News

Commissioner of Police Statement – (October 26th, 2022)

Published

2 years ago

October 26, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, October 26, 2022 – Good afternoon Turks and Caicos, it’s Wednesday 26^th October 2022 and I am here to update you a series of exercises which were conducted within the last week.

Policing operations have been undertaken by teams comprising of Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and our colleagues from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

I remain grateful to the Commissioner of Police for the Royal Bahamas Police Force Mr. Clayton Fernander and the Bahamian Government for their continued support to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our Bahamian colleagues are working side by side with local officers, tackling criminality and criminals. Our combined team remain relentless in pursuing those who carry firearms, those who deal in drugs, those who are seeking to commit robberies and burglaries and those that are causing fear and harm.

If you are involved in crime, don’t think our operations will be stopping anytime soon. If you have a family member involved in crime, expect officers to be at your door, expect them to be in your house. Criminals cannot hide amongst family and families cannot hide criminals.

Officers on the ground continue to be supported through our aerial colleagues from US Law Enforcement and UK Royal Nay Wildcat helicopter. These support mechanisms are protecting the border of the TCI, which includes the routes frequented by criminals traversing the TCI by illegally entering and leaving. We have strong collaborative relationships with our US colleagues and I anticipate that their support will continue into the future hovering in the TCI skies.

In terms of investigations, it is expected that a large number of investigators will be arriving from the UK and funded by the UK Government. These officers will support our local investigation teams, ensuring the results of their hard work is supported by robust and thorough investigations, thereby causing criminals face the full force of the law.

In terms of operations, the last week has been a major success. A mixture of both visible and covert operations have been carried out. All of which was intelligence led targeting criminals.

An operational summary from the last 10 days are as follows:

205 vehicles have been checked;
Numerous fixed penalty tickets issued;
Illegal tints removed from 23 vehicles;
20 Drug searches;
Eight persons detained under Immigration Legalization;
Four warrants executed in relations to searches for firearms;
Two firearms and ammunition seized;
Large quantity of drugs seized including cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines;
Seven persons arrested for drugs and firearms offences and
Laptops and cell phones seized for examination
Joint Police and Immigration operation resulted in the detention of 21 people believed to be working illegally

The last ten days has seen very little criminal activity and we are working hard to keep it that way.

I can report that earlier this morning (Wednesday 26^th October,2022) a report was made of an attempted robbery in the South Dock area. The people involved escaped from the suspects without being robbed or harmed and this is under investigation.

Additionally, this week, the RTCIPF is also investigating a shooting incident in Kew Town which resulted in one man being injured. The circumstances of this incident are not yet clear. The RTCIPF are building a strong, intelligence network concerning criminal activity and I wish to recognise the overall support that we are receiving from the public, both in terms of your public gratitude for the hard work undertaken by the officers and the information that we are being provided with.

I especially want to mention the generous tokens of thanks from local businesses. Never underestimate how deeply the support from our community is felt by the Force.

We truly appreciate building collaborative efforts within our communities, which is a critical factor in ensuring the TCI is a safe and secure place to live, work, invest and visit.

You will be aware that the recent Gun Amnesty has concluded. No weapons were surrendered, which is disappointing. However, the Amnesty provided persons with a route to hand over illegal weapons without any threat of prosecution. That opportunity has now passed.

Any person found in possession of a firearm will now face the full force of the sentencing powers of our judges.

Furthermore, progress has been made on the legislative front with the introduction of stricter penalties and amendments, which will greatly aid in the fight against crime.

The House of Assembly last week passed various national security legislation, to deter criminals -by increasing sentences for persons found in possession of firearms and ammunition- and aid the police force in its duties.

Criminals, should you be in possession of a firearm or ammunition on the TCI, there is a high percentage you will spend a large part of your life jailed.

Additional legislation passed which will aid the fight against crime include: Firearms (Amendment) Bill; Police Force (Amendment) Bill; Interception of Communications Bill; Anti-Gang Bill and the Firearms Related Offences (Detention and Bail) (Amendment) Bill.

You will continue to see officers on the road, undertaking checks on vehicles, armed officers carrying out operations to neutralize criminals, 24-hour air support aiding our operational teams and keeping our borders safe and secure. I urge you again to get your number plates fitted and remove your illegal tints. We will continue to target vehicles. If you refuse to comply then fixed penalty notice will be likely issued.

Please keep supporting our officers who are working day and night to protect you. Please keep telling us what you know, I assure you the information is making a real difference. And finally, please know that we remain determined, resolute and committed to keeping the TCI safe and secure.

The RTCIPF remains adamant on stifling the ease of access of illegal firearms and ammunition in our communities.

I will aim to keep you updated regularly with what we are doing to keep you safe and the results of policing activities.

Thank you and may God bless you and these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

Subject identified

Published

19 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 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.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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.