RTCIPF Officer Injured
At approximately 12:09 AM today (February 2), a team of officers patrolling Kew Town, Providenciales, observed a black Nissan Note traveling without headlights.
Officers activated their flashing lights, causing the vehicle to slow down. However, as they exited their vehicle, the Nissan Note suddenly accelerated, colliding with the police jeep and injuring an officer. As officers attempted to return to their vehicle, they heard loud explosions similar to gunfire coming from the Nissan Note. They returned fire.
Despite his injuries, the wounded officer, along with his colleagues, pursued the fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase that concluded on Bay Road, Blue Hills.
Upon stopping, two male suspects exited the vehicle. One suspect, armed with a handgun, pointed it toward the officers while attempting to flee with his accomplice, prompting an officer to take evasive action and fire in the direction of the gunman.
The suspects managed to evade capture. The injured officer was transported for urgent medical treatment and remains stable.
Acting Commissioner Fitz Bailey stated, “I unequivocally condemn the brazen and cowardly attack on our police officers who were simply doing their duty. This violent act is not just an attack on the RT&CIPF in the lawful execution of their; it is an attack on the safety, security, and order of our communities. Our officers put their lives on the line daily, stepping into dangerous and unpredictable situations to uphold the law and protect our people. This is a high-risk job, yet
these brave men and women continue to serve with unwavering dedication.
“Let this be a clear message: The RT&CIPF will not allow criminals to believe they can act with impunity. We will continue to stand firm against those who threaten the peace and security of our islands. I implore my officers to remain firm and decisive when confronted by these vicious elements in society whilst ensuring that their actions are always within the framework of the law.
“I also call on the public to recognize the sacrifices officers make every day. The risks they take are real, and they do so to keep our communities safe. Support your officers and cooperate with them”.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide anonymous tips. Individuals can also use the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information securely and confidentially.
The 67th annual Grammy Awards Winners
The 67th annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, aired live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on CBS Sunday, Feb. 2.
Here are the winners in the major categories announced during the broadcast:
Album of the year
COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé
Song of the year
"Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar
Record of the year
"Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar
Best new artist
Chappell Roan
Best pop vocal album
Short n' Sweet, Sabrina Carpenter
Best rap album
Alligator Bites Never Heal, Doechii
Best country album
COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé
Best Latin pop album
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira
Best pop duo/group performance
"Die with a Smile," Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Dr. Dre Global Impact Award
Alicia Keys
Mahomes & Hurts arrives for Super Bowl Week
In the major US sports leagues, a three-peat is when a team becomes national champions three years running.
It has been done five times in both the NBA and NHL, and four times in MLB.
The Green Bay Packers have achieved two three-peats in the NFL, with the latter coming as they won the final championship game before the Super Bowl era in 1966, followed by the first two Super Bowls.
No team has ever won three straight Super Bowls, but the Kansas City Chiefs have the chance of clinching a three-peat in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, 9 February.
Both teams touched down in New Orleans on Sunday for Super Bowl week, with Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes looking focused as the teams arrived in New Orleans on Sunday.
Player arrival pictures before big games are usually good for some bold fashion choices but getting off their respective planes, it looks like most players chose comfort over style.
Even so, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce still stood out in this bold tracksuit combo.
What are we calling this colour? Dark mustard? Hot dog brown? Either way, Taylor Swift's boyfriend has certainly got Style...
Julian Edelman is sick of accusations that the league or the referees are biased towards Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
A three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots as they dominated the NFL - he knows success often brings jealousy.
"It's apparent when you're on top everyone wants to try and bring you down," he told the Rich Eisen Podcast. "It's a bunch of baloney that the league is helping the Kansas City Chiefs
"If you've got a problem with it – go beat them. The refs aren't involved when you throw interceptions when you fumble the ball, when you jump offsides, or when you don't convert third down or fourth down. They can't control that.
"If you want to beat them go beat them. Don't just talk about it, do it. I'm so sick and tired of hearing people say that about the Chiefs.
"These whole graphics about they get the calls off the refs - it's because they're coached better."
Super Bowl 59 will take place at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The stadium hosted its first Super Bowl in 1978 and has staged the NFL's championship game more times than any other stadium (seven).
This year will be the first time since 2013 that the game has been played in New Orleans and the 11th overall - a joint record with Miami - which is why the locals like to call it the 'city of Super Bowls'.
Home to the New Orleans Saints, the Superdome opened in 1975 so this year's Super Bowl coincides with the stadium's 50th anniversary.
It has a capacity of about 75,000 and underwent a five-year renovation costing $560m (£458.7m), which was completed in time for this season.
Environmental Health Department and Ministry of Health Collaborate with PAHO
The Environmental Health Department and the Ministry of Health & Human Services, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), conducted a technical mission from January 20th to 24th 2025 to strengthen food safety systems and public health in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The mission also included assessments of agricultural practices, with a focus on both antemortem and post-mortem inspections to ensure food safety from production to consumption.
Before the in-country mission, PAHO agreed to work with the Environmental Health Department on a stepwise approach to review and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in the current Food and Drug Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This collaboration set the foundation for the mission’s objectives, ensuring a targeted assessment of the regulatory framework and its implementation.
The mission included a series of meetings with key stakeholders involved in food safety, including the Agriculture Department, the National Public Health Laboratory, the Customs Department, the Grand Turk Cruise Center etc. The consultants, Dr. Andre Luis De Sousa Dos Santos and Ms. Katherine Helena Oliveira Matos, also traveled across the islands—including South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Providenciales—to assess the full scope of the food industry and identify areas for improvement. The discussions held provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities within the local food safety system.
Dr. Andre Luis De Sousa Dos Santos is an Advisor on Food Safety and Surveillance at the Pan American for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Center and Veterinary Public Health (PANAFTOSA/SPV) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Dr. Katherine Helena Oliveira Matos from WHO is a food safety expert with more than 14 years of experience in the food and beverage sector and with solid experience in developing partnerships with national and international organizations (PAHO, FDA, among others). Both consultants have a wealth of experience in the area of food safety having provided the expertise to many other countries.
The visit culminated in a high-level meeting with executive members of the Ministry of Health and Human Services to review the feasibility of PAHO’s recommendations, assess capacity-building efforts for Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), establish food safety standards, and address gaps in the food quality and safety system. The discussions focused on practical strategies to enhance the country’s ability to meet international food safety and public health standards.
The Environmental Health Department and the Ministry of Health & Human Services expressed their gratitude to PAHO for their technical cooperation and expertise. They look forward to receiving the final report, which will include action plans for updating the Food and Drug Ordinance and guiding its subsequent implementation. This will be a crucial step toward modernizing food safety regulations and strengthening the overall public health framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Wounding Conviction in TCI Supreme Court
SILOUS ELLIOTT III is scheduled to reappear in the Supreme Court on February 25th, 2025, for sentencing.
Mr Elliott, 34, was found guilty on January 28, 2025, having been charged with Wounding with Intent.
The court heard that on June 9th, 2023, Mr Elliott was arrested following an incident at Cooper Jack Bay Road, Providenciales.
Following investigations, he was charged, RTC News will have more on this in a subsequent newscast.
Making the Right Choice
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) welcomed students and guidance counselors from the Clement Howell High School to the Chalk Sound Police Station and the Grace Bay Police Post today.
The visit aimed to encourage students to make positive life choices.
Acting Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of choosing a positive path despite challenges.
“Sometimes, your environment may not be ideal, but do not let this deter you. People may try to make you feel lesser than you are, but their words do not define you. Everyone was created in the image of God, and you have the power to shape your future,” said Commissioner Bailey.
He encouraged the students to take control of their destiny, highlighting that they are “procreators” who can create their own world.
“The choices you make will determine your future. Always strive to make the right choice, avoid negative influences, and look up to positive role models,” he advised.
Commissioner Bailey also spoke about the nobility of the policing profession, sharing his journey in law enforcement. “Policing is a noble profession. My first and only job has been that of a police officer, and I can confidently say it is one of the best careers you can pursue.”
The visit allowed students to interact with officers, learn about the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement personnel, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of maintaining law and order within their communities.
CAF to host Latin American and Caribbean Economic Forum
The development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) will host a two-day forum bringing together global and regional leaders to discuss and formulate strategies to promote sustainable economic growth and the well-being of people from Latin America and the Caribbean.
CAF said that the “Latin America and the Caribbean International Economic Forum 2025: How to return to the path of growth?” will begin on Wednesday and will be attended by several leaders including Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF; Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the Latin America and Caribbean region as well as José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, the Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
CAF said Latin America and the Caribbean faces structural challenges that have limited its economic and social growth for decades.
“Despite having vast natural resources, a young and enterprising population, and enviable energy potential, the region continues to face low growth and high inequality. The forum will address how the region can achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the coming years,” CAF said.
It said that the main objective of the forum, which will serve as a meeting place between the private sector, government authorities and the multilateral sphere, will be to identify and promote innovative strategies that strengthen institutions, promote innovation and digitalisation, advance the transition to green energy as well as develop strategic infrastructure and generate inclusive opportunities for all.
CAF said that these initiatives are critical to overcoming current obstacles and creating a more dynamic and resilient economic environment.
“Latin America and the Caribbean has the potential to become a region of global solutions to the great challenges of development, but at the same time it must achieve sustained and inclusive growth and address its structural problems, such as inequalities, low productivity or poverty reduction.
“This forum will be a key step towards these goals, as it will outline concrete action plans to improve the quality of life and create a fairer, more resilient and sustainable economy”, said Díaz-Granados, CAF’s Executive President.
The financial institution said that during the two-day event, a series of sessions will be held that will include panel discussions, keynotes, and collaborative workshops. These activities will allow participants to explore in depth the challenges and opportunities of the region, promoting constructive dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas.
The sessions will cover issues including Economic Outlook 2025 allowing experts to analyse the economic situation of Latin America and the Caribbean for the year as well as elevating Latin America and the Caribbean’s presence in the global market.
Strategies for an effective internationalisation of the region, the circular economy in urban solid waste management in Latin America and the Caribbean as well as wealth and energy transition in Latin America and the Caribbean will also be discussed.
The importance of connectivity for regional growth as well as a vision for the future development of the region are also on the agenda.
“Latin America and the Caribbean has an opportunity to establish a path of inclusive and sustainable growth. Through collaboration and the exchange of ideas in this forum, leaders in the region can work together to create a more just, resilient, and prosperous economy,” the CAF added.
Source-CMC
Boat with dead bodies discovered off the coast of Nevis
Police say a boat with 13 dead bodies on board had been discovered off the coast of Nevis on Wednesday.
They said that the St. Kitts-Nevis Defense Coast Guard responding to a report of a drifting boat off the coast made the gruesome discovery just after midday, local time.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cromwell Henry, said that the bodies were severely decomposed and it is not known whether there were children among the dead.
The boat has been towed back to St. Kitts as the investigations continue and the authorities say crime scene investigators are still at the scene..
Police say that it is still too early to determine whether or not there is a connection between the boat and dead bodis found here and a similar discovery off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago last weekend.
The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) said that a pirogue carrying the decomposing remains of five unidentified individuals sunk while being towed to Trinidad.
While the circumstances surrounding the vessel remain unclear, including the cause of death of those on board, the TTCG said the pirogue bore a “striking resemblance” to a boat discovered off the coast of Tobago in May 2021, which reportedly drifted from West Africa with migrants on board.
Source- CMC
Honouring Deputy Shamone Duncan
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force yesterday (January 28) paid respect to fallen Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Shamone Duncan.
Ms Duncan, 50, tragically lost her life on January 18 while spending time with family and friends in the TCI.
In a heartfelt display of solidarity, officers saluted and escorted her body to a chartered plane bound for Chicago, ensuring she was sent home with dignity and respect.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams said, “Though officers may not have personally known Deputy Duncan, we stood united in honouring her as a fellow officer who, like us, took an oath to protect and serve.
The bond of law enforcement transcends borders, and this moment was a testament to the deep mutual respect shared among those in uniform as law enforcers”.
The RTCIPF Chaplain, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, offered words of comfort and read a scripture, reminding those gathered of the strength and sacrifice that define their calling. Among the attendees were Duncan’s sister, Eshawn Spencer, Deputy Commissioner Adams, Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant, Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner, Experience TCI Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich-Phillips, and officers of the Force—all standing in solemn reflection.
The January 18 incident, which also claimed the life of Dario Stubbs, remains under active investigation, and we urgently seek the public's assistance. Please come forward if you were driving along Grace Bay Road, specifically from Aziza’s Restaurant to the Seven Stars Roundabout, and have dashcam footage between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
If you were in the vicinity during this time or have any information, no matter how small, your input could be vital to solving this case. Please get in touch with the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
STRAUGHN SWANN charged for Murder
A 30-year-old male has been charged with the murder of ELVA ANNABELLE TALBOT.
STRAUGHN SWANN, 30, of Robinson Street, Five Cays, Providenciales, was charged on January 24 following advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The accused appeared before a Magistrate yesterday (January 28) and was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison pending a sufficiency hearing on March 7th 2025.
The charges against Mr SWANN state that on January 15th, 2025, in Providenciales, he murdered Ms Talbot, Contrary to Section 3 of the Offenses Against the Person Ordinance Chapter 3.08.
At the time of her death, Ms. Talbot, also of Five Cays, was at her home when she was attacked.