News
TCHTA Calls for Swift Collective Action in the Fight Against Crime
#TurksandCaicos, April 14, 2022 – Through its Advocacy and Crime & Security Committees, the TCHTA has maintained regular communications with leaders of the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force team with a view to lend assistance where possible in the collective fight against crime in our country.
During a recent meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Trevor Botting, the association was given an in-depth overview of the country’s current crime statistics, and the comprehensive initiatives the RTCIPF has launched to curb the pervasive uptick in crime that is infiltrating our communities.
Despite the positive steps being taken by the RTCIPF, there has been an appalling increase in brazen acts of crime over the last few months which have begun to paralyze the residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Daily, there are cries from the community for swift resolution and firm action against the criminal element. Sadly, these cries are muffled by reports of shootings, aggravated burglaries, crime sprees, and murders.
These flagrant acts of crime have continued amid an ongoing Gun Amnesty, giving evidence to the fact that the criminal element residing amongst us do not seek to live within the confines of the law and are not fearful of the fallout from their crimes. This does not bode well for our society.
The TCHTA joins the community in the appeal for swift, firm, and immediate action against this building problem. The effects of crime on our society are far-reaching. It incites fear amongst the population, economical and psychological long-term damage, and harm to social peace and development which are critical to any nation. In a society as small as ours, our socio-economic health is at risk against a scourge such as this.
In a recent statement, Commissioner Botting declared that “Such acts are ruining young lives in the TCI and have no place in our society”. The TCHTA wholeheartedly agrees and affirms its commitment to partnering with the RTCIPF in whatever way the organization is allowed.
President of the TCHTA, Mr. Trevor Musgrove shared, “We are pleased to have an excellent channel of communication between the association and the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force executive team. Commissioner Botting is always very forthcoming and works closely with our Crime & Safety Committee Chairs, Tappa Tibble and Todd Foss, sharing updates and providing answers to queries as best as possible within reason.
“Unfortunately, we have seen more brazen acts of crime displayed over these past few months which is of great concern. Though we represent the members of the TCHTA and hospitality professionals, crime does not only pose a threat to the stability of the tourism industry but can swiftly erode the very fiber of our communities if left unchecked and untethered.”
“Residents of this country should feel safe in their homes, moving about their communities, and operating their businesses, and we must not allow the fearless criminal element to gain confidence that they have the power or freedom to victimize and terrorize law-abiding citizens.”
Sadly, victimization and fear have been recurring themes in our communities recently, and residents are left wondering how much longer they will be terrorized by these abhorrent acts.
In a recent informational video, the Superintendent of Divisions and Community Policing, Dwight Gardiner, told the public that members of the RTCIPF are the “stewards of security” for the country. The association is encouraged by the push for strong Community Policing as the police team battles the “serious crimes, firearm related offences, and long-standing issues of re-offending” that the Superintendent says are some of the prevalent challenges we are faced with in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The association hopes for a wider approach to tackling the underlying issues that are at the root of these inexcusable acts. Commissioner Botting has referred to what is being experienced in TCI as a “cycle of violence”, and that the young men in our society “have to find another way to live their lives rather than through violence and guns”.
The TCHTA believes that not only do we need to act collectively to protect law-abiding citizens, but there must also be a grand push to save our youth from being enticed into a life of crime by those who seek to recruit more of our promising young men and women, robbing them of their bright futures. The organization’s Educational Committee and Directors who are already engaged in mentorship initiatives are hopeful for the opportunity to assist the RTCIPF in this vein.
The February and March Turks & Caicos Crime Updates released by the Police have included statements from Commissioner Botting that speak of a “trail of tragedy across these beautiful islands that is unacceptable in any civilized society”. This particular statement came on the heels of a 5-day period where a high volume of serious and violent crimes was committed across Providenciales including armed robberies, shots fired at a business establishment, the shooting of two young men, and the murders of three individuals bringing the murder count in early March 2022 to four.
More recently, shots fired in broad daylight in a densely populated area of Turks & Caicos has caused heightened concern by residents as fears rise in the wake of these alarming incidents. It is clear that our response to crime as a community must be as vociferous as the unabashed acts being perpetuated by these unlawful individuals.
The TCHTA sincerely applauds the bravado shown by members of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and the commitment of these men and women who are put in the line of fire daily to protect and serve our communities.
The association is also encouraged by the RTCIPF’s long-term crime-fighting plans that are forward-thinking and will position our Police Force to provide a more sophisticated and aggressive approach to curbing crime in the long-term.
Initiatives like the recent Gun Amnesty are a positive move toward ridding our communities of the tools used by offenders, and the TCHTA is pleased that the RTCIPF has extended the term for the program.
The organization encourages its members as well as stakeholders and residents to move collectively and collaboratively to give any assistance possible to stem the surge in the immediate, as the Police team works to implement those long-term solutions that will position us for the future.
The TCHTA reminds those at the helm that the association is eager to partner in this fight, if allowed, and firmly believe that any efforts moving forward will only see success if the visions and actions of all stakeholders are aligned as we push toward a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to ridding our country of these senseless and debilitating crimes.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
-
News1 week agoBeaches Turks & Caicos shares dining etiquette training at Provo youth summer camp
-
News2 days agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
-
News4 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
-
Bahamas News2 days agoCBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players
-
Bahamas News2 days agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday