TCI DELEGATION ATTENDS LAUNCH OF THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROBATION AND PAROLE (CAPP) IN BARBADOS
A delegation from the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision (DRCS) traveled to Barbados to attend the launch of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP). The event marked a significant step toward regional collaboration in probation and parole efforts, with participation from several Caribbean Islands. The delegation representing the Turks and Caicos Islands included: Mrs. Bridgette Newman (Permanent Secretary), Mr. Jaron Harvey (Director), and Ms. Drexanna Seymour (Probation and Parole Officer).
During the launch, a presentation on the progress of TCI’s rehabilitation and probation sectors was delivered, highlighting both existing and upcoming innovative programs aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting behavioral change among clients. Director Harvey emphasized, “We are committed to creating a system that not only holds individuals accountable but also empowers them with the tools to transform their lives.” He added, “Collaborating with regional partners through CAPP enables us to build on these efforts by sharing our achievements and learning from one another. Our emphasis on rehabilitation, skill development, and behavioral change is already showing positive results, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
PS Newman asserted “as a region, we face similar challenges, and this organization allows us to pool our resources and knowledge to develop solutions that work for us. I am proud of the strides we have made in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our partnership with CAPP will further enhance our efforts to reduce re-offending and empower those under our care to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
The launch of CAPP represents a milestone in strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices across the Caribbean to tackle issues related to probation, parole, and reintegration. The association aims to enhance regional cooperation, capacity-building, and policy development to address the needs of individuals within the justice system while promoting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.
The delegation’s participation in this event underscores TCI's commitment to leading by example in probation and parole services, while the collaborative efforts with CAPP promise a brighter future for rehabilitation and community supervision across the region.
Barbados Government announces more measures to deal with crime
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced the establishment of a National Advisory Council on Citizen Security as her administration moves towards dealing with an upsurge in gun and gun-related violence.
“The government of Barbados has agreed that we will establish immediately a national advisory council on Citizen Security. And this council on citizen security is intended to be able to have the widest possible ownership of the things that we must consider and do to be able to ensure that Barbados does not fall down the rabbit hole that regrettably other countries have fallen into as a result of the access in particular to assault weapons and automatic weapons.”
Mottley told a news conference that the council will be headed by Professor Velma Newton with the President of the Senate, Reginald Farley being the deputy chairman. The council will also include security experts, business leaders, religious leaders, union officials and youth representatives.
Mottley said the council will respond to government directives and actively engage with community groups to gather insights and recommendations. She expressed hope that this initiative would stimulate widespread interest and participation among Barbadians.
Acknowledging that no single party or institution is solely responsible for the country’s social challenges, Mottley noted that the new council will complement ongoing efforts by various institutions, including the Law Reform Commission.
The prime minister indicated that difficult discussions would be necessary. She outlined several legislative matters for consideration by the council, including an anti-gang initiative requested by the Opposition and electronic intercept legislation sought by law enforcement agencies.
“The National Council will have to advise as well as the government will have to decide on whether this country wants, like Australia and others, to become a gun-free society; whether even with all of that, there should be a further gun amnesty,” she said.
Mottley also announced fines and new regulations targeting vehicle window tints, number plates, mask-wearing, and the use of 3D printers beginning October 14.
“Persons who are not having tints that are compliant… will be fined. I’m not interested in prosecuting them…. I want money. If you are involved in behaviour that leads to those tints still being there, such that the police or anybody passing by can’t see you… start paying some fines.”
She said the new policies are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance public safety, with an additional focus on regulating vehicle number plates. Mottley announced a crackdown on the manufacture of number plates by “anyone.
“The notion that any and everybody can make a number plate, those days are gone,” she said, warning “the fines will be high fines”.
Mottley told reporters the government’s approach is designed to target those who facilitate criminal activities, particularly for financial gain.
“The prison is for real criminals. The ones who want to claim that they’re helping criminals… If you’re doing it for money, give back all the money that you’re making from it and more,” she said.
Mottely said the authorities are also moving to crackdown on the public use of masks, saying “we have gotten into this awful habit of having people walk around.
“It may seem cool, but it stops the police and other legitimate people in this society from seeing and knowing who is standing next to them.”
The prime minister is relying on a provision of the Highways Act that she said was passed in 1925 – when Barbados was a British colony – which originally prohibited mask-wearing in public.
The regulation was relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic but Mottley made clear that masks are once again illegal unless authorised.
“The bottom line is, unless you have the permission of the Commissioner of Police, you cannot be wearing these masks on your face,” she said, warning car rental owners to be vigilant about the use of their vehicles in criminal activities.
Referencing the Proceeds and Instrumentality of Crime Act which was passed in 2019 and allows law enforcement to confiscate criminals’ property, Prime Minister Mottley said steps were being taken to engage with those in the car hire industry.
“I’ve asked the Attorney General and the Deputy Prime Minister to meet with the owners of the hired car industry, because if your car is used as an instrument of crime… it can be confiscated and forfeited.”
The measures also extend to 3D printers, which will now be subject to a regulatory framework, similar to that of firearms.
“In the same way that you must apply for a licence to import firearms, we will require that you have a licence to import 3D printers,” Mottley said, adding that law enforcement will have the right to periodically inspect the devices to ensure they are not being put to criminal uses.
“The regulatory framework for 3D printers will also include the right of law enforcement to periodically inspect those who have these printers to ensure that they are not being used for nefarious purposes.”
Source-CMC
No criminal charges against Prime Minister Holness
The Integrity Commission (IC), citing insufficient evidence regarding the non-disclosure of four bank accounts in his asset filings, has ruled out criminal charges against Prime Minister Andrew Holness for allegedly making false income declarations.
The ruling, by the IC’s Director of Corruption Prosecutions, Keisha Prince-Kameka was laid in Parliament on Tuesday and stems from a recommendation by the Commission’s Director of Investigations, Kevon Stephenson.
Stephenson had investigated concerns that Prime Minister Holness owned assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings and omitted four joint bank accounts from his statutory declarations between 2019 and 2022.
The investigation was triggered by a September 2022 referral from the commission’s commissioners who had flagged the prime minister’s net worth growth of J$51.6 million(One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) over five years ending December 2021
But Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson said that the IC had no power in law to refer an individual for investigation by an authority such as the Financial Investigation Division (FID).
The IC had sent a letter asking Parliament to support its referral concerning Prime Minister Holness to the FID. The investigation report, an addendum, the commission’s ruling and a special report were all tabled Tuesday in the House of Representatives, marking the culmination of a two-year investigation during which the prime minister’s statutory declarations remained uncertified.
Speaking after the conclusion of Parliament on Tuesday, Tavares-Finson said the IC is asking the Parliament of Jamaica to support the investigation and he is satisfied that the Parliament of Jamaica has no such power and for good reason.
“There is nothing in the constitution, in the laws, and certainly not in the Standing Orders of the Parliament that would authorize the Parliament to refer of support the referral of any member to any agency for investigation.
“Indeed, if that power were to exist, it would be absurd because it would allow any majority in Parliament for any reason to refer any member to police or any competent authority for investigation,” the Senate President said.
Stephenson’s investigation confirmed that Holness had omitted four bank accounts, rendering his declaration “incomplete and inaccurate,” which is contrary to the Integrity Commission Act.
The accounts were linked to Holness’ parents and his St Andrew West Central constituency office.
As of May 2023, the accounts held a total balance of J$445,748, and three had recorded transfers connected to Holness between 2019 and 2022.
One of the primary issues in the investigation was a reporting error by a bank, which initially listed one of the accounts as a US dollar account instead of a Jamaican dollar account.
The bank later corrected the mistake while the probe was at “an advanced stage”, prompting the investigation’s closure in February 2023.
Following that initial probe into Holness’ statutory declaration for 2021, the Integrity Commission requested an updated submission. Holness complied.
The IC said an examination of the revised declaration raised “further concerns”, to include “prima facie that Holness owned assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings”.
The commission then referred the 2021 filings for a second investigation on May 3, 2023. The commission said Holness was sent a letter advising him of the probe in relation to alleged illicit enrichment in a letter dated May 5, 2023.
The second investigation differed from the initial September 30, 2022 referral, which did not undergo a full examination due to omissions in the original declaration, the investigator said.
Stephenson referred the full investigation report, dated August 30, 2024, to the Director of Corruption Prosecutions to determine whether criminal charges for making false statements should be brought against the Prime Minister.
“It cannot be ignored, that as prime minister, and head of government, PM Holness has a higher duty to the public, to ensure that the laws of Jamaica are maintained,” Stephenson noted in his report.
However, Prince-Kameka ultimately decided against pursuing criminal charges, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove Holness knowingly made false statements in his declarations.
“There is insufficient evidence on file to establish that the HPM, by way of omission, made a false statement,” she wrote, noting also that records for two of the accounts involving Holness’ mother were either unavailable or unreadable, making it impossible to establish Holness as a joint-holder at the time.
In relation to the account linked to his constituency, while Holness was identified as a joint-holder, no transactions involving him were found.
For the fourth account, which he shared with his father, Holness had his name removed in September 2023.
Holness argued he had no interest in the account and said the constituency-linked account was for paying an employee.
Prince-Kameka said that a critical factor in prosecuting false statements is whether the individual had actual knowledge or a reasonable belief that the declaration was false.
In this case, she determined that the evidence did not meet that threshold.
“The prosecution would again be challenged to establish that the omission was intentional, as required for the ‘knowingly’ element of this offense,” she added.
Source-CMC
GM to recall over 449,000 pickup trucks, SUVs in US
General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab is recalling 449,671 pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S. due to inoperative low brake fluid warning, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.
The recall includes some 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV models.
The electronic brake control module software on impacted vehicles may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs, the NHTSA said.
Dealers will remedy the issue with an over-the-air update to fix the electronic brake control module software, the NHTSA added.
Source-Reuters
Shyne reacts to Diddy's arrest, clarifies their relationship
Former Bad Boy rapper Moses “Shyne” Barrow, who now serves as the leader of the opposition party in the Belize House of Representatives, is sharing his thoughts on Sean "Diddy" Combs, who he blames for his eight-year prison term.
“When I was [an] 18-year-old kid just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud ... and be recognized for [my] talent and take over the world, I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me," Shyne told the media Wednesday, following Diddy's arrest on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and more.
Simply put, Shyne said Diddy "pretty much sent me to prison," noting that's "the context by which you must always describe that [relationship]."
"I forgive. I moved on. But let us not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
For the uninitiated, Shyne was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection to a nightclub shooting in December 1999 that he, Diddy and Jennifer Lopez were all present for. He was charged with assault in 2001, released in 2009 and then deported to Belize.
He's since been seen with Diddy, but insists it was just business.
"This was not someone who I vacationed with and who he and I enjoyed this great, intimate relationship of brotherhood. This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave and who I moved on, and for the better interest of Belize, because he was in a position at that time to give scholarships and to maybe invest, I would not deny attempting to bring the investment to Belize and contributions to education to Belize," Shyne said.
Despite the past, he said he's not taking joy in Diddy's legal troubles.
Statement from Robert Been Jr., Deputy Leader, Peoples Democratic Movement
Good afternoon to the members of the media and all Turks and Caicos Islanders listening and viewing online. I am aware that the government, just yesterday, announced a joint press conference later this afternoon on the issue of crime and I hope that they will be listening to the PDM now as we voice the concerns of the people and discuss solutions to this ongoing crisis. Certainly, today is a sad day, our hearts are heavy, and many are left in disbelief at the out-of-control crime situation we are facing.
Crime is tearing apart our communities, claiming the lives of our young people, particularly our young men. I want to assure the people that this press conference today is not about politics; this is not about scoring political points; our nation is in serious crisis, and this is a matter of urgency.
We’ve witnessed 31 murders so far this year, and we are on track to surpass the record-breaking 34 homicides of 2022. Just this past week, we lost three more young men, gunned down senselessly. These statistics are not just numbers—they represent lives cut short, families left to grieve, and communities ripped apart and gripped by fear. We simply cannot continue down this path; this path will lead to destruction.
We also cannot ignore the fact that crime in Turks and Caicos is closely linked to illegal immigration. Our borders are open, and criminal networks are exploiting this vulnerability. Criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and the influx of illegal firearms are fueling the violence we see on our streets.
Illegal immigration is a national security threat that requires immediate attention. A PDM Government will implement Stronger border control measures, including advanced surveillance technology and increased patrols.
We must send a strong message to the violent criminals amongst us, we will no longer tolerate your operations; a PDM administration will support law enforcement and the people to take back our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities and our country from criminal enterprise.
A PDM Government will increase resources, training, and manpower for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. This includes recruiting more officers, enhancing their benefits, and equipping them with the modern tools they need to combat crime effectively.
At the same time, we must also address the root causes of crime. The high cost of living is a serious contributing factor to the crime situation – when people can’t meet their basic needs, when persons struggle to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads – desperation creeps in and some may feel they have no other options but to engage in criminal acts to survive. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity are pushing too many of our young people to a life of crime. This is the reality that must be addressed.
A PDM Government will focus on a holistic approach—one that not only strengthens law enforcement but also tackles the socio-economic factors driving our youth into the arms of gangs.
As a young entrepreneur, I understand the value of opportunity. When young people are given a chance to succeed, they seize it. But when doors are closed, they are left with little choice but to turn to crime. That’s why the PDM is committed to creating more opportunities for our youth. We will establish a National Trade School to equip them with the skills they need to enter the workforce with confidence. Whether in construction, technology, or hospitality, we will provide the training that opens the door to legitimate employment. By giving our youth a sense of purpose and direction, we can turn them away from crime and violence.
We also recognize the importance of community-based crime prevention. Our communities must be part of the solution. The PDM will implement programmes that focus on youth empowerment, job training, and mentorship for at-risk individuals. We must intervene early, offering our youth an alternative path before they are drawn into criminal activities. By addressing the root causes of crime, we can prevent it before it happens.
We will also enhance forensic capabilities by establishing a dedicated Forensic Science Laboratory right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
But we cannot stop there. The PDM recognizes that supporting victims is just as important as preventing crime. We will enhance support services, including counselling, legal aid, and financial assistance to help them recover from the trauma. A coordinated, accessible system for victim support will be a priority under a PDM Government.
Finally, to those committing these crimes, I have one message: Put down your guns. The path you are on only leads to death or prison. But there is another way. Take up a trade, pursue education, and build a future for yourself. Think of your families, think of your children, and think of the pain your actions are causing.
I want to assure all Turks and Caicos Islanders that on day one, a PDM Government will lay the groundwork to implement these policies to address crime and the root causes of crime. We will act swiftly and decisively. This is not just a fight against crime—it is a fight for the soul of our nation.
May God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands, and may we find the strength to rise above this crisis together.
TCI Police Investigates homicide in Dock Yard
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Serious Crime Unit are investigating a suspected homicide in Dock Yard, Providenciales.
Shortly after 11 pm yesterday, the Police Control Room received reports of a body being found. Officers and medical personnel responded to the location, and upon arrival, the body of an unidentified male was discovered.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation 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. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Social Development and Welfare Hosts Child Safeguarding Training for Daycare Workers and Owners
The Department of Social Development and Welfare recently concluded a series of child safeguarding training sessions for daycare workers and owners across the islands of Providenciales, Grand Turk, and North Caicos. The sessions were held throughout July and August 2024, and 20 individuals, including daycare workers and owners, were successfully trained.
The primary objective of the training was to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect and equip all daycare centers in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Also, to ensure that all daycare employees were fully aware of the Department of Social Development and Welfare’s procedures for reporting such suspicions and the legal ramifications of failing to do so.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare will conduct these trainings throughout the remainder of the year as part of its ongoing child safeguarding initiatives. Upon completion, participants will receive certificates from the Director of Social Development and Welfare.
Looking ahead, the Department is excited to announce the upcoming implementation of safeguarding licenses for all groups working with children, including but not limited to daycare centers, youth groups, and youth camps. These licenses will play a crucial role in upholding high standards of care and safety in all settings that serve children. The safeguarding license will ensure that individuals working with children are trained to recognize, prevent, and respond to signs of abuse and neglect. It will also enforce adherence to law mandates for child safeguarding, such as background checks, continuous education, and specialized training. Facility owners will also be responsible for ensuring that their facilities meet the required safeguarding standards. This initiative is a vital step in safeguarding the well-being of children throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is dedicated to safeguarding all children and young people and will continue to provide support through education, advocacy, and services to those working in childcare settings.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is dedicated to safeguarding the safety and well-being of children and young people. We will continue to offer support through education, advocacy, and services for those working in childcare settings. Our mission is to foster a safe and healthy environment for every child.
The Department of Youth Affairs shares National Youth Week Activities.
This September, the Turks & Caicos will observe Youth Week. In recent years, the community has been plagued with violence, particularly among Youth. It is a significant concern that requires urgent attention and intervention. It is important to explore innovative and effective solutions that empower young individuals to reclaim their communities and foster environments favorable to peace and collaboration. Considering this positive approach, the theme for National Week Celebrations 2024 is "Reclaiming Our Community- Youth Solutions to Violence". The goal is to continue to explore various strategies that can be used to mitigate youth violence, underlining the importance of community engagement, education, and the cultivation of resilience.
Commenting on the National Youth Week Activities for 2024, The Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services commented, "By empowering Youth to take initiative, communities can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility that is crucial for sustainable change. Moreover, youth engagement can lead to innovative problem-solving approaches that are often overlooked by traditional leadership. For example, young people may be more adept at utilizing technology and social media to spread awareness and mobilize their peers, thereby amplifying their impact".
National Youth Week 2024's key features are the upskilling opportunities focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and employment. These sessions will target employable-aged Youth, as well as our 4th and 5th formers, exposing them to various presentations by key stakeholders, focused panel discussions, and breakout sessions promoting interviewing and resume writing skills. Furthermore, there will be a deep dive into how art and music can be used as a tool for Youth to express themselves safely and emotionally. This year will also feature the famous Youth Week speech competition.
Additionally, a major highlight is the extensive collaboration with key agencies that focus on intervention, rehabilitation, and child safeguarding. We seize this opportunity to thank the Departments of Social Development & Welfare, Rehabilitation & Community Services, Community Policing Unit, and the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force for their partnership.
The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the Youth and community to support the Family Fun Day, commencing with a Peace March, as we work together to reclaim our communities. In addition, the Department promotes youth engagement by inviting school bands, choirs, cultural groups, and performing arts groups to showcase their talents.
The attached infographics provide logistical details on the various events across the country. The Department of Youth Affairs encourages the community to contact the Department of Youth Affairs representative on the respective islands for further information.
9 dead, thousands injured after pagers explode across Lebanon: Health officials
At least nine people are dead and over 2,750 people injured after pager devices owned by a large number of workers in various Hezbollah units and institutions exploded on Tuesday, according to Lebanese officials and the group.
Hezbollah blamed Israel for the attack and vowed it would respond. The apparent attack comes amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
The dead and injured included people who are not members of Hezbollah, such as a 10-year-old girl killed in the eastern village of Saraain, according to Hezbollah-owned Al-Ahed News. Two Hezbollah members were also dead, the outlet reported.
Source-ABC