Illegal Firearms Recovered, Suspect Held in Blue Hills Operation
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) continues its relentless effort to rid communities of illegal firearms.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on October 30th, 2025, officers executed an Authority to Search at a residential structure located along Millennium Highway, Blue Hills.
During the search, officers discovered two (2) Taurus 9mm pistols, two magazines with ammunition, and an assortment of masks, gloves and other items suspected to have been used in illegal activities.
RTC understands that a 27-year-old male was arrested and is currently assisting with investigations.
To date, a total of 21 firearms have been recovered for the year 2025, with this most recent seizure marking the third firearm recovery for October.
Breakdown of Firearm Locations Recovered to Date:
• Five Cays – 4
• Kew Town – 4
• Blue Hills – 10
• Grace Bay – 1
• Grand Turk – 1
• North Caicos – 1
The RT&CIPF remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands as we continue to take a zero-tolerance stance against illegal firearms. This seizure demonstrates our officers' dedication to ensuring our communities remain safe.
Every illegal firearm recovered is one less potential tragedy.
We ask that you contact the nearest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information regarding illegal firearms.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
Body of a Male Found
The Turks & Caicos Police Control Room received a report that a male was seen lying motionless in the vicinity of Liz Bakery, Five Cays, Providenciales.
Police officers responded to the given location, and upon arrival, officers found the lifeless body of a male lying face down on the right shoulder of the road, near bushes.
The victim has been identified as JOHN NOEL PARKER, 58, of Five Cays. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the relatives and friends of Mr Parker.
A preliminary examination revealed a small wound to the left side of the deceased man’s head.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. In the interim, officers continue to process evidence and pursue active investigations.
The RT&CIPF is appealing to anyone with information or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
Relief Message from the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Following the Passage of Hurricane Melissa
My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders,
Today, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude. By the grace of Almighty God,
Hurricane Melissa has passed us by. Our islands have been spared, and for that, we give thanks.
As Hurricane Melissa threatened our shores, you stood ready—police officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, utility teams, disaster management staff, Regiment, and volunteers.
Your tireless preparation, vigilance, and commitment ensured that our communities were protected and that our people remained safe.
Though we were spared by God’s grace, it was your dedication that gave our islands the strength and confidence to face the storm. You are the backbone of our resilience, and we honor your service.
Thank you for your courage, your professionalism, and your love for country.
But while we were protected, we must not forget our regional brothers and sisters. In Haiti, Cuba, and especially Jamaica, the devastation has been severe. Jamaica, in particular, has suffered catastrophic damage—families displaced, communities destroyed, lives forever changed.
As your government, and on behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I want to assure our Jamaican brothers and sisters that you are not alone. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government stands with you in solidarity during this time of great trial.
We are preparing a contingent from our Regiment to provide hands-on assistance where it is most needed. Additionally, we are committed to making a financial contribution to support the restoration and rebuilding of affected communities.
Let us continue to pray for the people of our region who are enduring loss and hardship. And let us act—not only with words, but with compassion and with deeds. Together, as one Caribbean family, we will rise stronger.
May God continue to bless and protect the Turks and Caicos Islands, and may He bring comfort and healing to all those who are suffering.
Thank you.
TCI Receives All Clear
The “ ALL CLEAR” is now issued for all Islands across the Turks & Caicos Islands, today Thursday October 30, 2025 at 6:00 am
The public is hereby advised that Hurricane Melissa has moved away from the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The public is urged to continue to exercise caution in their surroundings and be mindful that intermittent showers are possible throughout the day.
Mariners are reminded that marine conditions remain hazardous due to rough seas and swells.
We take this opportunity to remind the public that we are still in the hurricane season, until November 30th. Please ensure that your hurricane preparedness kits and "go bags" are up to date and ready.
Tropical Weather Advisory #7: 0600 PM
…MELISSA STARTING TO ACCELERATE NORTHEASTWARD OVER THE BAHAMAS…
…TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS SPREAD INTO THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS…
KEY MESSAGES:
Tropical storm conditions, heavy rains, and significant storm surge are expected in the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos through tonight.
Breezy and squally conditions are possible in the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay. Remain sheltered until local officials deem it safe to venture out.
Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches is expected across the Turks and Caicos Islands today. Heavy rains can produce localized flooding of roads, properties, and communities.
Minor coastal flooding is possible in the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
Swells generated by Melissa are expected to produce high seas, dangerous surf, and life-threatening rip currents, with wave heights reaching 6 to 10 feet today through tomorrow.
Update Advisory on Melissa
As of the 2 pm EDT NHC Advisory, Hurricane Melissa is a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph and is moving northeast at 15 mph. The center of Melissa is located 195 miles west of Providenciales.
Tropical storm force winds and heavy rains are still likely for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos later today into tonight.
While, the islands of South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay can expect windy conditions with a chance of showers this evening.
ALERT #22 ON HURRICANE MELISSA
Issued by The Bahamas Department of Meteorology at 9 AM EDT, Wednesday, October 29th, 2025.
…MELISSA CONTINUES TO MOVE OVER EASTERN CUBA AND WILL SOON EMERGE INTO THE SOUTHEASTERN BAHAMAS, BRINGING DAMAGING WINDS FLOODING RAINS AND DANGEROUS STORM SURGE TO CUBA AND THE BAHAMAS TODAY…
…TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE CONDITIONS BEGINNING TO IMPACT THE ISLANDS OF THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS, AND TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS LATER TODAY…
…THE ISLANDS SET TO RECEIVE THE STRONGEST IMPACT ARE: RAGGED ISLAND, LONG ISLAND, ACKLINS, CROOKED ISLAND, LONG CAY, SAMANA CAY, RUM CAY, SAN SALVADOR, AND THE MAINLAND OF EXUMA…
A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the Central and Southeast Bahamas. This includes Exuma and its Cays, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San Salvador, Cat Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Mayaguana, and Inagua.
A Hurricane Warning means that Hurricane conditions are expected in the mentioned islands within 36 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that Tropical Storm conditions are expected in the mentioned islands within 36 hours.
At 8 AM EDT, the eye of Hurricane Melissa was located near latitude 20.6 degrees north and longitude 75.7 degrees west, or about 45 miles West of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 90 miles South-Southwest of Duncan Town, Ragged Island, 155 miles Southwest of Salina Point, Acklins, 129 miles West-Southwest of Matthew Town, Inagua, 214 miles West-Southwest of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 179 miles Southwest of Abraham’s Bay, Mayaguana, and 278 miles South of New Providence.
Hurricane Melissa is moving toward the North-northeast near 14 miles per hour. A faster northeastward motion is expected during the next few days. On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move offshore Eastern Cuba this morning, move across the Southeast or Central Bahamas later today and away from The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands by Thursday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are now near 105 miles per hour with higher gusts.
Hurricane Melissa is a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across The Bahamas later today.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles.
Residents in the Central and Southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are now experiencing heavy rainfall with thunderstorms associated with Melissa. These conditions will continue throughout today and into tonight. There is also the possibility that isolated tornadic activity will also occur.
Residents in the Ragged Island, Inagua and Acklins are now beginning to experience Tropical Storm force winds. These conditions will spread into Crooked Island, Long Cay, Long Island and Rum Cay during this morning, and into San Salvador, Southern Exuma, South Cat Island and the Turks and Caicos Islands during this afternoon. Hurricane force winds could be experienced in Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador this afternoon. Residents should remain indoors until the Tropical Storm and Hurricane force winds subside tonight and tomorrow morning.
Potential Impacts:
Hurricane Melissa, will bring extended periods of violent winds, heavy rain, and widespread inland and coastal flooding, along with hazardous sea conditions to the islands in the Central and Southeast Bahamas, as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands today and tonight. The islands expected to experience the strongest impact are Ragged Island, Long Island, Acklins, Crooked Island, Long Cay, Samana Cay, Rum Cay and San Salvador. However, the extent of the impact depends on Melissa’s strength as it moves through the Central and Southeast Bahamas.
Rainfall Amount:
A total rainfall of 5 to 10 inches is expected over the Southeast Bahamas through Wednesday, resulting in severe flooding in the islands. Expected rainfall totals for the Turks and Caicos Islands are approximately 1 to 3 inches
Storm Surge:
A storm surge of 5 to 8 feet above normally dry ground is possible in the Southeast Bahamas, and 2 to 4 feet in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday.
The next Alert on Hurricane Melissa will be issued at 12 PM.
Issued by: Anastashia Fernander
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TODAY.
RTC News has received the latest update from the Met Office & the Disaster Management Team that everyone should continue sheltering in place and avoid all unnecessary travel. Although conditions outside may seem calm right now, please remember that we are still under a Tropical Storm Warning. Tropical storm conditions, including extended periods of violent winds, heavy rain, and widespread inland and coastal flooding, along with hazardous sea conditions are still expected later this morning.
The warning continues that no one should venture outside until officials have give the all-clear, as conditions can change suddenly and become dangerous.
At 5 am this morning, the Centre of Hurricane Melissa was located 260 miles Southwest of Providenciales. Hurricane Melissa is moving toward the Northeast near 12 miles per hour.
Maximum sustained winds are near 115 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane Melissa is a Category 3 hurricane.
Remember to follow official government pages for valid information and instructions, listen to Radio Turks & Caicos on 89.1fm and or follow us on the Radio Turks & Caicos app. Remember to also download the DDME app for alerts and additional information.
Your safety is our priority.
TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS EXPECTED IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TODAY.
RTC News has received the latest update from the Met Office & the Disaster Management Team that everyone should continue sheltering in place and avoid all unnecessary travel. Although conditions outside may seem calm right now, please remember that we are still under a Tropical Storm Warning. Tropical storm conditions, including extended periods of violent winds, heavy rain, and widespread inland and coastal flooding, along with hazardous sea conditions are still expected later this morning.
The warning continues that no one should venture outside until officials have give the all-clear, as conditions can change suddenly and become dangerous.
At 5 am this morning, the Centre of Hurricane Melissa was located 260 miles Southwest of Providenciales. Hurricane Melissa is moving toward the Northeast near 12 miles per hour.
Maximum sustained winds are near 115 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane Melissa is a Category 3 hurricane.
Remember to follow official government pages for valid information and instructions, listen to Radio Turks & Caicos on 89.1fm and or follow us on the Radio Turks & Caicos app. Remember to also download the DDME app for alerts and additional information.
Your safety is our priority.
Hurricane Melissa a Category 3
Hurricane Melissa is now moving toward eastern Cuba. Conditions from Hurricane Melissa expected to deteriorate rapidly over the next several hours. Feeder bands of hurricane Melissa presently impacting the southeast and central Bahamas.
A Tropical Storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands
A Tropical Storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected in the mentioned islands within 36 hours
Tropical storm conditions expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands Wednesday morning
A hurricane warning is now in effect for the central and southeast Bahamas. This includes Exuma and its cays, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Long Island, San Salvador, Cat Island, Acklins, Crooked island, Long cay, Mayaguana, and Inagua.
At 8 pm edt, the eye of hurricane melissa was located near latitude 18.8 degrees north and longitude 77.2 degrees west, 380 miles south southwest of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Hurricane melissa is moving toward the north-northeast near 8 miles per hour. A turn toward the northeast is expected later this evening, and a faster motion in that direction is expected on Wednesday and Thursday. On the forecast track, the core of melissa is expected to move over eastern Cuba later tonight and early Wednesday morning, and move across the southeast or central Bahamas later on Wednesday.
Maximum sustained winds are now near 125 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane melissa is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir Simpson hurricane wind scale. Melissa is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles.
Residents in The Turks and Caicos Islands should continue to shelter in place, until the “ALL CLEAR” is given.
Rainfall amount:
Expected rainfall totals for the Turks and Caicos Islands are approximately 1 to 3 inches
Storm surge:
A storm surge of 2 to 4 feet is expected in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday.