UK Reports over 180 gangs in Trinidad and Tobago
A new report prepared by the United Kingdom Home Office says Trinidad and Tobago is home to 186 criminal gangs with an estimated 1,750 members, highlighting the significant role organized crime continues to play in the country's security landscape.
The Country Policy and Information Note (CPIN), published in June 2026 to guide UK immigration and asylum decisions, states that gangs were linked to 43.7 percent of all murders in 2024 and approximately one-third of homicides recorded in 2025. According to the report, gang activity is concentrated in Port of Spain and along the East-West Corridor, although criminal groups operate in communities throughout the country. Areas identified include Laventille, Morvant, Sea Lots, Beetham, Tunapuna, Arima, Diego Martin, Chaguanas and San Fernando.
The Home Office identified the Muslims and Rasta City as the country's principal gang groupings, while other gangs named in the report include Sixx, Seven, Resistance, Anybody Gets It (ABG), Tyson and the Boombay Gang. Researchers said gangs are involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug and firearms trafficking, contract killings, kidnappings, extortion, human trafficking, armed robbery, illegal quarrying and fraud. The report also referenced the presence of Venezuelan criminal organizations, including Tren de Aragua, operating alongside local gangs.
The assessment noted that gangs frequently recruit young people between the ages of 12 and 16, with recruitment reported in both schools and prisons. It also stated that women participate in gangs and, in some cases, hold leadership positions. According to the report, approximately 57 percent of the population was exposed to gang violence between January and September 2024 based on conflict data compiled by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).
The report comes after Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on December 30, 2024. During that period, authorities reportedly arrested more than 4,000 people, with approximately 1,600 individuals charged. While the Home Office said clashes between criminal groups and attacks on civilians declined by 44 percent during the first eight months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, it noted that gangs continued to account for roughly one in every three murders.
The report also highlighted concerns over witness intimidation, corruption, limited resources within law enforcement and the continued influence of gangs in some communities through financial support, dispute mediation and employment opportunities. The findings were informed in part by a USAID-funded regional study led by Trinidad and Tobago criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad, which documented a steady increase in gang activity over the past decade. According to that study, the number of gangs grew from 60 in 2009 to 186 in 2022, while estimated gang membership increased from just over 1,000 in 2020 to 1,750 members by 2022.
The UK report has also drawn attention because it forms part of the evidence used in assessing asylum claims from Trinidad and Tobago. The Home Office concluded that while gangs exert influence in certain communities, they are not considered "political actors" in the same way as major gangs previously operating in El Salvador.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Homeland Security, Roger Alexander, has questioned the accuracy of some of the figures contained in the report, saying the government's current data differs from that presented by UK authorities, although he did not provide alternative statistics.
Financial Services Commission Hosts Annual Industry Meeting
The Turks & Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission held their Annual Industry Meeting in Providenciales under the theme 'Modern Resilience: Strengthening Supervision, Cybersecurity & Business Continuity'
The event began with remarks from the chairman of FSC Mr. Geoffrey Scott
Her Excellency the Governor also gave remarks on the significance of modern resilience.
The audience then heard from guest speaker, OECD Senior Finance and Business Counsellor Flore-Anne Messy.
The event also included panel discussions from various practitioners within the AI, Technology and Finance space. The lessons learnt from this meeting is expected to revolutionize the financial industry within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
US Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship
The United States Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting an executive order by President Donald Trump that sought to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily.
In a 6-3 decision, the nation's highest court ruled that the president's order violated the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. soil, with limited exceptions such as the children of foreign diplomats.
Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said, "Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights," adding that the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to "every free-born person in this land." The ruling marks a significant legal setback for President Trump, who signed the executive order on his first day back in office as part of his administration's broader immigration agenda. Had the order taken effect, tens of thousands of children born each year to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders could have been denied U.S. citizenship.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh agreed that the executive order could not stand, citing a federal law passed in 1940 that broadly guarantees citizenship to people born in the United States, although he differed on the constitutional reasoning. Three conservative justices dissented, with Justice Samuel Alito calling the court's decision a "serious mistake."
Following the ruling, President Trump criticized the decision on social media, describing the outcome as "too bad for our Country."
The decision reaffirms more than 150 years of constitutional precedent established under the Fourteenth Amendment, preserving birthright citizenship as a fundamental right in the United States.
HIV On The Rise In St. Vincent and The Grenadines and The Bahamas
Health officials across the Caribbean are raising concerns over a rise in newly reported HIV cases, with authorities in both St. Vincent and the Grenadines and The Bahamas urging residents to get tested, know their status and practice safer sex.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, health authorities say new HIV infections continue to increase, with the highest prevalence recorded among people aged 25 to 29 and men over the age of 60. Officials are reminding the public that a person's HIV status cannot be determined by appearance and that testing remains the only reliable way to know one's status.
With the VincyMas Carnival season underway, health officials are also warning that increased travel, alcohol consumption and casual sexual activity during festivities can heighten the risk of HIV transmission. They are encouraging residents and visitors alike to take precautions and make use of available testing services.
Meanwhile, The Bahamas recorded 142 newly reported HIV cases in 2025, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness' National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases Programme. Men accounted for more than 60 percent of new cases, while adults between the ages of 30 and 39 represented the largest affected age group.
Although the figure is lower than the 156 cases reported in 2024, health officials say they are closely examining why men continue to account for the majority of new diagnoses. Officials believe the trend may be linked to delayed testing, differences in health-seeking behaviour or ongoing risk factors.
Health officials in both countries continue to stress that early testing, timely treatment and safe sexual practices remain the most effective tools in reducing new HIV infections and limiting the spread of the virus across the region.
TCI Commonwealth Games Association Hosts JAGS McCartney Road Relay in Grand Turk
The Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Association (TCICGA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Amateur Athletic Association (TCIAAA), in collaboration with the Department of Culture, held the final leg of the Right Excellent JAGS McCartney Road Relay in Grand Turk on June 30.
The event was done to honour JAGS’ life, leadership, and his legacy, while celebrating his invaluable contribution to the development of the nation. During the relay RTC Caught up with Member of Parliament and Baton Carrier Hon. Sharon Simons to discuss the importance of the event and her experience a baton carrier.
The Relay ended at the parade grounds where a short ceremony was held and moderated by Hon. Robert Hall. The attendees heard from the head of the TCI commonwealth games association, former teachers and district commissioners. Take a listen to some of the highlights.
Following the relay, attendees gathered at the Parade Grounds for a featured exhibition cricket match with the Titans Cricket Club, adding a spirited and engaging highlight to the evening’s activities. While the event did honour the life and legacy of the The Right Most Excellent JAGS McCartney, the lack of attendance and support, left a sour taste in many attendees' mouths.
Music Mogul Clive Davis Has Died
Clive Davis, the legendary music executive widely credited with shaping modern popular music and launching the careers of some of the world’s biggest superstars, has died at the age of 94.
Davis died Monday in his Manhattan apartment surrounded by family and loved ones, according to statements confirmed by multiple U.S. media outlets. His family said he had been recently hospitalized for an upper respiratory issue but was discharged earlier this month. A separate statement described his passing as due to age-related illness.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Davis became one of the most influential figures in the global music industry. Known for his sharp ear for talent and ability to reinvent artists across genres, he played a central role in the rise of performers including Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin and Billy Joel.
Often referred to as “the man with the golden ears,” Davis began his career as a lawyer before joining Columbia Records in 1960. By 1967 he had become president of the label, helping usher it into the rock era by signing and developing major acts such as Santana, Blood, Sweat & Tears and The Grateful Dead.
After a controversial exit from Columbia in 1973, Davis went on to found Arista Records, a label that would cement his reputation as one of the most successful executives in music history. At Arista, he revived and extended the careers of established artists including Dionne Warwick, Rod Stewart and Aretha Franklin, while also building new stars. One of his most notable discoveries was Whitney Houston, whom he signed at age 19. Houston went on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time, achieving a record streak of No. 1 hits before her death in 2012.
Despite his success, Davis’ career was not without controversy. He was dismissed from Columbia Records amid allegations of financial mismanagement and later faced legal issues related to tax evasion, of which several charges were dropped. He consistently maintained that he was ultimately exonerated of wrongdoing in connection with his work at the label.
Davis is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his partner. He had been married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. His family described him as both a towering cultural figure and a devoted father, saying his influence “will endure for generations.”
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Battles Algae Invasion
Fresh repairs are set to begin at Washington D.C.'s iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after algae growth and peeling paint appeared just weeks following a multi-million-dollar renovation project championed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The $14.7 million refurbishment, completed earlier this month ahead of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, was intended to improve the historic landmark. However, the project quickly came under scrutiny after the water turned green from an algae bloom and sections of the pool's blue lining began peeling away.
Authorities have now approved plans to drain the 609-metre-long pool so repairs can be carried out under warranty by the contractor responsible for the renovation. President Trump has blamed vandals for the damage, alleging that individuals deliberately tampered with the pool and introduced substances into the water, although no evidence has been publicly presented linking vandalism to the algae outbreak or peeling paint.
Trump also warned that anyone found damaging the landmark could face severe penalties, noting that destruction of federal property can carry prison sentences of up to 10 years. Reports indicate at least five people have been arrested in connection with alleged vandalism at the site, while several others have reportedly received citations. Among those detained was former U.S. Olympian David Hearn, who has denied any wrongdoing.
The controversy has also raised questions about the no-bid contract awarded for the renovation project, as critics question whether the work was properly completed after problems emerged less than two weeks after the project was declared finished.
Workers have already begun treating the water with hydrogen peroxide to combat the algae while additional repairs are planned in an effort to restore one of the nation's most recognizable monuments.
Jérémy Doku and Wife Welcome Baby Boy Amidst World Cup Controversy
Belgium winger Jérémy Doku has received widespread support after choosing family over football, leaving the FIFA World Cup temporarily to be present for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old Manchester City star had previously stated that he intended to be by his wife Shireen's side when she went into labor, even if it meant missing a World Cup match. Doku's decision sparked controversy after French television presenter France Pierron criticized the move during a live broadcast, describing childbirth as "a disgusting moment" and suggesting fathers play little role during the process.
The comments quickly drew backlash from fans, players and fellow media personalities, with many defending Doku's decision to prioritize his family. Among those voicing support was England striker Ollie Watkins, who said family milestones should take precedence over football. Watkins, himself a father of two, said the birth of a first child is a once-in-a-lifetime moment and added that Doku had every right to be there to support his wife and welcome his son into the world.
Following the criticism, Pierron issued a public apology on social media, saying her comments reflected only her personal opinion and were never intended to diminish the role of fathers. Her employer, L'Equipe, also distanced itself from the remarks and apologized to Doku and his supporters.
Meanwhile, the Belgian Football Association confirmed Doku was granted permission to travel to London, where he and his wife welcomed a healthy baby boy named Praise. The winger later shared his gratitude on social media, saying welcoming his son into the world was one of the greatest blessings of his life.
Doku has since rejoined Belgium's World Cup squad and is expected to resume preparations for the team's upcoming match against New Zealand. The story has sparked a broader discussion about balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities, with many praising Doku for choosing to be present for one of life's most important moments.
BVI Considers Same-Sex Civil Partnerships
According to reports The British Virgin Islands government is moving toward introducing legal recognition for same-sex relationships through civil partnerships, while maintaining its opposition to same-sex marriage, according to Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley.
Speaking on the Too Inquisitive podcast, the Premier said the government is seeking to strike a balance between respecting cultural traditions and meeting its legal and constitutional obligations. Dr. Wheatley emphasized that the government does not support discrimination based on sexual orientation and acknowledged that same-sex couples are part of the Virgin Islands community. However, he maintained that marriage would continue to be defined differently under the territory’s constitutional proposals.
“When it comes to the question of marriage, which is a cultural, semi-cultural, religious concept, we’ve decided that same-sex marriage is not something that we recognize here,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
The Premier explained that international human rights obligations require the territory to provide some form of legal recognition for same-sex relationships. He said this could take the form of a Civil Partnership Act or Domestic Partnership Act, similar to frameworks adopted in other jurisdictions.
According to Dr. Wheatley, civil partnerships could provide couples with legal protections relating to inheritance, social security benefits and other matters without changing the territory’s position on marriage. He also noted that the proposed framework would not necessarily be limited to same-sex couples.
“It would be any two people can enter into an agreement that would be able to pass on certain types of benefits in the event that one partner passes away,” he said.
The Premier indicated that further details will be presented to the public in the near future as constitutional and legislative discussions continue. The proposal has received support from BVI Governor Daniel Pruce, who described the move as an important step toward ensuring the territory complies with its legal and constitutional obligations.
The issue has remained a source of debate in the Virgin Islands since a 2021 ruling by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court determined that same-sex couples are entitled to legal protections equivalent to those afforded by marriage.
The proposed civil partnership framework forms part of broader constitutional reform discussions currently underway in the British Virgin Islands.
TCI Government Announces $500 Stimulus
As fuel prices climbed amid tensions in the Middle East and concerns surrounding the conflict involving Iran, many residents in the TCI expressed concern about the impact on their household budgets. Months ago, in an interview with Radio Turks and Caicos, Minister of Energy Hon. E Jay Saunders acknowledged those concerns and indicated that solutions, like a stimulus, were being considered to help residents if global events continued to drive up the cost of living and that solution that was considered is now becoming a reality.
After months of calls from residents for financial relief amid rising living expenses, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has announced a one-time $500 Cost of Living Relief Payment for thousands of eligible residents.
The Cost of Living Relief Payment will assist approximately 13,000 eligible British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTCs) and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Holders, providing direct financial assistance to households across the Islands as they continue to contend with rising global costs.
The relief initiative was approved by Cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday June 24, 2026. The total investment is approximately $6.5 million and is intended to provide immediate support to residents facing increased financial pressures associated with higher fuel prices and impact on the cost of living.
In response to this, Premier Hon. Charles Washington Missick said :
“My Government understands that many families continue to feel the effects of global economic pressures that are beyond our control. Rising fuel costs have affected the prices of goods and services across the world, including here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While no single measure can eliminate these challenges, Cabinet has agreed that it is both appropriate and responsible to provide targeted relief at this time.”
“Assistance is intended to help ease some of the immediate financial burden being experienced by our people and to demonstrate that this Government remains committed to putting the welfare of citizens and residents first.”
The Premier emphasized that the payment forms part of a broader package of measures already implemented by the Government to support households and vulnerable groups throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
These measures include:
- Reductions in import duties on a range of breadbasket and essential food items approved under the 2026/2027 Budget
- Increased funding and support through Social Welfare programmes
- Continued assistance through the National Insurance Board for unemployed and furloughed workers who qualify for support the ongoing Financial Assistance Programme for elderly residents aged 70 years and over; and
- Other targeted social support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable households from economic hardship.
The Government says further details regarding eligibility requirements, registration procedures, verification processes, and payment timelines will be announced in due course.