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Crime on the Rise: Can Psychology Help?

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Part #3

 

#TurksandCaicos, October 6, 2022 – In this episode, I intend not to go on full-scale academic writing as usual, but I just want to express my opinions on a few points relative to the subject.

  1. National Day of Prayer, fasting, and repentance.

As vice president of the TCI-Christian Council, I was actively involved alongside the president, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, and other colleagues, in putting together this milestone event which I firmly believe the ecclesiastic community in particular and the country at large needed very much. It is surreal that the very same weekend hailed an increase in violent gun-related crimes. Now, is it a way to doubt the power of prayers and the goodness of God, as some people would have supposed?

The Role of Faith Communities in Time of Crisis

I believe people should better understand the role of faith communities in times of crisis. On the one hand, widely, people can be worried about the situation, and often don’t take action because they feel helpless and overwhelmed. On the other hand, faith communities address helplessness in multiple ways, both directly and indirectly. For instance, when they seek consensus among the clergy, and at the national scale level to develop a synergy to gather for worship as they turn toward a Higher Power– God, divine Mystery, Creator, Source in whose presence we are uplifted, and feel our strength renewed. Entrusting ourselves to God can release within us unexpected power. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20, New International Version).

The Role of the Government: Punishing Evil, Promoting Good

whereas believers are instructed to “never…pay back evil for evil,” and “never take your own revenge.” It’s not that God is telling us to forget or ignore injustice. God will exercise vengeance now or later, and the government is one of his tools for doing this. (Romans 12:17-19, NIV). According to Romans 13:4, the government is supposed to punish the evil-doer. It is a “minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” So, it is safe to maintain that the National Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Repentance fulfills its purpose.

  1. What Does Society Do for the Victim’s Next of Kin?

In light of the rise of gun violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands, two groups of people need urgent psychological support.

  1. Growing number of evidence indicates that many people who have closely tied to a culprit (alive or dead) are living in significant fear. They don’t trust anyone—Not a friend or even the police. For some, the country is just a burning fire under their feet to the point that the only survival option would be leaving their lovely TCI for any destination, where living conditions can be very uncertain. In addition to the trauma that will follow them wherever they choose to go.
  2. The next of kin to the victims are also experiencing severe stress, anxiety, trauma, and depression. Some of them are wondering if they will not be the next victim. Others may resort to revenge as a way of taming down their aggressive impulses, and the very modest ones are thinking about leaving their lovely TCI for any destination where living conditions can be very uncertain. Besides, anger and hate can easily ruin their lives wherever they think to go.

In Conclusion, if this phenomenon remains unchecked, and the people do not receive psychological support, our nation may be on the brink of facing another severe crisis in the aftermath of gun violence — bipolar people will take on our streets. I strongly recommend the concept of sublimation. Sublimation is a defense mechanism—an unconscious psychological defense that reduces the anxiety that may result from unacceptable urges or harmful stimuli.

 

Alces Dor

Psychologist (PsyD)

Email:Alcesdor@yahoo.com

Phone: 649-242-4551

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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