#Providenciales, September 18, 2019 – Turks and Caicos –We have in recent weeks seen a spike in gun related offenses and reports of home invasions and robberies has caused great unrest for the victims as well as residents. A few days ago, we saw for the first time 10 murders.
I begin by offering my condolences to the families who have lost
love ones to violence not only this year but over the years and special prayers
are continually offered up for those who have not received the justice they
seek. I understand this pain and know exactly what it feels like to have a
loved one snatched away by senseless violence and to await the perpetrator’s
being brought to justice. Whilst this cannot bring back a loved one, it is
important I know to healing. I note with great excitement the recent activities
that demonstrated that our people may be at a place of understanding that we
must do something and some have made steps that they feel allows them to
contribute to the fight. I ask that we use this energy to do two things: prayer
and reach out. What do we do in this moment of wanting to do more? Talk to our
young men; give one a job; mentor another; help a parent; parents: plead with
your children; civil society; we stand ready to support programs for youth and
for parental support. And the aged old cry remains the same. Crime Stoppers is
safe and callers are treated anonymously. You can deal the biggest blow to
crime by helping to bring a perpetrator to justice and give victims and their
families justice.
I believe that last year July/August fully revealed to us what the
challenge is and we must plan accordingly.
I am pleased to be here today in this setting for the first time
with our new Governor and new Commissioner of Police. I choose today to offer
to you a full update on how the matter of crime is being approached as a whole
Government, to provide support to our Police and to make several announcements
and appeals.
National Security Strategy
Residents would have heard we speak of a
NSS for more than a year and I am pleased that we have made considerable
progress today. Thanks to or new Governor who has been hands on. For the first
time in the history of these islands, a comprehensive National Security
Strategy is being developed to effectively confront the complex issue of crime
throughout our archipelago. This multipronged approach will effectively and
efficiently manage the resources that are currently available, procure
additional tools and resources to the entities tasked with internal and
external security, strengthen partnerships internally and with regional and
international agencies to effectively collaborate on security initiatives and
engage the Turks and Caicos community as a valuable resource in the fight
against crime.
Though we must evolve and adapt to the
changing circumstances that fuel crime, there are tried and true strategies
that have a profound impact on its reduction, elements of which my Government
has nurtured to implementation in advance of the rollout of the National
Security Strategy.
Community Policing
Chief among them is effective community
policing. The relationship between the residents of these islands and the Royal
Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is critical to discouraging criminality.
The manner in which our communities are patrolled by RTCIPF Officers has been
reassessed and there are not only more boots on the ground on foot patrol, but
a strategic presence to ensure heightened security in communities that are hot
spots for activity. Increasing the engagement between Officers and the
community gives residents the opportunity to engage, inform and build
relationships with those charged with their safety.
CCTV
In addition to effective community
policing, modern crime fighting tools are essential to deter and detect and
solve criminal activity. Among the TCI’s current arsenal is the Closed Circuit
Television (CCTV) system which has entered its second phase through its
expansion to the nation’s capital. Its capabilities will include an automatic number
plate recognition system.
Border Protection Agency
On the matter of entry of weapons, we have budgeted in this year scanning devices for gate
keepers and we are moving ahead on a more joined up border protection program
which will be executed through our Border
Protection Agency. The formation of a Border Protection Unit and Central Intelligence
Unit will unify our forces in defense of our country. On the high seas the
acquisition of drone aircraft and additional seacraft will support this
convergence of entities and bolster our current ninety percent (90%)
interception rate of sloops breaching our borders.
Many
have called for more policing and stiffer
penalties. Since coming to Office we have increased the mandatory 5yrs to
7yrs. Effective policing leads to incarcerations so the redevelopment of the Prison to
focus more on rehabilitation remains a key objective of my Government.
In addition to investing in crime fighting
tools this Government is committed to continuously investing in our most
valuable resource, our people. The Chance
for Change Programme, which launched in July of 2019, aims to
rehabilitate offenders through programs administered at Her Majesty’s Prison in
Grand Turk and decrease the rate of recidivism. This initiative offers drug and addiction rehabilitation programs, skill development in agriculture at the
on-site farm, culinary skill development, educational opportunities and anger management sessions to support the
transition of offenders into wider society upon release.
Even more critical to rehabilitating an
offender is to decrease the likelihood of becoming an offender. As parents,
educators, church groups and civic groups, we are all accountable, in our
individual spheres of influence, for the environment in which our children
bloom. It is imperative that we unite to safeguard, motivate, educate, equip
and inspire our youth to become productive participants in Turks and Caicos
society. We stand ready to support all Youth Programs as we continue to manage
a robust Youth Program under our remit.
Trade School
Additionally,
we believe that we must make our people more employable and the young men spoke
directly to our Minister of Youth when she took her Listening Tour to the
streets: they want a trade and we are hastily working towards commencing a Trade School at the start
of the next School year. These are all critical programs in train: prevention,
intervention, enforcement and rehabilitation are key drivers in our policies to
stem the current tide.
My Fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, in
the coming days and weeks, I look forward to sharing with you in detail the
strategic priorities of this comprehensive National Security Strategy. My Government will not shy away from our
responsibility in ensuring a safe and secure Turks and Caicos. Crime affects us
all, it doesn’t discriminate. My Government is resolved to address this ever
evolving challenge and ask you to partner with us to ensure that we all enjoy
of a safe and secure nation.
Joining Hands Across the Region
Make no mistake about it, what is happening in TCI is regrettably
happening in our region and we intend to join hands across the region. It was
only on Thursday past, I used the opportunity to raise the matter of gun
violence and gun entry into the region with CARICOM Chiefs. We plan to bring
this dialogue to the forefront among regional leaders having recognized that we
are facing the same challenges and more the importantly the importance of
addressing it together. We must get guns off the street but likewise we must stop
them from coming in.
Fire in Grand Turk
Stiffer Penalties for Arsonist and Investment in Domestic Fire
Truck
I turn my attention briefly to the ongoing criminal activity of
arson in Grand Turk. During the last House of Assembly Meeting, I addressed the
House and the people of this country on the increasing number of fires in Grand
Turk. I share my thoughts for emphasis again calling on the arsonist(s) first
to stop this deviant and seriously harmful behaviour and then to again call on
the residents to not only condemn these actions but to assist in finding this
person or persons.
These acts are so detrimental to the Island. The interruption to
comforts and regular activity is understandably frustrating to the Island’s
residents having over the last years seen flights interrupted due to poles
being lit, the Control Tower being lit or the usual of the Airport Authority’s
assisting in community fires; the closure of schools or the serious discomfort
of residents whose homes are nearby particularly the Dump Site which saw
multiple acts of lighting.
The setting of fires has negatively impacted local businessmen who
have sacrificed and made investments on the Island of Grand Turk and they too
have become victims. This is equally concerning as we are keen to encourage the
expansion of existing businesses. Equally troubling, as shared in the House of
Assembly, are the concerns of potential investors who have already raised this
with me as Minister of Investment.
The increasing sites of burnt out buildings is giving the Island a
unsightly and unaesthetically appealing image. Resources will now have to be
diverted to demolish these structures which could be otherwise used to build up.
I note the stinging criticism at successive governments for the
lack of domestic fire coverage and the presence of one fire truck.
As a matter of fact, Domestic Fire Services on all Islands except Providenciales
was suspended during the Interim Administration. My Government is the second
Government to be elected following the reinstatement of the Constitution. My
Government made a decision in its first Supplementary early 2017 to purchase a
Domestic Fire Truck for Grand Turk signaling the restart of Domestic Fire
Services on this Island. The funding continued to be allocated in subsequent
Budgets signaling my Government’s commitment to delivering on our Plan. We are
advised that a Fire Truck has been secured during the last Budget cycle and
will arrive on Island during the Fall. The need for this over the years has
increased and so has the need for fire fighters on the Island of Grand Turk: a
new career opportunity as well as an opportunity for volunteer services.
With the presence of the DFS, the Airports Authority will continue
in its primary critical role of providing coverage at the Airport. I use this
opportunity to share that the site for the Fire Hall destroyed by Ike is now
being prepared for construction and the procurement of additional Fire Trucks
for the Airports Authority will enhance coverage. Persons must know that Fire
Trucks are built to order and are not readily available for purchase; easily
costing about $1m each.
As a matter of record, I want to encourage all of us to consult
with the leaders on Grand Turk to understand how much is being invested on that
Island to rejuvenate that economy and the ongoing fires is a threat to the
Island’s economic recovery and must cease.
I am urging those setting fires to give their Island the much
needed chance to recover and the chance to attract the level of internal and
external investment that is poised to come; Your actions are illegal and
abhorrent and I am appealing to you to be good law abiding citizens. You are
hurting the Island.
My Government remains committed to the rebuilding of the
Capital in every way. Today I commit to a review of the Ordinance and to
bringing a Bill that will introduce stiff penalties for arson. You can look
forward to this.
We will do everything in our power through resources and laws to
stamp out undesirable behaviour and it is important not to be caught on the
wrong side of the Law.
Thank you to those who will do more especially our clergy for the
start of the shift in mind sets and attitudes in TCI; and thank you to those
who will from this day play a consistent role as the police’s greatest resource.
We must get into the minds of our young men and all residents.
There is much more we can each do as individuals. The Police and its resources
require its greatest partner: the people they are sworn to protect. Policing
needs the assistance of the people to be effective; ironically, the police need
the people to deliver the environment that the people crave and need. I appeal
to abled bodied young Turks and Caicos Islanders, you can give the ultimate,
join the Force. Our country need you to step forward in this role as well.
More Resources for Police
Thank you HE and Commissioner for what I am sure will be a great
partnership. I am happy to have received a Plan from the new Commissioner of
Police who having in the first few weeks of his Term together with his Senior
Executive Team conducted a review of his Force against the direction and vision
he has. And I have agreed to provide funding to recruit 20 Police Officers
and to support his vision for the establishment of a Gun Squad. I believe that
these enforcement efforts together with other preventative and rehabilitative
measures will yield the results we seek but again you the people are key.
CONCLUSION
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, we
have arrived at a crossroads with regards to the internal and external security
of our nation. Our individual and communal safety and security in addition to
the ripple effect that incidents of crime and violence can have on our tourism
based economy makes us all equal stakeholders in this vexing problem.
We all have a role to play in addressing
crime and the myriad of variables that fuel it; however, my Government stands
squarely with the Governor and the Commissioner of Police in the path ahead to
arresting the increase in incidents of violent crime and maintaining the peace
and tranquility of these islands.
May God deliver those who continue to run afoul of the law into the hands of the Police, may He convict the hearts of those who know the culprits until they do their part, may He convict and convince those who can do more to act, may He give the Commissioner and his Team wisdom to apply their resources and may he guide us as Leaders to provide the support the right places and may He bless these our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Water restrictions for Providenciales customers will continue in May according to communication from Provo Water Company. The announcement came on May 1, a day after restrictions were supposed to end, and as the company continues projects to expand inflow.
“While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track,” said PWC in response to Magnetic Media questions on the scheduled end to the lock offs.
The May restrictions will not be every night rather they will be implemented on an as needed basis to safeguard those daily water reserves the company says. In the instance that they are implemented, restrictions will run from 11:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. a six-and-a-half hour cutoff rather than the initial 9:00 pm to 6:00 a.m.
“The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station, alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues,” PWC promised in the press release as they apologized for the extension.
The ongoing transmission main project is the closest to completion and should have been wrapped up in May, instead, that has been pushed to mid-June according to the company.
The water restrictions were initially announced in March, to be end in April because of increased demand outstripping the supply at the Suzy Turn reservoir. Credited for the increased demand is the large numbers of tourists and increasing residents that are entering the Turks and Caicos pressuring a system not made for the number of individuals now relying on it.
In June as PWC expects to complete the transmission main project, a record number of monthly air travelers will be heading to Providenciales; almost 80,000 according to the Ministry of Tourism highlighting the urgency of the upgrades.
Over a year after opening its doors for candidate applications, the People’s Democratic Movement is ready to reveal the 10 individuals who will contest the electoral districts in the 2025 general elections.
Ezra Taylor communicated with the media on April 30th following reports that several candidates had received confirmation letters in the weeks prior.
“After an extensive exercise conducted by the People’s Democratic Movement, we are pleased to announce to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands that an official launch of our ten district candidates will take place on May 6, 2024, at 11:00 am,” Taylor indicated.
The team is being kept under wraps until the reveal date but at least one candidate is certain as the team will be: “Under the strong, caring, and trusted leadership of the Hon. Edwin Astwood assisted by a dynamic group of candidates, who together, will forge a future where Turks and Caicos Islanders will feel safe, prosper and fulfill their potential,” Taylor said, indicating that Astwood would reprise his role as Opposition Leader, and likely as candidate for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay based on his own comments.
Astwood was the only PDM candidate to hold onto a seat in the last election, an overwhelmingly yellow victory for the PNP.
In the selection of their five all island candidates which have already been revealed, the PDM placed trust in quite a few of the candidates from that failed election bid, including Karen Malcolm, Robert Been, Ralph Higgs, and Sean Astwood. It remains to be seen whether voters are ready to embrace again, the PDM as the government of the islands.
Edwin Astwood has however stressed that it was the vote of the people that decided who got a spot in the all-island lineup. The opposition leader indicated that surveys had been carried out with over 1,000 respondents indicating who they wanted to run.
“We don’t know how things happened in the past with other parties but we wanted you the people to make the decision and whatever decision you made we were going to live with it. You made this decision for me and I thank you,” he had said to the public.
The PDM has not confirmed whether that was the deciding factor in the second round of candidates as well.
However National Chairman Taylor is confident in their selections maintaining that:
“During this crucial time in our country, Turks and Caicos Islanders need a people-centered government that will address the needs of our country, and lead our country with a sense of purpose. The People’s Democratic Movement is ready, willing and able.”
Americans need to check their luggage for contraband including bullets before leaving home or expect long jail times and hefty fines that advice is coming from within their own country courtesy of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In an article last updated February 14, 2024 the ATF said.
“While you’re packing your sunscreen and snorkel gear, don’t forget to check your luggage and clothing to remove all guns and ammunition. Many countries in the Caribbean do not allow possession of firearms or ammunition unless you have a local permit and, if arrested while traveling, the United States Embassy will not be able to secure your release.”
Recent arrests of visitors in the Turks and Caicos islands for ammunition possession have garnered international attention highlighting two interwoven issues: Americans may not be researching the laws of their vacation destinations well enough (despite encouragement from the ATF) and Caribbean countries may not be doing enough to publicize their laws.
One of the most publicized arrests, that of Ryan Watson, a father of two who entered the country with 4 bullets which he and his wife say was a mistake, is one example.
“We were trying to pack board shorts and flip flops,” Valerie Watson told CBS News. “Packing ammunition was not at all our intent.”
When Magnetic Media visited the official Turks and Caicos Tourism Website, listed at the bottom of the home page were entry requirements. A click on the entry requirements tab revealed in the very first paragraph, this statement:
“In order to bring in firearms of any type (including spear guns and Hawaiian slings), one must have written approval from the Commissioner of Police.”
It’s a clear warning, though it does not mention the mandatory 12 year sentence or the fact that ammunition possession carries the same penalty.
Regardless, it’s there for all potential visitors to see; In fact the Turks and Caicos’ warning is more forward facing than its nearest comparable neighbors who arguably have a much longer reach and more experience in tourism. Magnetic Media found it difficult to find any such warnings on the VisitJamaica or the Bahamas.com websites.
It’s a stark contrast to the ATF website which warns over and over “Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines”
“If you are arrested for gun trafficking abroad, you could be imprisoned, fined or both, and the State Department will not be able to secure your release”
Despite this many Americans continue to make the same mistake, with four such cases pending this year.
Increased diligence from firearm holders and an increased visibility of local laws could work in tandem to protect guests and the tourism industry Caribbean Countries rely on.
Simultaneously, others, arguably the loudest voices, are calling on the government to repeal the law and make provisions for those who may have had no intent to smuggle anything into the country.