MINISTRY OF BORDER CONTROL UPDATES ON ILLEGAL VESSEL
The Ministry of Border Control and Employment confirms that at approximately 1:00 p.m. on April 7th, Border Control officials received notification that a vessel suspected of transporting undocumented migrants from Haiti was spotted by fishermen off South Caicos and near the banks of North and Middle Caicos earlier that morning.
Members of the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were the immediate responders and communication was made to Immigration Officials in South Caicos, Grand Turk and Providenciales.
At approximately 8:15 p.m. Immigration Officers from the Ministry of Border Control and Employment met the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to receive 67 illegal migrants of Haitian nationality and comprising 59 adult males, 2 minor males and 6 females, who were subsequently detained and processed at the Detention Center in South Dock Providenciales throughout the night.
Through this medium the Ministry is extending commendation to the Immigration Department and stakeholders agencies, especially the Marine Branch of the Police Force and Department of Disaster Management and Emergency DDME, for their hard work, commitment and dedication. Commendation is further extended to the fishing community and Government officials of South Caicos who also played their part as responsible citizens and public officers.
In his comment on this situation the Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Border Control and Employment, Hon. Sean R Astwood M.P. said "It is unfortunate that persons continue to risk their lives in attempts to breach our borders, in the hopes of improving their circumstances. While as a people, and as Government, we understand the hardships and desperation for many in Haiti, we are a very small country with limited resources and therefore can ill afford the strains on our social systems and other national security risks that are inherent with illegal migration.
"The Ministry, along with the Police and support from the National Security Council and other agencies, are working hard to improve the protection of our borders, and will continue our ongoing efforts with the Haitian Government to invest in the interests of their people. However, I am also appealing to the Haitian diaspora and all persons who have connections with Haiti to assist in helping us to discourage persons from attempting this treacherous journey.
"As a Government we have a zero tolerance approach to human trafficking and I, through this medium, am sending a very strong message to persons involved in human trafficking and illegal migration, that when discovered, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"Sincere thanks is extended to the many men and women who continue to risk their lives day and night, to ensure the safety of us all, I am indeed grateful for your sacrifice. May God continue to cover you and keep you safe from all dangers."
Preparations are underway for the immediate repatriation of the 67 illegal migrants to their homeland, which will commence as early as today.
The Ministry of Border Control reiterates its caution issued to those in the Turks and Caicos Islands that might be inclined to harbor illegal migrants, that as a result of the new Immigration Ordinance which came into effect on April 1, 2016, penalties for harboring illegal migrants were increased, and such persons now face a fine of $20,000 on summary conviction or to a term of imprisonment of four years, or to both. In addition, persons acquiring status other than by birth that are convicted of such an offense, face the possibility of having their status in the Islands revoked, thereby making them liable to deportation.
Investigations into this matter will be conducted by local law enforcement agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Police Investigates Robbery
Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have launched in investigation to find three (3) males who robbed a couple while in the Lower Bight area of Providenciales.
Around 12:49PM, 911 received a report of a robbery and immediately dispatched officers to a Resort located in that area where the 41 year old victim was met.
He told officers that after dropping his family off to a beach near the resort he went to park his vehicle at another location further from the Resort name Donkey Lane and whilst there, he was approached by three (3) males all dressed in black clothing pointing a black and grey handgun and the other with a rifle. They took his sunglasses, cellular phone and the 2007 Blue Suzuki Swift rental car licence plate number TC7599.
The vehicle was later recovered at the Princess Alexandria Beach access.
Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have information that can assist with investigation, Contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800 8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc.
Police Investigates various matters in the TCI
Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a Burglary that occurred on Grand Turk on Thursday 6th April 2017.
Around 7:15PM, officers arrived to the a home located on the Ridge where the victim was met and showed officers a shattered back door glass with a rock inside of the home. A 20 inch television was missing.
Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating an Aggravated Burglary that occurred earlier today (Friday 7th April 2017) on Grace Bay area of Providenciales.
Around 3:09AM police responded to the Hope Street area where the victim was met and told officers that 3 am him and his family were awakened by dogs barking in his yard, and shortly after two males kicked open their front door and went straight into their bedroom, demanding their wallet. One of the males described as 5 feet 8inches, pointed a gun at the victim while the other described as 6 feet tall took their backpacks and began taking their items which includes two (2) cellular phones, an IPad 2 and a wedding band set.
No one was injured.
In another story, 24 year-old Jouvle Inlues who was arrested and charged for Carrying Firearm in November 2016, was yesterday (Thursday 6th March 2017) found guilty in the Supreme Court in Grand Turk after a three (3) day trial.
Around 7:46pm on Thursday 10th November 2017, police responded to an area in Blue Hills Providenciales after receiving a report of a person seen with a gun. The swift and quick response by police resulted in them coming in direct contact with the suspect who was later identified to be Mr. Inlues with a silver and brown handle Taurus 9mm gun in his possession.
Ignoring verbal commands by officers to drop the weapon, he pointed the gun at officers as he continue running. Officers pursued and eventually caught and disarmed him.
Police have credited the involvement of the public for the arrest.
“When residents are keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings, we can more effectively deal with crimes as they happen.” said Public Relations Officer Kevin Clarke, “This is the model of effective police work, when the community becomes actively involved in their safety and relaying information to the police, then the work of the police is expedited more efficiently and the level of service rises. This should be a replica in which we strive for as a country. “
Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a Burglary and the Taking of Motor Vehicle with Out Authority report that was made earlier today (Friday 7th April 2017) in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales.
Around 7:59 AM, Officers responded to the Sunshine Crescent area where the victim was met and told officers that while himself and family was asleep someone or persons entered his home and stole a number of property belonging to them. He further stated that they went to bed around 12:10am and upon waking at 7:37 Am he noticed and observed the window located on the western side of the home opened, and upon making checks he realized two purses missing, a Nike Shoe, one white Apple phone, Ray Ban glasses along with his vehicle.
Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have information that can assist with investigation, Contact the Chalk Sound Police Station at 338-5901. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800 8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc.
Semis heats up in PABA
The Predators advanced to the semi-final round of the Paba league playoffs after preying on the Hustlerz to win 77-60.
The Predators won the series 2-0 to send the Hustlerz fishing on the banks. Johan Mesis led the way for the Predators with 20 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals. From the Sports watch stats board, twelve of his points came from 3 pointer land, some as far beyond the arc. Carlton Bassett chipped in with 18 points, 3 rebounds 2 assists 3 steals
In game 2 the Stallions rallied back to level their series after trouncing the Sonics 64-51.
Clifton Jean scored 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals while Evans Dubois chipped in with 12 points and 3 rebounds.
Darado Fulford scored 22 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist 3 steals and Alvardo Parker added 11 points and 7 rebounds to the Sonics game score.
Game 3 between the rejuvenated Spartans and wounded Knights will be played this weekend. Game 2 will feature the Stallions and Sonics and RTC Sports will have more on this next week.
TCI Carifta Team selected for 2017
The 2017 Track & Field Carifta Team was selected by the TCAAA following Nationals.
The delegates are as follows:
NAME AGE GROUP EVENTS SCHOOL
1. Ken Reyes Under-20/Male 800m JC/Jamaica
2. Amard Hilaire Under-20/Male 200m/400m JC/Jamaica
3. Wikenson Fenelon Under-20/Male Pole Walt/Multi JC/Jamaica
4. Colby Jennings Under-18/Male 200m/400m/Relays JC/Jamaica
5. lavardo Campbell Under-18/Male 800m/1,500m/Relays CHHS
6. Emanuel Agenor Under-18/Male 100m/200m/Relays CHHS
7. Reyneldo Germain Under-18/Male 100m/Relays CHHS
8. Junior Paul Under-18/Male 800m/1,500m/Relays CHHS
9. Tremaine Missick Under-18/Male Multi HJRHS
10. Latrell Saunders Under-18/Male High Jump/Relays MBHS
11. Akia Guerrier Under-20/Female 100m/200m K-State/USA
12. Helcyann Sauver Under-20/Female 100m/200m Holmhood/Jamaica
13. Sanadia Forbes Under-20/Female High Jump BWIC
14. Deajah Smith Under-18/Female 100m/200m/Relays HJRHS
15. Evnisha Sainvertu Under-18/Female 100m/200m/Relays CHHS
16. Zoe Butler Under-18/Female 400m/800m/Relays CHHS
17. Rebecca Bernadin Under-18/Female 800m/1,500m/Relays CHHS
18. Roshanna Grey Under-18/Female High Jump/Relays CHHS
OFFICIALS
Randy Ford Head Coach
Alvirto Smith 1st Asst. Coach
Brenda Lightbourne 2nd Asst. Coach/Chaperone
Gertrude Forbes Chaperone/Media
Edith Skippings Team Manager/President TCAAA
Darian Forbes Tech. Official/Working the Games
Marine Police Intercepts Poacher Boat
On Thursday 16th March 2017 at approximately 12:12pm, officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Marine Police onboard the ‘Sea Defender’ intercepted a poaching vessel with a number of fishermen that was later identified as Dominican Republic Nationals.
The white steel vessel bearing the name ‘Captain Blaze’ is about 80 feet and had a number of dinghies and over 40 men onboard.
It was sighted south west of White Cay, at a position within the territorial waters and fisheries limits of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As Marine Police approached the vessel, the poachers attempted to evade capture and as a result, officers took action to bring the vessel to a stop. The boat was eventually towed to the Marina at Shipyard where officers from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resource (DECR) and Marine
Officers jointly initiated an investigation and removed the marine products and other items which was handed over to DECR as the lead investigation agency.
All of the marine products amounting to over 39,000 pounds of mostly fish was handed over to DECR staff.
The men were arrested on suspicion of illegal fishing and taken into custody.
It is an offence to take marine products without a license. The Vessels and its occupants do not have the appropriate license to operate in the TCI fisheries limits.
Investigations are ongoing.
Dwight Simmons sentenced to 13 years Imprisonment
On Friday 17th March 2017, in the Grand Turk Supreme Court, 34 year old Dwight Simmons pleaded guilty to numerous firearm related offences in connection with a report that was made on Monday 4th November 2016 in Blue Hills Providenciales.
Around 9pm on that date, Mr. Simmons entered the City Market Store located on the Millennium Highway with masked on and demanded cash after firing shots inside. He was tackled and subdued by customers inside of the store and restrained until police arrived.
He was arrested and charged.
He was sentenced to five (5) years for Carrying Ammunition, five (5) years for Carrying Firearm, thirteen (13) years for Discharging firearm and Thirteen (13) years for Robbery.
Update:
Three males who escaped Prison Custody on December 2nd 2016 was also sentenced on Friday in the Magistrate’s Court for Escaping Lawful Custody. Randell Rigby sentenced to 9 months, Stavon Harris and Henrico Morris sentenced to 10 months each.
Students will benefit from funds raised during a charity party
THE IRIS Stubbs Primary School in South Caicos and the Food For Thought organization will both benefit from the funds raised at the 'La Fete under the Moon' charity event, a recent celebration held at the Beach House in Providenciales on March 11, 2017.
The cover charge of US $80 included a welcome drink, a chance to win prizes from various raffles and live entertainment.
Friends of the organizers flew in from Canada, the United States and several parts of the Caribbean to bring a carnival environment to the event.
The ladies walked around throughout the night in carnival inspired outfits as they posed for photos with attendees and kept them entertained.
Cofounder of La fete TCI Foundation, Kanzy Dillon, told RTC that the event that she was pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm from attendees.
"The event was a great success and as always it was a fun social gathering for both the local and expat community involved. For next year we would like to further broaden its scope of assistance to the TCI education," she said.
La Fete TCI Foundation was started up in 2013 by Kanzy Dillon and Jocelyn Menzies to provide children in the Turks and Caicos Islands with additional tools for a better education.
The first event was held back in 2013 at Mother's House villa in Blue Mountain, Providenciales, to raise funds to provide primary schools in South Caicos with computers and AC units for their classrooms.
Last year La Fete TCI Foundation was able to provide the Iris Stubbs Primary School and Marjorie Basden High School with 200 educational tablets.
Food For Thought is a non-profit organization based in Providenciales, which aims at providing children with well balanced meals so that they can concentrate on their studies better with full stomach.
London Attacks at Westminister
Theresa May came out into Downing Street tonight to tell the world that any attempt to defeat the values that Parliament stood for was "doomed to failure".
She said the streets of Westminster, where the attack took place, were engrained with a spirit of freedom that echoed in some of the further corners of the globe.
Praising the police and security services for their exceptional bravery she said the fact that they had lost one of their own today only made their calmness and professionalism under pressure all the more remarkable.
Parliament had been packed at the time of the incident with politicians, tourists and school children too. It was quickly cordoned off as medics and emergency services arrived.
Westminster went into lockdown and some MPs were held in the Commons chamber, Others were moved to Westminster Abbey for safety.
As politicians left this evening they spoke of their shock and sadness and praised the police officer, Keith Palmer, who lost his life protecting politicians and parliament. The best and the bravest, one MP said.
Flags are to be lowered to half-mast over Downing Street as a mark of respect to the people who died says political correspondent Eleanor Garnier.
Source-BBC
CTO launches new learning tool for Caribbean primary schools
The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Wednesday said it has launched its first ever tourism education for the Caribbean digital learning series geared towards primary school students in the region.
CTO said that in addition to its first ever tourism education for the Caribbean digital learning series of four (4) e-workbooks, students will also benefit from activities, videos and fun facts about the Caribbean designed for use by teachers, and students ages 6-11.
“These resources are intended to encourage schools across the Caribbean to integrate more tourism topics in their curriculum in order to build greater awareness among young students regarding what tourism entails and the significance of tourism to the Caribbean, demonstrate the importance of taking care of the environment for ourselves and visitors, inform students on how they can play a role in tourism’s success, showcase the many career opportunities available to Caribbean nationals and have fun while exploring the learning materials”.
Director of resource mobilisation and development at the CTO, Bonita Morgan, said ‘we began by creating a series of physical workbooks and a tourism module for primary schools which were used in the past by many schools throughout the region.
But we felt that we needed to refresh and upgrade our materials and present them in a colourful, creative and digital manner that children would enjoy and which would help them to have better recall,” said Morgan.
These audio-visual materials allow students the opportunity to focus on their country and the wider Caribbean, view their country and the region through the eyes of the visitors and take pride in what the region has to offer as tourism destinations.
The learning series was officially launched at the Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School in Barbados, the first school to have access to the digital tourism resource materials and was witnessed by the principal, teachers and students.
“We are deeply grateful here at Hillaby/Turner’s to have this opportunity to utilise e-resources in the teaching of our pupils. These e-tourism workbooks will enhance the tourism unit of social studies currently being taught in the class threes, the nine and ten year olds”, said Angela Edwards, the school’s principal.
Source-CMC