Major Drug Haul in the TCI
A joint operation involving officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Unit and the Customs Department has resulted in the seizure of marijuana with an estimated street value of half a million dollars ($500,000).
The illegal find was made last week on Tuesday (August 29th) and Wednesday (August 30th) on board an illegal migrant vessel.
An initial police report states, that at approximately 10:10 pm, the RTCIPF Maritime Operations personnel onboard one of its maritime vessels contacted the Police Control Room and reported that they were in pursuit of an illegal vessel transporting a number of illegal migrants in the vicinity of North West Point, Providenciales.
The illegal vessel failed to comply with instructions given by law enforcement and eventually ran aground. Several of the illegal migrants jumped into the water and ran off.
Marine Unit officers commenced rescue efforts where one male and a female minor were removed from the vessel.
A joint operation remains ongoing in a bid to apprehend the illegal migrants.
During a search in the waters near the illegal vessel, Marine officers noticed packages floating. They managed to retrieve FIFTY-TWO (52). A subsequent search of the vessel by Customs officials netted SIXTY-ONE (61) similar packages.
Commenting on this massive find Commissioner of Police (ag) Rodney Adams said: “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force remain grateful for the collaborations between our national security partners. We acknowledge our partnership with the TCI Customs Department and by extension the TCI Border Force. Also assisting in this operation were members of the TCI Regiment and Immigration Task Force.
The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands wins PMAC NovaPort Cup 2023
The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands is elated to announce that it has won the 2023 Novaport Cup as the best performing member port of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC). The NovaPort Cup which was won at this PMAC 26th Annual General meeting of June 29-30th, arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on September 4th, 2023. This morning, Ports Authority Board Chairman, Mr. Tueton Williams accompanied by Permanent Secretary Althea Been, management, and staff of the Ports Authority presented the award to Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister with responsibility for Ports, and the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick.
The Novaport Cup is awarded at the end of the PMAC Annual General Meeting to the member with the highest score based on a composite of five key performance indicators:
Total Cargo Volumes
Total Revenue Generated per Revenue Ton
Total Expenses per Revenue Ton
Net profit per Revenue Ton
Total Staff per Revenue Ton
Grand Port Maritime De La Guadeloupe and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago placed second and third in the competition.
PAMC Executive Secretary, Glenn Roach on congratulating the Port Authority on winning the NovaPort Cup for 2023 stated, ‘The fundamental principle of an award for most improved performance recognizes PMAC member ports’ efforts towards sustained improvement, irrespective of size and level of technology, equipment, and infrastructure. Accordingly, the performance of these awardees best exemplifies commitment to continually strive for improved operational and financial efficiency.’
Ports Authority Board Chairman, Tueton Williams stated, ‘ This award is a testament to the unwavering resilience, dedication, and unmatched commitment demonstrated by the exceptional staff at the Port Authority. It also highlights the invaluable partnerships we've cultivated with our stakeholders. With the substantial government investment in our port system, we are poised on a trajectory that promises even greater achievements ahead.”
The Minister with responsibility for the TCI Ports Authority, Hon. Arlington Musgrove commended the Ports Authority for the NovaPort Cup win two times in the last three years saying, “This is a proud moment for the Ports Authority and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Winning this award is a testament to the vision and hard work of the Port Authority’s Board and team. The Government continues to support the development and management of the ports throughout the country by investing millions of dollars in port redevelopment and the strengthening of our policies and operations. We are delighted to be recognized once again as the best authority amongst our peers.”
Director of Ports Delton Jones said ‘The cup is dedicated to the staff of the Ports Authority and should motivate the staff further, with major investments in the ports system on the way.’
The TCI’s Port Authority previously won the NovaPort Cup in 2021.
AVI ADAMS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATION
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Avi Adams to the post of Director of the Department of Tourism Regulation (DTR) within the Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage, Religious Affairs, and the Environment.
Mr. Adams is a native of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, who graduated from the H.J. Robinson High School in 2000. His tertiary education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Bernard M. Baruch College, CUNY, New York, NY, and a Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh University, Edinburg, SC. He also holds several certifications in accounting, finance, and human resources.
Mr. Adams has a proven track record of success in various roles, including ten years as an Accountant/Financial Analyst, ten years in Human Resources, and 15 years of management experience. He has also worked in the hospitality industry for the past three years. His previous roles include several at Fortis TCI, including Supervisor of Accounts Payable, Superintendent of Supply Chain Management, and Manager for Human Resources. Mr. Adams also most recently served as the Human Resources Manager at the Shore Club Resort with the Hartling Group.
Mr. Adams is community-focused and heavily involved in various community initiatives, including coaching youth sports teams and mentorship programs. Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Adams stated:
“It is incredibly humbling to be chosen to lead the new Tourism Regulatory Department. Only with God have I come this far, and it will only be him that sustains me to continue pushing forward for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
I am thankful for everyone who has contributed to this new beginning. I am excited to take on this new challenge with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a premier tourist destination. I am confident that my skills and experience will positively impact our work.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Mr. Adams, stated: “I am pleased to officially announce and congratulate Mr. Avi Adams on his appointment as Director of the Department of Tourism Regulation (DTR) within the Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage, Religious Affairs, and the Environment. The Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) has been formally established under the Ministry of Tourism to absorb the functions of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board Quality Assurance Unit and TIDES Training Unit. The DTR’s mission is to develop and promote a regulatory environment conducive to a dynamic, competitive, and sustainable tourism sector in TCI.
As Director, Mr. Adams is tasked with the DTR’s oversight, coordination, and leadership, which will be responsible for regulating our leading industry. Mr. Adams will also play an integral part in legislative and policy reform that will help shape the success of our tourism product.
Mr. Adams comes to us from the private sector with a vast amount of administrative and leadership experience that will add invaluable support to efforts being made by the Ministry of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries, Heritage, Religious Affairs and the Environment.
This appointment is a pivotal step for the Turks and Caicos Islands as it moves into its new tourism management and regulatory structure.
Congratulations on your new appointment, Mr. Adams and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service!”
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) announces retirement
The recruitment campaign to find the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been launched as The current Director of Public Prosecutions, Eugene Otuonye, K.C, has formally advised Her Excellency the Governor that he will demit office, to retire at the end of his current contract in January 2024, having served a five-year term.
Otuonye was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions in January 2019.
Over the last 24 years, he has held several key posts in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including serving as the Deputy Attorney General, the first Director of the Integrity Commission, and Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
Within this period, he also served as the Attorney General of Montserrat.
In announcing his retirement, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Eugene Otuonye, K.C said:
‘Serving the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people over these years in the various challenging and sensitive capacities in which I did, has been such a rare privilege, honor, and grace extended to me. For this, I give God all the glory!
As I bow out, I do so with the deepest sense of humility for the rewarding experience and great learning in public service. I retire with profound gratitude to the gracious Turks and Caicos Islands and its people for their confidence in me over these years. To my colleagues and professional families at ODPP and the various public offices (where I previously served) and to our stakeholder partners in criminal justice, for their unwavering support and solidarity, thank you so much. " End Quote
In announcing the recruitment campaign for the next Director of Public Prosecutions, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said:
In recruiting the next Director of Public Prosecutions, I will be looking for a similarly accomplished individual, with excellent legal judgment, strong leadership, and commitment to engage with others to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our criminal justice system.’ End quote
The job advert providing full details of the role and how to apply can be found on the vacancies page of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website:
https://www.gov.tc/government-
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT TUESDAY 05THSEPTEMBER 2023
GENERAL SITUATION: A FRONTAL TROUGH IN THE VICINITY OF THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT POCKETS OF UNSETTLED WEATHER ACROSS THAT AREA AND PORTIONS OF THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS. ESLEWHERE, HAZARDOUS BOATING AND BEACHING CONDITIONS WILL PERSIST ACROSS ALL AREAS DUE TO SUBSIDING SWELLS.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS AND BOATERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION DUE TO LIFE-THREATENING RIP CURRENTS AND DANGEROUS SURF CONDITIONS MAINLY ALONG NORTH AND EAST COAST BEACHES. DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS ARE STILL URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE TRAVERSING COASTAL ROADS DUE TO POSSIBLE OVERTOPPING WAVES AND SEA SPRAY, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE GLASS WINDOW BRIDGE IN ELEUTHERA AND THE FISHING HOLE ROAD IN GRAND BAHAMA.
ALL AREAS:
WEATHER:MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY OFFSHORE THIS AFTERNOON. MOSTLY FAIR AND WARM WITH THE SLIGHT CHANCE OF AN ISOLATED SHOWER TONIGHT IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS… VARIABLE CLOUDINESS AND VERY WARM WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: A SMALL CRAFT CAUTION IS IN EFFECT DUE TO SWELLS. SMALL CRAFT SHOULD BE ALERT FOR GUSTY WINDS AND HIGHER SEAS IN OR NEAR HEAVY SHOWERS OR THUNDERSTORMS.
WINDS: NORTHEAST TO EAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS, FALLING LIGHT AND VARIABLE AT TIMES OVER OPEN WATERS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET NEARSHORE BUT UP TO 5 TO 7 FEET OFFSHORE IN NORTHEASTERLY SWELLS.
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 7:24 PM MOONSET: 12:35 PM.
SUNRISE: 6:52 AM WED. MOONRISE: 11:27 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:53 PM HIGH TIDE: 1:11 AM WED
LOW TIDE: 7:21 PM LOW TIDE: 7:22 AM WED.
WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR WEDNESDAY: MARINE CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AS SWELLS CONTINUE TO SUBSIDE…ELSEWHERE, DRIER CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO FILTER INTO THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS WHILE TROUGHING WILL SUPPORT SHOWER ACTIVITY ACROSS THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: SEE LATEST NEWS ITEM ON NEWLY FORMED TROPICAL DEPRESSION THIRTEEN. RESIDENTS IN THE BAHAMAS AND THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THIS SYSTEM OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. ELSEWHERE, THERE ARE TWO OTHER AREAS THAT ARE BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.1) A TROPICAL WAVE IS EXPECTED TO MOVE OFF THE COAST OF AFRICA TODAY. THIS SYSTEM HAS HIGH CHANCE OF 70 PERCENT FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH 7 DAYS. 2) POST-TROPICAL FRANKLIN IS LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES NORTH OF THE AZORES AND HAS A LOW CHANCE OF ONLY 20 PERCENT FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION THROUGH 7 DAYS.
RESIDENTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR HURRICANE PLANS ARE UP TO DATE AND BE READY TO EXECUTE ANY FURTHER PREPARATIONS IF NECESSARY
UPDATED STATEMENT ON MURDER
Officers from the Serious Crime Unit are investigating the murder of a man in Kew Town, Providenciales on the evening of Saturday 02nd September 2023.
Based on preliminary police reports, shortly after 6 p.m., residents reported hearing gunshots.
Calls were placed to the Police Control Room and a team of detectives arrived at the given location in Walter Cox Drive, where they saw a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body lying motionless on the ground.
The male victim, who has yet to be formally identified, was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical officials.
Detectives continued investigations over the weekend, to establish the events surrounding the murder.
We are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the deceased male victim who was dressed in a red t-shirt, dark short pants, and dark trainers.
The victim is approximately 35-40 years old, of medium build, and is believed to be of Haitian descent.
The public is being asked to contact 911, the closest police station, or call TCI Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information on this murder or any other illegal activity anonymously.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade & Florida Keys Crime Stoppers at 1-305-471-8477 and give any information anonymously.
TCI 3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A WEAKENING FRONTAL BOUNDARY EXTENDS ACROSS THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, COMBINED WITH TROPICAL MOISTURE FROM THE NORTHERN EXTENT OF A TROPICAL WAVE WILL GENERATE SOME SHOWER ACTIVITY TODAY.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: MARINERS AND BEACHGOERS ARE TO EXERCISE CAUTION IN ROUGH SURF AND POSSIBLE RIP CURRENTS ALONG NORTHEAST AND EAST COASTLINES…MARINERS ARE TO REMAIN VIGILANT FOR WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY…RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO REMAIN HYDRATED AND AVOID PROLONGED SUN EXPOSURE DUE TO TRIPLE-DIGIT HEAT INDICES.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF ISOLATED TO SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 40%.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY CONTINUES IN SEA SWELLS. HEAT ADVISORY ISSUED. A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE HEAT INDEX REACHES 105 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 5 TO 10 KNOTS
SEAS: 5 TO 7 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C HEAT INDEX 108°F 42°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 7:03 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:37 AM (3.0 FT) 11:49 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 6:07 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: THE FRONT WILL MOVE EASTWARD OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS WHILE DISSIPATING. MARINE CONDITIONS WILL GRADUALLY IMPROVE THROUGH MIDWEEK.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 30%.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN
SUNRISE: 6:33 AM
SUNSET: 7:02 PM
LOW TIDE: 5:57 AM (0.7 FT) 7:10 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 12:33 PM (3.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. CHANCE OF RAIN IS 40%.
WINDS: LIGHT AND VARIABLE, BECOMING EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 5 TO 10 KNOTS AT NIGHT
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET IN NORTHEAST SWELL
SUNRISE: 6:33 AM
SUNSET: 7:01 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:44 AM (2.0 FT) 1:33 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 6:48 AM (0.7 FT) 8:15 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK:
ACTIVE SYSTEMS:
THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER IS ISSUING ADVISORIES ON TROPICAL STORM GERT, LOCATED OVER THE CENTRAL SUBTROPICAL ATLANTIC, AND ON TROPICAL DEPRESSION KATIA, LOCATED OVER THE EASTERN SUBTROPICAL ATLANTIC.
- CENTRAL TROPICAL ATLANTIC: A TROPICAL WAVE LOCATED SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES SOUTHWEST OF THE CABO VERDE ISLANDS IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A TROPICAL DEPRESSION AROUND MIDWEEK AS THE SYSTEM MOVES WESTWARD TO WEST-NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN PORTIONS OF THE TROPICAL ATLANTIC. THIS SYSTEM HAS A HIGH (90 PERCENT) CHANCE OF FORMATION OVER THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS.
- EASTERN TROPICAL ATLANTIC: A TROPICAL WAVE OVER WESTERN AFRICA IS FORECAST TO MOVE OFF THE AFRICAN COAST IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE SYSTEM HAS A MEDIUM (40 PERCENT) CHANCE OF FORMATION OVER THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Join the Ministry of Health and Human Services for the ‘Men in the Galley’ Beach Fun Day under the theme, "??????????? ???'? ?????? ?????????." It will be an exciting day dedicated to raising awareness for men's health! Get ready to show off your culinary skills in the cooking competition, flex your muscles in the weight-lifting competition, and showcase your strategy in the domino tournament. There will be plenty of games and much more fun. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support a great cause while having a blast. See you there!
Date: 9th September 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Governor's Beach, Grand Turk
Dual Sloops lands in the TCI
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Maritime Operations Unit and other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and TCI Regiment from Providenciales and Grand Turk were kept busy over the weekend when they were dispatched to not one but two islands.
The communications officer at the RTCIPF informed RTC News that there were illegal landings on South Caicos and on Ambergris Cay based on the reports made to the Police control room that there were illegal landings on both islands.
The CO added that thus far, a number of illegal migrants including children have been detained on the islands of South Caicos and Ambergris Cay and that further details will follow.
The Turks & Caicos has been experiencing a wave of illegal sloops coming to the Turks & Caicos Islands since the start of upheaval in Haiti.