RTC Director

Targeted Multi-Agency Operations in Blue Hills

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Tactical Unit on Wednesday, April 23rd, led a coordinated multi-agency operation in Blue Hills, focusing on an illegal settlement near Miracle Close.

The operation, which involved the deployment of over 70 officers, including Border Force personnel, conducted foot patrols to identify and disrupt criminal activity in the area. Several individuals were engaged, stopped, and searched.

This operation was part of a broader effort to reassure the public, gather vital intelligence, and directly address criminal elements believed to reside within these unauthorized settlements.
The Blue Hills operation is part of an ongoing series of initiatives encompassing the Snake Hill and Dock Yard districts.

As officers departed the area, a fire was observed within the settlement.
Preliminary reports suggest it was accidentally started by a resident fleeing the area and leaving cooking equipment unattended.

Emergency services were alerted, and no injuries have been reported.

The RT&CIPF remains committed to proactive policing efforts and urges anyone with information that could support future operations to contact us anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, the nearest police station, 911, or the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842.

Individuals can also download and use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to submit information anonymously.

by RTC Director

Major Firearms and Ammunition Find

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) has recorded a breakthrough in the ongoing battle against gun violence, following a successful operation conducted last week.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, Tactical and Serious Crime Unit officers executed a targeted operation at a premises in Five Cays, Providenciales.

During the search, officers found two high-powered, military-style firearms and more than 200 rounds of ammunition. Following this discovery, thorough investigations were conducted as officers pursued various leads. One suspected gang member is currently in police custody in connection with the discovery.
Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey said: “The seizure of these dangerous weapons sends an unequivocal message—we will not tolerate violence and lawlessness in our communities.

This significant find has potentially prevented the loss of life and further acts of violence against law-abiding citizens. Our officers remain resolute in their mission to pursue individuals who possess and traffic illegal firearms. SEVEN firearms have been seized from January 1 to April
23rd, 2025. Five of which were pistols. The recovered weapons have been sent for ballistic testing.

“This operation forms part of the RT&CIPF’s intensified anti-crime suppression activities aimed at removing illegal firearms from the streets, disrupting criminal networks, and enhancing public safety.

“Our anti-crime efforts remain focused on high-visibility and intelligence-driven operations. The successes recorded over the past week are a testament to our officers' dedication and hard work towards achieving our crime reduction targets for 2025 and making the islands safer.”

The RT&CIPF will continue to conduct targeted operations, including road traffic stops and search exercises, in areas harbouring priority offenders and suspects.

Members of the public are reminded of their vital role in supporting law enforcement efforts.

Anyone with information regarding illegal activities is urged to contact the nearest police station, dial 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477.

Individuals can also download and use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to submit information anonymously.

by RTC Director

Investigation Launched following suspicious emails to schools

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, has launched an active investigation following the receipt of suspicious emails to six schools earlier this evening.

At this stage, police intelligence has not confirmed the legitimacy of the threats. However, the police force is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.

A joint meeting between education officials and senior police officers was convened promptly after the emails were reported. The RT&CIPF’s Intelligence Unit is fully engaged and working to trace the origin of the messages.

We understand that these messages may cause concern and wish to assure the public that everything possible is being done to protect our school communities.

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that examinations have commenced, and every effort is being made to ensure that students sitting examinations are not distracted or disadvantaged.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

by RTC Director

GENDER AFFAIRS CELEBRATES GIRLS IN ICT DAY 2025

Department of Gender Affairs, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs & Transportation, is proud to announce its Inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition, to be held on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Salvation Army Auditorium in Providenciales.

Although International Girls in ICT Day is globally observed on the last Thursday in April, this year’s celebration in the Turks and Caicos Islands will take place on May 1st to accommodate the Easter school holidays. The decision allows for broader participation from students and educators alike, ensuring this groundbreaking event is accessible to all involved.

Girls in ICT Day is a global initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With the digital world expanding rapidly, this observance highlights the importance of including women and girls in shaping the future of tech. It also draws attention to the gender divide in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and works toward ensuring that girls are not left behind in the digital revolution.

This year’s theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” reflects the growing need for equitable access to digital tools, knowledge, and careers for all young people, especially girls. As countries around the world adapt to rapid technological change, it is critical that girls are given every opportunity to develop digital skills, innovate, and lead in the tech space. The theme also speaks to the role that inclusion plays in national development, highlighting how equal participation in ICT benefits entire communities.

In this first-of-its-kind speech competition, students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands will take to the stage to share their perspectives on the topic: “How Can Digital Skills Empower Girls to Lead in ICT, and What Role Do Schools and Communities Play in Creating More Opportunities?”

Six schools from across the islands are participating in the event, with student representatives selected to speak on behalf of their institutions. These young ladies are:

Tianna Kerr – Alpha Christian Academy
Jeffca Forbes – Clement Howell High School
Amelia Daniel – Maranatha Academy
Tessenya Pyne – H.J. Robinson High School
Bretanae Smith – Raymond Gardiner High School
Danisha Decius – A. Louise Garland Thomas High School

Each participant will present original speeches that demonstrate their understanding of the digital landscape, the challenges faced by girls in ICT, and their vision for a more inclusive future. The competition is designed not only to test their public speaking abilities but also to empower them as thought leaders and role models for their peers.

The launch of the speech competition builds on the Department’s previous initiatives to promote gender equality in technology. In 2023, the Department facilitated school visits by women working in the ICT sector, offering firsthand insights and inspiration to students. In 2024, the Department hosted a dynamic panel discussion in Providenciales, where over 100 girls from across the Turks and Caicos Islands came together to hear from leading women in technology and digital business. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for this year’s event, which raises the bar by giving girls a public platform to share their voices.

The Department of Gender Affairs acknowledges the generous support of its event sponsors, Beaches Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, FLOW, Fortis TCI, and Blue Haven Resort, whose contributions help bring visibility and resources to this vital cause.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, emphasized the critical importance of investing in the next generation of female ICT leaders and the government's continued commitment to gender inclusion, youth empowerment, and the role of digital innovation in driving national development.

The Minister stated:

“It is with great pride and optimism that I commend the Department of Gender Affairs on the launch of this inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition. This initiative clearly reflects the Government’s commitment, anchored in the Government’s Citizens’ Contract 2.0 with the people to gender inclusion and youth empowerment. It places young women at the forefront of digital innovation, a space where their voices and talents are not only needed but essential.”

This year’s theme, ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’, speaks volumes. In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, the future belongs to those who are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead. It is imperative that girls are among those future leaders. By creating platforms such as this, an investment is being made in a generation of innovators who will drive national development and help shape a more inclusive society.

The Department of Gender Affairs deserves commendation for its continued dedication to championing girls in technology. Past initiatives, from school visits by women in ICT to engaging panel discussions have paved the way for today’s milestone event. And to the young ladies competing, know this: your words have power, your dreams are valid, and your future in ICT is bright.

Let this be a collective effort by the Ministry, the community, and the nation to build a more equitable digital landscape where every girl is encouraged to dream big and lead boldly.”

The Department of Gender Affairs is proud to champion girls' cause in ICT and remains committed to creating a society where young women are encouraged and supported in pursuing their dreams in the digital world. The speech competition marks the beginning of a new tradition in the Turks and Caicos Islands, one where girls take center stage in shaping the future of technology.

by RTC Director

NEW ACTING JUDGE APPOINTED TO GRAND TURK

Her Excellency the Governor has appointed the Hon. Judge Rajiv Persad as an acting judge in the Supreme Court, Criminal Division, sitting in Grand Turk from 1st May 2025 to 31st August 2025.

Ag. Judge Persad is an accomplished jurist well known in the region as well as in these islands, where he has been involved in training judges and magistrates with the Judicial Education Institute.

Rajiv Persad SC is Head of Allum Chambers based in Trinidad and Tobago, where he specializes in a wide array of litigation.

As a practitioner, he has featured in many cases involving commercial and tort law, extradition, constitutional law, human rights, judicial review, as well as a significant number of complex capital and non-capital criminal trials and appeals.

He is a member of the Bars of Antigua, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Ag. Judge Persad has done temporary stints on the bench serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago (2009), Grenada (2013), St Vincent (2014), the British Virgin Islands (2013 & 2018, 2019, 2024 and 2025), and Montserrat (2020).

He has served on the Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago as Deputy Chairman as well as the Law Association, where he was the Vice President, and is also a member of the current Police Service Commission.

He is an associate Tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School, where he has lectured on courses in Criminal Practice and Procedure and the Law of Evidence. He has been invited on several occasions to present papers for Judges, Magistrates, and members of the Bar at seminars within the Region, including Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, Guyana, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He is the author of the chapter “The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council” in the book Taylor on Criminal Appeals, and has written papers in a number of publications on topics involving Public Law and other Criminal Justice Issues.

He will be sworn in shortly to commence his duties on 1st May 2025.

by RTC Director

Tourism Stakeholders Warned About Encouraging Use of Illegal Taxis

The Department of Tourism Regulations, in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, is reminding tourism stakeholders that encouraging the use of illegal taxis is impermissible and may carry legal repercussions.

Hotels, restaurants, business owners, and tourism ambassadors who promote, refer, facilitate or enable the operation of illegal taxis are liable to a fine of $1000.

“This Ministry stands with every licensed taxi operator who plays by the rules and contributes to the safety, credibility, and professionalism of our tourism industry. Illegal operators not only endanger lives, they undermine the hard work of those who do things the right way. We will not allow a few bad actors to tarnish the reputation our people have worked so hard to build,” said Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment.

Mr. Avi Adams, Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations, said: “The Department of Tourism Regulations is reminding the public that operating an unlicensed taxi or public service vehicle is a serious offence under the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Illegal taxi operations undermine our tourism sector's safety, quality, and reputation and pose a risk to both residents and visitors.”

“The TCHTA is reminding all of our members to be mindful of the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the safety of their employees and visitors which is paramount to the success of our industry. Everyone, from the security guards to the executives, has a duty to safeguard the tourism sector and that can only be achieved by doing what is lawful and right,” said Mrs. Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA.

Drivers of illegal taxis are warned that it is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulations to operate a public vehicle without the appropriate license or to do so without holding a valid public service operator’s license.

“To obtain insurance coverage, operators must comply with the requirements set out under the Insurance Act. Failure to meet these legal obligations not only puts lives at risk but also constitutes a serious violation of the law. We are appealing to the public to refrain from operating unlicensed public vehicles and urge members of the public not to patronise such illegal services,” said Head of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, ag Insp Damien Mitchell.

The fine for operating without the appropriate license or without a valid public service operator’s license is $1,000 for each offence if found guilty. Under the Insurance Act, individuals may also face disqualification from driving.

by RTC Director

Labour and Employment Services Department Addresses Worker Shortage and Prioritises Turks and Caicos Islanders

The Labour and Employment Services Department acknowledges the current shortage of workers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a situation amplified by the significant increase in development projects across the nation.

Recognising its dual mandate, the Department emphasises its unwavering commitment to ensuring fair treatment and prioritising employment opportunities for all Turks and Caicos Islanders. By law, Turks and Caicos Islanders must be given the first opportunity for available job positions within the country.

While acknowledging the potential need for supplementary migrant workers to support ongoing developments, the Labour and Employment Services Department strongly urges all employers and the wider public to prioritise qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for all job openings.

To effectively facilitate this process and gain a comprehensive understanding of the local workforce, the Labour and Employment Services Department is actively registering unemployed and underemployed Turks and Caicos Islanders. This vital initiative will allow the Department to identify available skill sets within the TCI, significantly aiding in the thorough vetting of employment applications.

“This Government remains resolute in its commitment to placing Turks and Caicos Islanders at the forefront of national development", said Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson.

“The priority is, and will always be, to ensure our people are afforded every opportunity to participate meaningfully in the labour market. We will continue to enforce the policies and laws that safeguard this principle, and we urge all stakeholders to do the same. The prosperity of these Islands must begin with the empowerment of its people.”

The Department wishes to remind the public of the guidelines it adheres to when reviewing applications for migrant workers, ensuring that such applications are considered only when a genuine need has been established after due consideration of the local workforce.

The Labour and Employment Services Department remains dedicated to fostering a fair and equitable labour market that benefits all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We encourage all Turks and Caicos Islanders to register with us at jobregistration@gov.tc to ensure their skills and availability are known, contributing to the growth and prosperity of our nation.

by RTC Director