Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

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.

Possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition are considered one of the most egregious crimes in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Therefore, as a deterrent, word of harsh sentence add-ons should spread quickly to would-be criminals and make one think twice before arming themselves with an illegal or unlicensed firearm.

All eyes are on TCI as the recent commentary on the complex issues surrounding tourists inadvertently caught in the web of our stringent ammunition laws. It’s clear that while these laws were designed to curb violence, they may not have adequately accounted for scenarios involving non-malicious intent.

Therefore, one must ask does the punishment fit the crime?

The stark reality facing our tourism industry due to these incidents cannot be overstated. We risk not only harming innocent lives but also damaging a vital economic engine.

Nonetheless, we should not and cannot allow outside influence to hold our country hostage to certain demands for failure of a traveller to do their due diligence when travelling to a foreign country.

With that being said, is it time to rethink how we can enforce our laws while still protecting the spirit of hospitality that defines us?

Additionally, serious considerations of intent is both progressive and necessary when adapting our legal framework.

For first time offenders, perhaps implementing fines with rehabilitative measures rather than severe incarceration could indeed serve as a more effective and humane deterrent.

Despite the few tourists being caught up in this quagmire situation, a number of our young men in TCI who faced similar charges have already been handed their fate, serving 7-12 years in prison.

Most citizens would strongly agree punishment for such crimes need to be on a case by case basis. Not ruling out a short stint in prison in addition to hefty fines. Moreover, redirecting such fines to fund community and youth programs could offer long-term benefits, fostering a safer and more engaged community.

This is a pivotal moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands to demonstrate flexibility and compassion in our legal system, ensuring it remains robust yet fair. It’s crucial that we continue this conversation and work towards solutions that reflect both our values and the complexities of modern governance.

Although harsh, the disposition of these cases if not aligned with our strict laws, it could be sending a dangerous and conflicting message to potential visitors, as ignorance of the law should not be tolerated.

The outcome will also highlight the glaring contradiction as it relates to recent sentencing of local individuals for similar offenses. Hopefully it will prompt legislators to take a second look at the laws and display a willingness to consider how they might more reasonably revise it.

If not already in place, this should include creating some sort of a safety net that allows judges to sentence below the mandatory minimum for first time offenders, and give them a second chance if doing so will not endanger the public.

The courts should not be callously handing down these verdicts, especially to our youth who are

first-time offenders and without physically harming an individual.

In my opinion, what the courts failed to take into consideration is the negative impact it will have on the same group of young adults our country is trying to help and protect.

The impact on the individual and the community can sometimes produce absurd and unintended results.

It’s imperative that law makers find that balance.

For example, possessing ammunition without a valid permit may result a lesser fine for a first-time offender compared to someone with a history of similar violations.

Conversely, using or carrying ammunition in commission of a violent crime or trafficking ammunition illegally may result in a higher fine or imprisonment.

Any proposed revision to the law should not only be done to appease our tourism industry, but to help save our youth from themselves.

It’s obvious this law alone is not stopping the violence or importation of illegal ammunitions or weapons.

Since there is no cookie cutter approach to these types of challenges, I think it’s extremely important that before any country mimic or adapt the laws or policies of others, it’s imperative that they conduct their own thorough research and analysis to determine the long and short term impact.

Given the serious consequences of violating ammunition laws, it is essential for individuals and responsible firearm holders to understand and comply with these regulations. Compliance with ammunition laws is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative that promotes the well-being of the communities and individuals alike.

Ed Forbes

Concerned Citizen

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – Thursday, April 25, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association with the launch of the Concacaf x Generation Amazing Program. This program, supported by the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education, is currently benefiting 21 public and private primary schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, encompassing both sectors of education. The primary objective of the Generation Amazing program is to educate and certify teachers to serve as volunteer coaches in sports development and safeguarding practices. Through this training, coaches will deliver football programs to children, aiming to catalyze positive social change within our communities that will continue to thrive for years to come..

The program not only emphasizes teaching children the basics of football but also focuses on instilling core values like teamwork, respect, and leadership. The initiative offers children the chance to enhance their physical well-being while nurturing essential life skills that can contribute to success beyond the field.

TCIFA President, Sonia Fulford, conveyed her appreciation to Concacaf, Generation Amazing, and the Ministry of Sports of the Turks and Caicos Islands for their involvement and support. She highlighted the significance of the project, pointing up a positive impact on the Education Ministry. Generation Amazing’s initiative is also seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance both the educational and athletic aspects within the community. “We’ll have more well-rounded teachers, and well-rounded students, not only from an educational standpoint, but a sporting standpoint. For us it’s a big win!” The President expressed excitement for the project, foreseeing an increase in skilled players and coaches, ultimately benefiting the organization significantly.

Jarret Forbes, Director of Sports, commented, “We are excited about the launch of the Generation Amazing programme here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We commend the TCIFA for taking a holistic approach to student empowerment through sports. And we are grateful for the interest and support from CONCACAF and the Department of Education in developing our young athletes.”

Alvin Parker, Deputy Director of Sports, also expressed his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming chance for educators to apply their acquired knowledge. Viewing the term ‘Generation Amazing’ as a rebranding concept for Generation X, it is with high anticipation that the program will inspire and instill optimism within the younger demographic.

A devoted team collaborated diligently to ensure the successful initiation of the program. Spearheading the launch for Concacaf were Jennifer Roche, the Concacaf CSR Coordinator; Andre Virtue, Concacaf Coach Educator; Cristian Cubillas; and Garry Stannecc, the Sport For Development Consultant for Concacaf. The local facilitators comprised Dane Ritchie, TCIFA Technical Director; Olivia Graveley, Director of the Grand Turk Football Program; Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, Director of Women’s Football; and Damien Grant, TCIFA Coach Educator and South Caicos Football Development Officer. The launch encompassed a comprehensive two-day training session for teachers, which will be followed by a mandatory six-week program involving a minimum of 25 students from each school. The program’s execution will be supervised by our Local Facilitators in with the support of Generation Amazing staff. Furthermore, the program will offer support to schools by furnishing footballs and essential equipment.

Jennifer Roche elaborated on Concacaf’s emphasis on Social Impact strategies, highlighting the significance of extending focus beyond on-field activities. “Last year, our CSR brand, ’The Bigger Game’ launched and the ‘Generation Amazing’ Program is one of the programs under the pillars of access to play and coaches education. This program is focused heavily on capacity building and giving tools to teachers, community volunteers, and other community leaders to empower and change lives through our beautiful game.”

Andre Virtue commented, “Obviously, we see the sport and the opportunity it has to grow. But, at the core of it is the coaches and how the coaches engage with our youth. We see the social issues that our youth already have to deal with on a day to day basis, and the dependence on either the parent or some adult to guide them and to mentor them is assumed. And, there is an intentional approach to how we’re communicating life values as it is very important.” Distinguishing between athletic prowess and life skills, Andre indicated that Coach Educating initiative aims to bridge this gap by aligning sports experiences with essential life lessons. The football field, as a dynamic environment, serves as a valuable classroom where the intricacies of life are intertwined with the game’s dynamics. “There are so many things that happen on the football field that are connected to life. The game is a great teacher, but there is an intentional and deliberate attempt to teach those values. It’s just the winning, the losing, the ups and the downs that come out of the game.”

Dane Ritchie further explained that the program also adopts a personalized approach, focusing on individual needs rather than viewing the children as a collective group, thereby maximizing the positive impact on each child. The aspects of conflict resolution, and nurturing respect are deemed integral to the game and are leveraged to impart essential life skills crucial for their development.

CherylAnn Jones, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, communicated the Ministry’s unwavering support for the Concacaf x Generation Amazing program and its potential to bring about significant transformation. The Ministry’s ethos, centered on Human Capital Development, resonates strongly with initiatives like Generation Amazing, which focus on nurturing leadership qualities, teamwork, and community spirit among today’s youth for the benefit of future generations. “A key tenant of the Generation Amazing program is its emphasis on child safeguarding and so this program aligns with our policy of ensuring that children learn, grow and develop confidently in a safe and nurturing environment. We are delighted to be partners with Concacaf and TCIFA, and applaud these organizations and their continued programs among our young people. We also applaud our principals, physical education teachers, and coaches who will be trained as facilitators in our schools to implement the program, as well as the Sports Commission. We believe that that commitment through football will create positive change.”

For more information, please contact TCIFA Office Manager | Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road 

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands