News
TCI Cadet Corps, could this become an alternative solution for our troubled youth
#TurksandCaicos, May 8, 2021 – A national voluntary youth organization, sponsored by the ministry of education, with assistance from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force. Their goal is to positively change the lives of young people to lead, inspire and excel.Their mission is to help people develop both personally and physically.
These are some distinct functions of the Cadet programme, all of which are essential in changing the trajectory of young lives. In addition, it can be used as a stepping stone in helping to shape careers for local law enforcement enthusiasts. Can this programme also play a vital role in helping to shape our troubled youth identity and character, if it became a better-funded operation with increased volunteerism?
There are many advantages to joining this Cadet Programme. First of all, it will give our youth a sense of purpose, it teaches self-control, responsibility, and respect for authority. And as we know, for some obscure reason, to many of our youth today have fallen short in these areas.
As human beings, it’s the qualities of our inherent nature to make every effort to epitomize moral virtue. But in reality, we are all but one thought away from making that regrettable decision. With such perverse behavior by so many of our youth today, some parents are finding themselves in a precarious position and are grappling for solutions.
Some of us can attest that regardless of our fortitude and parenting skills, a kid could easily slip away from our control, sometimes ending up in uncompromising situations.
Our court system is becoming over burden with criminal cases, with a high number of them being the lessor of the offenses. With no adequate rehabilitation services available, the young and vulnerable persons, who are on the verge of going down the wrong path, those with chronic truancy issues or minor offenses could be prime candidates for this programme.
It is of my opinion, some of our troubled young men today will benefit immensely from the intense structure and discipline the Cadet programme provides. For all intensive purposes, could they be given an opportunity to join the TCI Cadet programme in lieu of paying a fine or being placed in the criminal justice system? If we can save just one youth from the school to prison pipeline, then it’s well worth the trade off.
Because of our righteous upbringing in the islands, it’s no surprise that the large majority of our citizens will always endorse the “lock um up” mentality, which we know is not the solution. The inconvenient truth is, we tend to spend a lot of time chastising our youth rather then offering pragmatic solutions and alternatives. What we should be spending more time on, is challenging our criminal justice system to seek meaningful policy reforms and solutions to the growing trend of incarceration.
Many of our youth today, just need some sort of structure in their lives and another avenue to channel their aggression. The path that some of them are on, concerns me greatly. Many of them can also benefit from an increased sense of responsibility like the communal type atmosphere and self-discipline the Cadet programme offers.
The leaders of the Cadet programme can demonstrate to these special recruits that they truly care about the effects of their actions. They can also help to reinforce the positive attitude of empowerment that comes from making smart life choices and the long term benefits of working towards those goals.
Because of our close knit communities, an offender is practically stuck with a stigma or reputation for the rest of their lives, regardless of the level of crime. In essence, we could be unwittingly perpetuating this stigma. The focus needs to be more on restorative justice, rehabilitation, or meaningful alternatives rather than incarceration.
It appears there is a fundamental disconnect between the aforementioned three areas as it relates to the reality facing our youth of today, and as we know, too many are already trapped in our criminal justice system. Complicity or status quo with the current criminal justice system of control is not the answer. We have to do more to give then a fighting chance.
Traditionally, militarized type programmes in particular has an underlined reputation of courage and honor. Perhaps, this one might allow an inductee the opportunity to outlive or overshadow their past reputation or stigma and take on this new one. I strongly believe that with the dynamics of our criminal justice system, we are in a unique position to lead the way and become developers of our own ideas and experiments. At the end of the day, the burden of our youth belongs to the nation.
I will end by saying this, let’s not be too quick to write off our troubled youth as “damaged goods”. The challenge now is left up to our political leaders with the moral courage to take on this nascent idea and explore it as a potential pilot programme. Like the political theorist Tommie Shelby once said, “Individuals are forced to make choices in an environment they did not choose”.
Therefore, instead of seeking the public opinion and buy-in to build bigger prisons, I say, let’s give our young men a choice, which could very well be a win, win for all.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
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