influence and service.
- Camille Swann, awarded the Beauty & Influence Trailblazer Award, celebrating her innovative leadership and impact on the industry.
- Fior Rivas, recipient of the Outstanding Service & Industry Impact Award, for her dedication to advancing the beauty profession.
- Dr. Kym Stubbs, honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Beauty & Education Award, for decades of excellence as a cosmetologist and educator.
- Kareem Higgs, receiving the Barbering Legacy & Trailblazer Award, recognizing his contributions to elevating barbering within the community.
Founder and Executive Director Natasha Bien-Aimé expressed her excitement about the show’s return, emphasizing its role as more than entertainment. “Hair Evolution is about celebrating artistry, but also about education, empowerment, and building opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
With its dynamic blend of education, fashion, and recognition, Hair Evolution 2025 promises to inspire, entertain, and uplift. Tickets are available now, with limited space for attendees eager to witness the Caribbean’s premier beauty showcase.
