Senior cop insists that criminal gangs are operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A senior police officer says reputable agencies have identified between four and six gangs operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, despite Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams, insisting that this is not the case.
“I’ve seen and read reports that was generated from agencies outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines who refer to as much as four to six and the names that were mentioned in the report and names that are known to us as law enforcement,” said head of the crime-fighting division of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Trevor “Buju” Bailey.
Speaking on a local radio programme here, Bailey said while there are no anti-gang laws here, meaning that one person associating with another is not a crime, the police would not allow gangs to control any public space in the country.
Bailey, who has 34 years of experience in law enforcement, said a gang is a group of persons who associate themselves together, there is a command structure, identification marks such as a colour or a symbol that they claim as theirs, may be involved in criminal activity, and things may not necessarily be done without the leader’s approval.
“So, if Boom (radio station) is labelled as a gang, and Boom holds as a symbol a big stone, you will see Boom members wearing a t-shirt with a big stone,” Bailey told radio listeners.
“You will see a stone, or stones may be placed on your building… and you will hear even when they speak, the reference will be made of stones.”
Bailey said the agencies that identified the gangs here are reputable and did “their homework”, meaning that their information did not necessarily come from the police as their source of reference.
Bailey said that the police have “a good appreciation as to who operates and where they operate” as gangs and that the country has laws to deal with a wide range of offences, even as he reiterated that police cannot arrest someone for associating with another person.
“So, in other words, we just can’t meet people arbitrarily on the street and just arrest them. They have to commit an offence.
“So even though you know John or Jane associates themselves with the big stone, by an association, it is not a criminal offence. So, I just can’t lock up [a person] to say, well, ‘[This person] is associated with the big stone’,” Bailey explained.
Bailey was confident that long after he retired from law enforcement, the police here would not allow gangs to control territory.
“There are some young people in management coming through, in the middle ranks, and I think I have a good appreciation as to their thinking, and they will never allow any of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be given up to any such gang or groupings. No time. That’s not going to happen,” Bailey said.
In the absence of anti-gang laws, police are taking steps to make gangs uncomfortable.
“In making their lives uncomfortable, we disrupt, as far as practicable, their way of life, the areas of the operation,” Bailey said, making reference to a police raid two weeks ag.
“We didn’t make a press release on the raid, but we raided Rose Place two weeks ago,” he said, adding that police found “lots of drugs”, namely cocaine and marijuana, parcelled out for sale.
He said the police will continue with their targeted and random home searches and “we will continue to patrol.
“I want the people who are living in the areas that have been labelled as hot spots to know that the police are not your enemy, and we don’t see you as our enemy.
“And we don’t want you to put yourself in harm’s way. So, we don’t want you to come out on the road and say, ‘Boy, stop sell drugs on steps!’ because there could be retaliation.
“But if discreetly, you get the information to us, let us come and do it on your behalf. That is what we want. We want the citizens to relay information to us and allow us to do that which we are paid for,” Bailey said, noting that while police are asking people in hot spots to cooperate with them, the respect must be mutual.
“We cannot come in areas that is deemed to be a hot spot and kick down everybody’s door and turn over everybody’s pot and punch hole that the ham can’t be boiled and don’t expect that the citizens will react.”
He said that police officers are taught to be respectful but firm when necessary “because there are times when you have to demonstrate in no uncertain terms who is in charge and on whose turf this is.
“The turf does not belong to any group, any gang or any sort of people who figure that they can associate themselves or congregate in any area and lay claim, unless it is registered Inland Revenue, where you pay taxes … you can’t lay claim to no part of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
“And I want to re-emphasise that point, that law enforcement will never surrender any turf or territory to any gang groupings or any affiliates whatsoever in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
“So, we don’t allow gangs to claim any street, or a street is no longer accessible to wider St Vincent. No, that is not going to happen.”
Bailey told radio listeners that’s why he sent police officers to remove a roadblock set up by residents of Paul’s Avenue sometime recently.
Residents of that Kingstown community had complained about the actions of the police during that operation, with one of them saying that an officer discharged a gun “over” another resident’s head.
In general comments about disrupting gang activity, Bailey said police have arrested gang members for various offences, including unlicensed firearms, robbery, and murder.
He noted that Trinidad and Tobago has anti-gang legislation.
“We don’t have that on our records. Maybe the time will come when we may have to get to that stage. And we’re not there as yet. … But if law enforcement, if we are not continually vigilant, we run the risk of seeing increased membership in these gangs and groupings.”
He said that if police are not proactive, the country could be at risk of seeing “more reprisal, meaning more crime, not necessarily limited to murders only” when there are disagreements among gangs.
“So we have to be careful that we don’t see a spike let’s say in robbery activities or burglary activities, where they get their hands on monies or items that they can sell or trade to get money.
“And if you have cash, there’s some power in the sense that you can spend, you can buy what you want. So, we have to be continually vigilant,” Bailey said, adding that police here have seen that some groups in the country are affiliating themselves with other groups that are notorious for crime in other countries.
“So, we know that that connection exists. That being said, our vigilance always has to be high, and we rely heavily on our partners, immigration, to be vigilant as well, … to give us that heads up … because all of us are in the business of national security,” Bailey told radio listeners.
Source-CMC
Three Suspects Detained for Murder
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) have detained three male suspects in connection with the killing of Chato Moore.
Mr. Moore, 44, of Five Cays, was fatally shot on December 19 while in Dock Yard.
Following a series of operations at approximately 5 a.m. today (December 21), the suspects, aged 20, 20, and 24, were apprehended in Dock Yard under the execution of multiple warrants.
During the same operations, two females—a 15-year-old minor and a 24-year-old woman—were arrested after ammunition was discovered in their residence.
Commissioner of Police (ag) Fitz Bailey emphasized that this morning’s arrest is a direct result of the Force’s relentless efforts to combat crime and target criminals.
Commissioner Bailey said, “I indicated before that we will conduct sustained operations, and this arrest proves our commitment. We are taking the fight directly to the criminals and those intent on harbouring, concealing and protecting them.
“During our operations, the public can expect to be inconvenienced. We apologise and crave your understanding. Rest assured, these actions are to safeguard you further. Your vigilance and cooperation are critical to our success. I appeal to the public again. If you have any information, please get in touch with 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.”
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
Recording Academy to honor Frankie Beverly, Roxanne Shante, Prince & more with Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Recording Academy has announced the honorees for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony in February. The 2025 group includes the late Frankie Beverly, gospel vocalist and radio host Dr. Bobby Jones, blues musician Taj Mahal, Prince, and hip-hop's Roxanne Shante.
They'll be honored during Grammy week for the "creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance" they made to the recording field over the course of their careers, alongside fellow recipients The Clash and Frankie Valli.
“It’s an amazing privilege to honor this eclectic group of music icons during the year’s biggest week in music,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.. "Each of this year’s Special Merit Award recipients has left an indelible mark on music, from paving the way for others to innovation that forever has changed the trajectory of the musical landscape. We can’t wait to celebrate this group and their achievements in February.”
The Special Merit Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Budweiser, will take place on Feb. 1 in LA.
Source-ABC
Maloney among trio graduating from Sauber Academy
Barbadian driving sensation Zane Maloney has graduated from the Sauber Academy which he joined early in 2024.
Maloney, along with Théo Pourchaire and Carrie Schreiner are all set to embark on new adventures after graduating from the development programme.
The 21-year-old Maloney supported Sauber as a reserve driver in 2024 alongside a strong season in Formula 2, having kickstarted his campaign by winning both the Sprint and Feature Race at the opening round in Bahrain.
While he was unable to follow this up with further victories, Maloney kept himself in contention for the title and ended the year fourth in the drivers’ standings, with his last appearance being at the penultimate event in Qatar before making his Formula E debut in the 2024-2025 season for Lola Yamaha ABT.
Pourchaire – who won the Formula 2 championship in 2023 – has long been under the team’s wing, having acted as the squad’s reserve driver this year while also joining Super Formula for his inaugural campaign in the category.
The Frenchman then moved to IndyCar to race for Arrow McLaren where he enjoyed a strong debut performance.
While his name was mentioned in connection with a seat at Sauber on the F1 grid in 2025, his next chapter will see him become a test and development driver for Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship.
Meanwhile, Schreiner is set to take on the role of Team Brand Ambassador for Sauber in 2025, a position that will see her promote the team’s values and act as a mentor to young drivers alongside continuing her own racing career.
Source-
Ali blasts Bangladesh to dominant series sweep of Windies
Jaker Ali’s explosive half-century coupled with another abysmal batting performance by the West Indies helped Bangladesh romp to an 80-run victory in the third and final T20I here at Arnos Vale on Thursday.
Player-of-the-Match Ali rescued the visitors with a crucial, unbeaten 72 from 41 balls to get them up to 189 for seven from their 20 overs, before the Windies’ batsmen crumbled for the third time in the series to be bowled out for a paltry 109 in 16.4 overs, to give Bangladesh a 3-0 series sweep, their first such result in a T20I series in over two years.
Bangladesh fittingly ended the series in dominant fashion by registering their largest margin of victory over the West Indies in terms of runs, while dismissing the home side for their lowest ever total against them.
Yet again, the West Indies’ bowlers had the better of the early exchanges, limiting Bangladesh to 114 for six after 15 overs.
Bangladesh’s opening pair of captain Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon actually gave their side a blistering start by belting 44 runs inside the first five overs.
Without the services of the format’s best bowler Akeal Hosein, who left the team following the second T20I due to commitments in the Big Bash, his replacement Jayden Seales along with Romario Shepherd and Alzarri Joseph struggled to contain the duo.
Shepherd eventually got the breakthrough when he had Das caught at short extra cover by Brandon King for 13 after his miscued shot ballooned into the air.
Joseph, who was blasted for a six and four by Emon in his first over, got his revenge by having him caught at fine leg by Justin Greaves after scoring 39 from 21 balls, to leave the score 54 for two.
Bangladesh then suffered yet another mini collapse, losing Tanzid Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shamim Hossain and Mahedi Hasan to slump to 114 for six.
But Ali, who thought he had been run out when he was 18, only to be recalled by TV umpire Zahid Bassarath when replays showed Shamim Hossain had placed his bat inside the crease after Ali, ensured Bangladesh finished with a flourish.
He found a reliable partner in Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and the pair added 50 runs in four overs to give Bangladesh the momentum.
Ali thumped Joseph for a six and a four in the 16th over, and the duo smashed Obed McCoy for two sixes and a four in the 18th over that leaked 20 runs.
He eventually brought up his half century off 36 balls in the final over when he smashed Joseph over short third man for a boundary, before ending the innings in grand style by launching him for three sixes off the last four balls.
In all, Ali hit six sixes and three fours to propel Bangladesh to their highest T20I score in the Caribbean.
For the West Indies, Shepherd took 2-30 from his four overs.
Any hope the West Indies had of a consolation win was dashed inside the first 10 overs of their chase.
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed trapped Brandon King lbw with the second ball of the innings without a run on the board, and seven runs later debutant Justin Greaves hit Player-of-the-Series Mahedi Hasan straight down the throat of long on.
Opener Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran tried their best during a 38-run partnership, but Mahedi Hasan struck again, bowling the latter for 15 with a quicker delivery that kept low to reduce the West Indies to 45 for three in the sixth over.
The match was decided in the next three overs when Hasan Mahmud dismissed Roston Chase for a duck, Charles was run out for 23 and captain Rovman Powell was caught behind for just two off the bowling of Rishad Hossain, to leave the Windies all but lost at 60 for six.
Romario Shepherd delivered a few lusty blows during his cameo of 33, but Rishad Hossain quickly took care of the tail to hand the West Indies one of their most embarrassing defeats.
Hossain was the pick of the bowlers with 3-21, while Ahmed and Hasan took two wickets each.
Source- CMC
CDB approves multi-million US$ loan to build geothermal energy plant
The Barbados based Caribbean Development Bank has approved a loan of US$ 34.8 million loan to the Geothermal Power Company of Dominica (GPC) to fund the construction of a 10-megawatt (MW) geothermal power plant.
The project is designed to strengthen Dominica’s energy security, reduce electricity production costs, and significantly lower carbon emissions in the power sector.
Currently, Dominica imports over 90% of its energy, mainly in the form of fossil fuels.
Approximately 70% of the country’s electricity is diesel-generated, driving up energy costs and hindering business growth and progress towards key Sustainable Development Goals. However, Dominica, located in the Eastern Caribbean, is home to vast geothermal energy potential linked to its volcanic origin.
Geothermal energy, derived from the earth’s heat, primarily in volcanic areas, provides a constant, 24-hour source of renewable energy—unlike solar and wind power, which are subject to variability.
This makes it a critical solution for reducing dependence on diesel among countries in the Eastern Caribbean that currently rely heavily on fossil fuels.
The power plant construction in Dominica follows significant strides in developing its geothermal development, including the drilling of production and re-injection wells. Estimates suggest that the island’s geothermal potential could provide electrical power capacity up to 50-times the current peak demand of approximately 18 MW.
CDB’s funding – with resources from the Inter-American Development Bank (through the Green Climate Fund), and Government of Canada through the Global Affairs Canada – covers 51% of the total project costs of approximately USD68 million, with the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) contributing 22%, and the remainder as equity from the GPC.
This project is funded under CDB’s GeoSmart Initiative which seeks to support countries with geothermal potential in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in developing projects with funding and technical assistance.
“This plant will go a long way in helping Dominica achieve its sustainable energy goals and transition from fossil fuel-based electricity generation to entirely renewable sources,” said Therese Turner-Jones, the CDB’s Vice President of Operations (Ag).
She also emphasised that the plant will enable Dominica to leverage its natural resources to diversify its energy supply. said.
In addition to Dominica, other OECS nations have received support under the GeoSmart Initiative. A US$9.4 million grant has been approved for test drilling in Grenada, while St Kitts and Nevis received US$17 million in funding towards the drilling of production wells on the island of Nevis.
CDB previously provided US$27 million to support completed geothermal exploration in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Joseph Williams, Coordinator of the CDB’s Sustainable Energy Unit, noted that the approved funding for Dominica represents an important milestone and highlighted the importance of development financing in geothermal projects in small island developing states, given the high risk and national governments’ fiscal and human capacity constraints.
He further highlighted CDB’s contingently recovery grant (CRG) provided under GeoSmart.
“This is a key financial mechanism that helps address the high drilling risk and unlock private investment. The CRG allows for the funding of exploration such that if the drilling is unsuccessful, the funding remains a grant, with government or developer not having to repay a loan,” Williams said.
According to the CDB, by tapping its geothermal potential, the OECS is not only working to strengthen its energy security but also contributing to regional efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase resilience to climate change. Besides, energy affordability will help improve the competitiveness of these economies as electricity costs come down for consumers, households, and businesses. This marks a significant step towards a sustainable energy future for the Caribbean.
Source-CMC
Three airport employees arrested following cocaine seizure
Three ramp attendants at the Sangster International Airport in the western city of Montego Bay, along with a British citizen, have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure of 40 pounds of cocaine during two separate incidents at the airport last week.
Those charged are Rushen Powell, 36; Leroy Jones, 62 ; Ojay Simpson, 35 and UK resident Salha Suleiman Said.
In the first incident on December 11, a joint operation carried out by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (F-NID) and the Customs Agency resulted in the seizure of 28.5 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately £500,000.
The significant bust followed an extensive investigation into insider threats within the airport environment.
Five airport employees were apprehended and interviewed following the bust.
Powell, Jones and Simpson were subsequently charged with possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, attempting to export cocaine, and conspiracy to export cocaine.
The other two employees were released pending further investigation.
Three days later, on Saturday, December 14, the British citizen was arrested at the airport after 12 pounds of cocaine were discovered in her luggage.
Said was intercepted by officers during check-in for an outgoing flight to the UK and a search revealed the illicit substance.
She has been charged with possession of cocaine and taking steps to export cocaine.
Head of the FNID, Sam Blake, says the successful operations demonstrate the agency’s unwavering commitment to disrupting the flow of illegal drugs through Jamaica’s airports.
Source-CMC
Turks and Caicos Islands’ Tourism professionals honoured at 2024 CMEx Leadership Awards
Experience Turks and Caicos congratulates two professionals in the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism industry for their recent recognition from Caribbean Media Excellence (CMEx).
Ms. Laura Dowrich-Phillips, Public Relations Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos and Mr. Kashmie Ali, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Sailrock Resort, were among esteemed Caribbean nationals honoured with the 2024 CMEx Leadership Award.
The award ceremony took place during a gala luncheon at the Loews Hotel, Coral Gables, Miami on December 8th.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Josephine Connolly and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Wesley Clerveaux attended the awards ceremony.
“I am very proud of Laura and Kashmie and I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” said Minister Connolly. “Since joining the Experience Turks and Caicos team, Laura has proven to be an energetic and hard worker who is passionate about ensuring the Turks and Caicos Islands remains the top luxury destination of choice for affluent travellers. Kashmie has built a reputation for leading the charge to market South Caicos and the Sailrock Resort and the results show with the top-class clientele they continue to attract. I believe our industry has been enriched by the work they have been doing and continue to do to for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Minister also congratulated the other awardees, some of whom enjoy a close relationship with the Turks and Caicos Islands such as Mrs. Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation, Vanessa Ledesma, CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Dr. Lisa Indar, Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
The 2024 CMEx Laureates are as follows:
Kashmie Ali – Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South Caicos
Tracy Berkeley – CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority
Latia Duncombe – Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation
Laura Dowrich-Phillips – Caribbean Journalist and Public Relations Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
Ambassador Victor Fernandes – Veteran Caribbean Broadcaster and Barbados Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States
Gloria and Solomon Herbert – Co-founders of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine
Dr. Lisa Indar – Interim Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne – Owners, Fond Doux Eco Resort in St. Lucia
Thea LaFond – 2024 Olympic Champion, Dominica
Vanessa Ledesma – CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
Marc Melville – CEO, Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Marie McKenzie – Senior Vice President of Government and Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation & plc
Jennifer Nugent-Hill – Director of Government and Community Affairs, Tropical Shipping
Simón Suárez – Vice President, Grupo Puntacana
Ellison “Tommy” Thompson – Former Deputy Director General of Tourism, Bahamas, and Former CEO, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Christine Valls – Director of Sales for Latin America and the Caribbean, United Airlines
Caribbean Media Exchange is nonprofit organisation whose mission is to support and develop the ability of the media, government, the travel and tourism industry and communities to consider the importance of tourism in sustainable development, while lending a hand to the communities involved by sharing relevant expertise, financial and in-kind assistance.
Experience Turks and Caicos Showcase Destination’s Luxury Offerings at ILTM Cannes
Experience Turks and Caicos successfully represented the Turks and Caicos Islands at the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, France, from 2nd December to 5th December 2024. This marked a significant step in promoting the destination as a premier choice for luxury travellers worldwide.
The delegation, which included Experience Turks and Caicos in collaboration with key industry partners, The Hartling Group, Waterloo Management, Beach Enclave, and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), showcased the unparalleled luxury offerings of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The joint effort highlighted the destination's pristine beaches, world-class accommodations, and unique multi-island experiences.
During the four-day event, Experience Turks and Caicos engaged with over 40 travel advisors and agencies from markets such as the United States, India, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with advisors describing Turks and Caicos as an “unexplored luxury gem” and emphasising its appeal to clients seeking exclusive and fresh travel destinations.
“As a destination that targets an affluent niche market, ILTM has proven to be a key show for the Turks and Caicos Islands. From all reports there is a lot of interest in our multi-island destination from our traditional source markets and new and emerging markets which we will be exploring in the new year. I would like to thank the delegation for representing us and for their continued efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as the ideal luxury destination in the Caribbean,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly.
“Our participation at ILTM was a critical step in elevating the global perception of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a world-class luxury destination,” said Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer of Experience Turks and Caicos. “The feedback we received from top travel advisors reinforces the demand for new and unique experiences among affluent travellers. Turks and Caicos has all the elements to meet and exceed those expectations, and we are excited to continue building relationships that will drive sustainable tourism growth.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands’ booth distinguished itself from competitors with a cohesive presentation showcasing the destination’s stunning beaches and world-class luxury accommodations. The collaborative efforts of industry partners created a unified narrative, effectively positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands as an essential destination for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled luxury and exclusivity.
“Clients are tired of the same destinations and are looking for new, unique experiences. The Turks and Caicos Islands, with their incomparable beaches and luxury accommodations, are the perfect answer to that demand,” said one advisor.
Key highlights from the event include strong interest from emerging markets such as India and the Netherlands, where agencies are eager to expand their offerings to properties like Amanyara and Parrot Cay. In the U.S. market, advisors sought updates on new developments, with particular interest in multi-island stays and day-trip opportunities. Additionally, South Caicos garnered attention for its new flights and resort developments, indicating its growing appeal among luxury travelers.
Experience Turks and Caicos plans to build on the momentum generated at ILTM by organizing follow-up webinars, sharing tailored destination resources, and enhancing partnerships with global travel advisors. By fostering these relationships, the organization aims to attract a new wave of luxury travelers to the islands.
Armed Robbery along Leeward Highway
Shortly after 3:29 PM today, the Police Control Room received multiple reports of a robbery in progress at a warehouse along Leeward Highway, Providenciales.
Officers were dispatched to the given location and were informed upon arrival that armed individuals entered the business place, started shooting and escaped with a cash register.
While at the scene, officers received additional information that three individuals were brought to the emergency room of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
Based on reports, the victims are employees of the business place held up by the armed suspects.
Sadly, one of the victims, a 31-year-old male, succumbed to injuries while undergoing medical treatment.
The other two victims remain under medical care.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
At this stage, detectives are appealing to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information about the incident to the RT&CIPF.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.