Government to bolster border security with new automated system
THE GOVERNMENT is making significant headway with plans to strengthen border security in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Sean Astwood, Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, led a delegation to Bridgetown, Barbados, on April 24 for the Border Security Professional Exchange Conference.
The conference saw the Turks and Caicos become the first of six British overseas territories in the region to sign an agreement with the CARICOM Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) programme.
APIS is an automated system established for aviation and maritime operators which has the capability of enhancing border security over the region.
It supplies law enforcement officers with data on passengers and crew members prior to arrival and departure from CARICOM member states, United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
Deputy Premier Astwood expressed that the signing marked a momentous juncture on the TCI's road to strengthening border security.
He explained that: "Signing the memorandum was a significant and important step in achieving full implementation of the APIS in the Turks and Caicos Islands and by extension improves security for our region."
Astwood on April 18 during his 2017-2018 budget presentation pointed out that in recent times and over the past decade, there has been an increase in threats due to transnational organised crimes, trades in illicit drugs, and other commodities, such as guns, human trafficking and illegal migration.
He said: "These threats are a result of many things, from defects such as our porous borders, to the success in the growth of our tourism industry.
"Whatever the reason, we continue to experience challenges at our port facilities, especially with limitations in data intelligence and manpower resources."
US Ambassador to Barbados, Linda Taglialatela, said that she was looking forward to additional nations joining the programme and reminded non-members of the advantages that come along with being a member.
"I encourage all of you to consider the benefits to your countries of enhanced APIS," she said.
She explained that adopting APIS will further allow countries to secure their airports and ports which lead them to enhancing their regional security.
She noted that in order for the region's borders to be secure, people must work within the sovereign states to identify issues and discuss implementable solutions.
"Adopting APIS, will further allow countries to secure their airports and ports which leads them to enhancing their regional security."
She revealed that there are already ten members of CARICOM that are members of the APIS programme and was delighted to report that the Turks and Caicos is the first associate member.
She expressed that there is a continued interest throughout the Caribbean and noted that they are working with various nations to bring them on board.
During the conference Senior Immigration Officer Latoya Mitchell gave a brief presentation of the Immigration Department and its role in securing the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
APIS is expected to be fully operational in the TCI by September 2017.
This system was established by the US Customs Border Protection (CBP) in May 2009.
Police invest in new marine boats
IN AN effort to continue tackling illegal migration and the smuggling of illegal guns in the Turks and Caicos Islands, police have invested in new marine boats.
Commissioner of Police James Smith shared this information during a police press conference held last Thursday (April 27) at the police headquarters in Providenciales.
He said that these boats are scheduled to arrive soon and will greatly enhance the force's marine capacity.
With the implementation comes employment, said Commissioner Smith who explained that this will provide job opportunities for people interested in joining the force.
"We are using this opportunity to promote experienced, specialised officers to fill the most critical skills gaps that exist in the force, including our Criminal Investigation Department, our Cyber Crime team, our Tactical Units and our Marine Branch officers," he said.
In addition, the force has invested two additional Canine Units this year, in an effort to detect drugs and illegal guns.
The units contain highly trained dogs and handlers.
Commissioner Smith said: "I can guarantee you that if we get a point in the right direction these dogs will discover guns for us..."
Throughout the press conference the Commissioner of Police appealed to the public to assist with fighting crime.
He emphasised that the police force is doing all that it can to tackle crime, but the public has to help in the fight.
"The police can do a part of this, and we do. We do proactive deployment, raids on houses...
"We need to help and assist the Customs Department and others involved in keeping our borders secure to make sure that they cannot come in here [illegal guns and drugs].
"There must be people here who know where guns are being stored or stashed, and they need to tell us."
Police release latest crime stats
COMMISSIONER of Police James Smith has released a detailed breakdown of the latest crime statistics.
From April 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017, a total of 2,626 crimes were reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a decrease compared to the previous year which saw 3,068 crimes.
This means that there were 442 victims fewer this year and overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands is down by 14 percent.
The commissioner released the figures during a press conference at the police headquarters in Providenciales last Thursday, April 27.
He went on to explain that in the last two years, crime overall in the Turks and Caicos Islands has fallen by 21 percent, which means 704 fewer victims in two years.
This year there was a total of 703 burglaries and aggravated burglaries.
Smith indicated that this meant a decrease of 159 crimes and 18 percent down on last year.
Within that figure there were 45 aggravated burglaries, which meant an increase of 19 for the year.
Commissioner Smith said that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) recorded 97 cases of persons in possession of drugs, which meant an increase of 21 cases, an increase detection of 28 percent.
In terms of possession of drugs with intent to supply, the RTCIPF detected 24 cases.
The year of 2016 saw a count of seven murders, which was a decrease of one from 2015-16.
The TCI saw 126 firearm offences this year, which was 26 less offences than last year, according to the Commissioner of Police.
Commissioner added that there were 134 robberies this year, with 130 of them taking place in Providenciales and 96 of them involving the use of a firearm.
Some of these cases involved one individual with a firearm committing multiple offences, taking the number of firearms used to commit robbery to 111.
He added that he did not consider that there was an influx in firearms because guns were not just an issue in the TCI, but more so in the entire Caribbean.
The commissioner concluded the stats by stating that a total of 521 people have been arrested during the year.
A whopping 271 people have been charged from that number and put before the court in connection with offences contained in the breakdown of the stats.
He said that within the number of those arrested and charged, 150 were local men, 98 of those individuals are recorded as expats, with local and expat women making up the remainder numbers.
Last year's detection rate was 23 percent and this year's was one percent lower.
Smith explained during the press conference that the budget settlement will allow the force to allocate more funds to specific units within the force and assist with the promotion of more officers.
He said: "We are using this opportunity to promote experienced, specialised officers to fill the most critical skills gaps that exist in the force, including our Criminal Investigation Department, our Cyber Crime team, our Tactical Units and our Marine Branch officers."
He added that the police "know the challenges ahead," but that they "are striving for continuous improvement and seek the continued support of the Government and our Government partners to keep the country safe."
He said that the police also rely on the active support and engagement of citizens and visitors to help them in their job.
He encouraged the public to take responsibility for their part in reducing crime and identifying offenders.
Lightbourne calls prisoners relocation to Green Door facility a grave mistake
MEMBER of Parliament George Lightbourne has called Cabinet's decision to relocate prisoners to the Green Door facility a grave mistake.
In this vein Lightbourne is urging Governor John Freeman to reconsider and rescind and seek an alternative solution.
In a letter to the media on Wednesday, May 3, Lightbourne who is the Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North called Cabinet's decision an epic demonstration of myopic governance.
He said: "The TCI Cabinet has agreed to turn a high-end residential part of Grand Turk into a prison town.
"To make matters worse they have decided to establish a prison inside the TCI Community College Campus.
"When persons are elected to Government they must always manage the affairs of the people with a 360-degree view and mental balance.
"I understand that many in the current government have never had the fortitude building experiences that would equip them to make logical decisions but as a good citizen and an elected member of the good people, I will lend my expertise and assist with sound reasoning to aid the Government as they clearly need it.
"The Green Door is located on the same property as the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and from this decision, it is apparent that no serious consideration was given to the impact and effect of the college sharing the same property as a jail.
"Recently we have all heard reports of inmates escaping, causing fire and sexually assaulting prison officers, using drugs, illegal cell phones and organising crime right in Grand Turk.
"Do you think it is wise to extend this same prison population to the Community College Campus?
"Can students and staff function in a safe frame of mind knowing that they have to share learning space with persons that the court has ordered to be removed from society because of criminal acts or accusations?"
Lightbourne pointed out that the Ridge is the most upscale area in Grand Turk and the introduction of a prison facility will devalue all property in that area.
He said: "Many persons who may have matured mortgages will now have difficulties with refinancing and cash injections; needless to say, resale of property will be seriously affected.
"When I was minister an attempt was previously made to put a juvenile centre in the same area and residents protested by presenting me with a petition containing over 100 signatures; as a good steward, I abandoned the idea because I respected the views and wishes of the people and served only as their worker."
He chided the Government for not carrying out any proper consultation in order to hear the views of the residents on the relocation of inmates to a facility on the Ridge.
He further highlighted that hurricane season is less than a month away and the building that was turned into a prison is the only fully functioning hurricane shelter in that area of Grand Turk.
"The Green Door is also located next to the Grand Turk Lighthouse, which is one of our historical sites.
"Has any consideration been given to the impact of such a move on our tourism product at the lighthouse?
"I could go on but it is evident that I have already shone more light on the reality of the situation than the PDM's entire elected pool of governance.
"I understand the PDM's spite and resentment for the people of Grand Turk North constituency but I beg you to remember that we are all Turks and Caicos Islanders.
"Mr Governor, your Excellency, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet, I am calling on you to allow wisdom to prevail by abandoning this decision and rescinding this Cabinet paper and if you or the Government need my help further I can provide contacts and websites for modular prison facilities that can be located elsewhere and provide safety, security and peace of mind to the good people of Grand Turk."
Lightbourne further criticised the Government for being out of touch with the people's opinion on sensitive matters.
Hurricane Hunter visits TCI on awareness tour
ABOUT 20 members of the Air Force Reserve and a team from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association Administration's Hurricane Centre visited the TCI in a unique aircraft last week.
The Air Force Reserve Commands WC 130 J Hurricane Hunter aircraft is visiting islands and countries in the region as part of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association and the US Air Force Caribbean Awareness tour called CHAT.
During the CHAT tour, crew members offer the public an opportunity to learn how scientists collect hurricane information and help communities become better prepared for the season.
During the visit the crew gave media houses and government delegates a tour of the aircraft.
Governor John Freeman, Deputy Governor Anya Malcolm, the Minister of Home Affairs Delroy Williams joined for a full tour of the aircraft and were given clarification on the team's mission.
The group consisted of two pilots, a navigator, an aerial reconnaissance weather officer and a weather loadmaster.
Dr Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, explained that initiatives such as this one are important because it gives them the opportunity to educate people on the importance of early preparedness.
He said: "We don't know how busy the hurricane season will be. We just know that you are vulnerable here and you want to get ready today while the weather is good, before the next hurricane strikes.
"Hopefully it's not this year, but you want to be ready in advance... I encourage everyone to do at least one thing to get yourself ready in advance for the next hurricane."
Lieutenant Colonel Brian May, commander of the 403rd Operations Group encouraged the public to be mindfulness warnings and get prepared.
He added that he was grateful to be able to fly into the TCI to share knowledge on hurricane preparation.
Woman dies after being struck by water truck
THE LIFE of a 55-year-old Dominican woman was cut short on Thursday (May 4) after she was knocked down by a water truck, in Blue Hills.
The woman, who was affectionately known by the Dominican community as 'Reyita,' was a long-time resident of Providenciales.
The community is mourning her death and have taken to social media to express their grief.
According to a police statement, at about 9.45am officers and paramedics responded to the scene on Bible Street where it was ascertained that while a white Suzuki water truck was reversing, the woman was hit.
She was pronounced dead at 9.48am.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who witnessed this accident and has yet to speak to police can contact the Traffic Unit on 946-2371.
Police Investigate Fatal Accident
Traffic officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating an accident that occurred this morning which resulted in the death of a 55 year old female of the Dominican Republic.
Around 9:45am Officers and Paramedics responded to the scene located on Bible Street, Blue Hills where it was ascertained that while a White Suzuki Water truck was reversing the female was hit. She was pronounced dead at 9:48am.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine d the exact caused of death.
Ocean Club hotel robbers found guilty
THE TWO men who in July 2016 invaded two tourists' hotel room and robbed them $40,000 in jewellery and cash while they sleep, were on Wednesday found guilty in a Providenciales court.
Jamal Thompson Missick and Paul Missick were on Wednesday afternoon (May 3) found guilty by a seven member jury, who returned unanimous verdicts on the charge of burglary for both.
Justice Robert Shuster, who presided over the trial in the Supreme Court, ordered a pre-sentencing report be submitted to the court, and the defendants will return for sentencing on May 30.
The trial lasted six days.
Jamal Thompson Missick was represented by attorney-at-law Lara Maroof-Missick and Paul Missick's defence was handled by Guy Chapman.
The charges were laid against the two men shortly after the shocking robbery against a vacationing couple.
On the day in question, at the Ocean Club East resort in Providenciales, at about 1.58am, one of the victims contacted 911 and reported that two men entered their hotel room and stole over $5,000 in cash, two Rolex watches, along with an engagement ring and IDs.
One victim, Shameka Watson, told the police that one of the culprits was being restrained by her boyfriend, Tyshawn Corbett.
When officers arrived on the scene, the victims pointed to one of the culprits who was unsuccessful in getting away.
Just three days after, police officials announced that the second man, Jamal Missick, turned himself in to police authorities after a nationwide 'wanted' poster was issued for his arrest.
In an interview with this publication at the time of the incident both Corbett and Watson expressed disappointment and fear after their ordeal.
Corbett said: "My girlfriend and I were sleeping when I heard someone removing my chain [jewellery] off of the dresser. I woke up. I then saw two guys running out of our room.
"I thought it was a dream, but I just reacted. I chased them outside and I caught one of them, and he had my chain in his hand. I just restrained him until the police came."
The victim explained that the burglar fought back and that there was a struggle among the two of them.
Corbett added that his girlfriend celebrated her birthday just days ago and that he had plans to propose to her for her birthday, before the robbery happened.
"We are just blessed to be here, because they could have killed us," Corbett said.
Watson described the situation as "unfair" and said that she was thankful that it did not have a more severe outcome.
She said: "It's not even the materialistic stuff, because we can get those things back. It is the fact that I haven't been able to sleep since Saturday, and every time I hear a noise or a sound, I am jumping up.
"I am paranoid. You close your eyes and you think there's someone standing over you, watching you sleep.
"That's an unsettling feeling. I will never be able to go to another resort anywhere in the world because of this experience.
"This was supposed to have been an occasion of me to celebrate my birthday, and we weren't even on the island for four hours before this happened."
Paba semi finals game 4
Defending champions Knights put on a spectacular performance for the fans as they advanced to their second consecutive Paba finals after taming the three time defending champs GT stallions 81-74.
Levenskay Missick led the way for the stallions with 17 points, 5 rebounds, Clifton Jean chipped in with 15 pts3 rebounds and Enrico Smith added 12 points. Andujar Gardiner continued to put on an MVP like performance with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 5 steals while Melvin Elsie added 19 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists 3 steals for the Knights. The Knights won the series 3-1 and sent the Stallions home.
The flyers rebounded from a painful loss in game 3 to even their series against the predators and send their semi finals into a deciding game five. The winner of that game will face the confident and resurgent knights in the Paba finals which will kick off on Saturday night.
Darly Francois scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and Charlton Stubbs added 14 points. Anthony Cash returned to his normal style of play to lead the scoring for the flyers with 21pts, 5 rebounds 2 steals and Jakee Been chipped in with 15 points and 3 rebounds.
Game 5 between the flyers and the predators will be played on Friday night.
JAGS McCartney Relays Ready for 2017
The annual JAGS McCartney Relays will be hosted by the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA) and the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA).
The relays will take place at the Grand Turk Parade Grounds on 29 May 2017 as they celebrate and honor our national hero by doing what he was passionate about, promoting the future of the young Turks and Caicos Islander.
Today May 9th, 2017, marks 37th anniversary since the passing of our 1st National hero and as a mark of respect, the CGA & the TCAAA will be inviting students from the various high schools around the island to participate and show case their talent before an esteem coach from St. JAGO High School out of Jamaica.
RTC Sports was told that the relays are open to boys and girls and will also be extended to the primary schools on Grand Turk.
Both Presidents via telephone lamented that this event promises to expose the future athletes to various opportunities and offers the possibility of professional training and competing on an international level.
RTC Sports will have more on the relays as we get closer.