#Providenciales, September 10, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – National Security in the Turks and Caicos Islands will now reflect a tripartite-styled leadership and a news conference held this morning was the first step toward unveiling the new approach featuring Governor, Premier and Police Commissioner in a ‘one for all, all for one’ attitude aimed at curtailing crime.
Members
of the National Security Council sat before the Turks and Caicos media core and
social media viewers; center of screen was Governor Nigel Dakin flanked by
Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting and Premier of the TCI, Sharlene
Robinson.
“The symbolism of the three of us presenting
together should not be lost on you, nor on the criminals. We have been
working on this, in the background, as part of the National Security Strategy
since I arrived and we had expected to explain this change of approach, when we
rolled that out. But today we have the opportunity to give you a glimpse of how
we are going to lead national and internal security going forward, said His
Excellency, Nigel Dakin.
The governor had just spent his opening remarks
focused on the victims of crimes and their families; particularly the murders
so far this year which have for the first time in TCI history reached 10.
“The cold statistic of 10 murders doesn’t start to
explain the impact this has on those very close to the person who has lost
their life, but also on a community. And on an island, which is one extended
community, a violent attack on one member feels like an attack on us all.
I speak therefore for all of us when I say we want to bring those who did this,
to your loved ones, and to our community, to justice.”
The governor explained what many already
know; that the trio is to be held accountable.
“Being blunt, if we can’t get it together at the
top, what hope below,” he said following thoughts that the flow of information
and enhanced symbiosis will be hallmarks of this new leadership approach.
“The world is now too complex for there to be
institutional stovepipes and we intend to lead in a joined-up way in the
expectation that others will match our behaviours and work across institutional
boundaries to deliver results. Beyond that simple thought: those on the front
line delivering operational impact; those paying for it; those who are held
responsible to the electorate; those who can propose policy and deliver
legislation, and; those who hold the Constitutional lead, including in extremis
the power to call on emergency powers, or on international support, have to be
working in sympathy.”
Actual results which diminish serious, violent
crime is the main target of this trio: Governor, Premier, Police
Commissioner.
“The three of us have seized that opportunity. It’s
now the new normal. Key point: every resource and power available to us can, as
we wish, now be focused rapidly when and where we want it to be because we are
joined up.”
Money and manpower moving more swiftly toward the
abatement of crime and protection of TCI borders was welcomed news, especially
since statistics show that gun crimes have soared from 25 last year to 62
incidents reported so far in 2019.
“It’s also worth saying that we believe we are
dealing with a very small number of criminals – who are increasingly becoming
known to us – and when arrested and charged – because there is evidence that
can be put before the court – will reduce, possibly seriously reduce, the
problem we have right now.”
In concluding his remarks at the 90-minute news conference held at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, Governor Dakin issued a charge: “Finally TCI: we are bigger, we are better and we are stronger than allowing a small number of bad men, to bring fear into our amazing country.”
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