Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, August 4, 2023 – A towering hotel, a cheerful golf cart, and next to them, a young man sprawled in his own blood; that was the scene in Grace Bay Providenciales on Wednesday afternoon, when gunmen in the Turks and Caicos Islands once again, carried out an execution in broad daylight, feet from innocent residents and visitors.

Magnetic Media began to receive frantic calls just before 3 p.m. on August 2, reporting a caravan of police heading quickly toward the tourist centre.  Minutes later, residents confirmed that once again, a young man’s life had been taken in a brutal shower of bullets, and this time the murder took place just outside the entrance to a few resort.

Photos of the scene show residents peeking over perfectly trimmed hedges at the body as blood seeps onto the street. Police swarmed the scene soon after, cordoning off the area and conducting investigations.

The killing also impacted traffic as motorists were rerouted away from the grisly scene.  The shooting terrified those in the vicinity because of the sheer amount of shots, we are told by one resident.

“OMG!!!! IT WAS LIKE A MOVIE, AT LEAST 50 SHOTS.”

Police have not confirmed who the dead man is, the nature of the killing, how many spent shells were recovered or the possible motives behind the murder, which marks the 12th for 2023.

Our efforts have determined though he is Guilene ‘GB’ Baptiste, 26 years old and recently relieved of a battery of illicit drug charges at the Magistrate’s Court this past June.  Baptiste was most known as the man arrested when alleged infamous gangster and wanted murderer, Brandon Rahming was killed in a Police take-down last November. Now, ‘GB’ is gone.

What is concerning is that ‘rare’ can no longer be used to describe the nature of these daylight killings that put innocents at risk, as they are escalating in frequency and reckless in nature.

In the past three months alone, men have been gunned down near schools, businesses and a nightclub.  It is a situation that residents say is making them increasingly heartsick.  A letter to the Government; last month said: “We desire a better Turks and Caicos culture and reject the path of violence and diminished quality of life.”

The incident once again elicited a statement from the Governor; Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Washington Misick, TCI Premier jointly released the plan of the National Security Council hours after the reckless shooting.

A day later, the Commissioner of Police offered his comments on the Grace Bay shooting and another, involving Police in the community of Kew Town.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, August 4, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Government is gearing up to call in backup for the country’s security forces as killings spike.

A joint statement from Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, TCI Governor and Washington Misick, TCI Premier, made the announcement Wednesday night after a young man was murdered in Grace Bay.

“At this time of heightened concern for our safety, we want to assure you of the police and wider national security response,” it began, “We remain determined in our efforts to stem these senseless acts of violence. The National Security Council is actively considering support for the police response to ensure the threats to our safety are gripped and effectively tackled in both the immediate and longer term.”

In late 2022, following an incredible increase in murders, the government reached out to The Bahamas, Jamaica, and others for assistance.

The Bahamas responded quickly, sending a group of 24 officers who were sworn into the Royal TCI Police Force and joined local officers on the line. The multinational force had success in stemming the violence, but with their eventual departure, the violence has once again spiked.

There has been no concrete confirmation yet from the government that it will be Bahamian officers that are called in this time around but Turks and Caicos has enjoyed tremendous support in the area of law enforcement from the UK, US and CARICOM.

A promise was made to keep the public informed.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 31, 2023 – Crime may be high in Providenciales, but the rest of the country is under control. In addition, the US is stepping in to increase border patrol coordination locally; that’s the word from the National Security Council and the Police Force courtesy of recent updates.

Police say John Priddy, Executive Director, Southeast Region, U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), arrived in the Turks and Caicos on July 26th.

He also visited the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Headquarters and met with the high-ranking members.  Police say the visit was ‘fruitful’ as the two countries seek to continue their security partnership.

The visit was announced on July 26th, in minutes from an NSC meeting chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam.

During that meeting, police reported on crime as well, indicating that the three recent fatal incidents in Providenciales are under active investigation, and two persons are in custody.

“Strategic policing operations are in place with intensified patrols in high-risk areas (including greater use of drones); operational resources are being redirected to support the response including an increase in community policing.”

They said, adding that there has been no increase in crime across the other islands.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 27, 2023 – Togetherness and unity were running themes at the Official Opening Ceremony for the 45th Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region, for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association held on Monday July 24th at The Shore Club.

The conference allows countries to liaise on the global issues affecting the region and decide together on how they will use the legislative power of parliament to tackle them together.

Gordon Burton, TCI Speaker of the House of Assembly said decisions made this week would also guide the regions collective approach at upcoming international conference in Accra, Ghana.

“We are small island states but together we have a voice that can resonate throughout the commonwealth and impact decisions made on a global scale. Over the course of the conference engagement and discussions on potential solutions will be a major focus,” he explained.

Acknowledging the small size that works against them in global settings, the group of countries is placing emphasis on creating a unified front.

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Turks and Caicos Islands governor in citing the ongoing challenges which continue to impact the region including climate change and geopolitical tension, said the theme of resilience was especially well chosen.

Premier Washington Misick Urged the gathered delegates to use it as an opportunity to learn and maintained that resilience should be approached with adaptive leadership in mind.

“You are still very young and you are leaders in your own right, among you there are future premiers and future prime ministers so this conference should be seen as a place for you to learn from each other,[and]  to look at what we’re doing well,” said the premier.

Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, urged transformation through co-operation.

“In this region we should be supporting each other so that none of us break down while in search of our destiny,” he maintained.

Akierra Missick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay in the TCI and a former deputy premier, urged the gathered parliamentarians to err on the side of honesty.

“Let us not grow weary in doing what is right for we will reap a harvest if we do not give up, so whenever we have an opportunity let us work for the good of all,” she quoted.

Each island state was greeted by TCI youngsters in the country’s national costume and escorted by the country’s young cadet members, dressed in their army fatigues.

Attending countries included Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis Island, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, July 3, 2023 – It’s been a busy weekend for newly minted governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaranam as she met the residents of the Turks and Caicos in person for the first time; her announced 10 day tour beginning in Salt Cay.

During her address to the nation she committed to visiting all electoral districts.

So far the Governor has completed a tour of ED2 Grand Turk South and Salt Cay, taking her first ride on the Salt Cay Ferry along with Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader and Member of Parliament for the District.

The pair visited homes and shops and public facilities; speaking directly to residents about life in the tiny island, which recently received a new District Commissioner and a police officer, resident on the cay.

Photos from the Office of the Governor, shared with the public display cordial exchanges and what appeared to be deep engagement with residents looking expressive and forthcoming.

Salt Cay, as the tiniest population, often struggles with its issues remaining of priority to successive governments.

The Governor was also shown the historic sites of the island, which once reigned as the main breadwinner for the archipelago. That was back in the salt raking days. Traces of that heritage remain an enduring and alluring element of Salt Cay.

Selvaratnam also attended the official funeral of The Turks and Caicos last serving member of the Ex-Servicemen’s Legion and World War II veteran James ‘Bobby’ Fulford.

The Governor’s sojourn across the country continues today as she has nine more Electoral Districts to visit.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 2, 2023 – “While I welcome you in this official capacity there are many of us who look forward to the master-servant relationship between the TCI and the UK to come to an end,”.  That was the firm admission from Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader as he addressed the country’s newest Governor, Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam at her swearing in ceremony on Thursday June 29th.

While expressing respect and gratitude for the Governor’s presence, Astwood took an unequivocal stand against colonialism.

“There are some who would like to see this country under British rule forever, I am not one of those people.”

Astwood’s message extended to the people of the Turks and Caicos as he urged them to strive for independence.

“I believe that it is now more than any other time in our history that we as leaders must prepare our people for self determination.” He stressed, “there is no way in the year 2023 that we should still have decisions of this honourable House, of Cabinet, of the country to be ultimately signed off and approved by those who are not born here or live here.”

He however congratulated Selvaratnam on her appointment and wished her well as she served the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Congratulations and welcome to team TCI.  I believe that we will soon be entering a very critical and future shaping time here in the TCI and we are hopeful that your knowledge, skills, and special abilities will be valuable to us on this journey.  I believe that all members in this House are working towards a common goal and your contribution is integral to achieving that.”

He maintained that despite his feelings toward colonialism it was not a personal slight against the office of the Governor which was a partner to his own office.

“I believe that what the Government, the Opposition and the Office of the Governor can achieve together is much greater, far larger, and will immensely exceed that which we can do alone.”

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 2, 2023 – Washington Misick, TCI Premier is hoping to harness the legal expertise afforded to the country by Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam to speed up constitutional reform.  He made the request to the new governor during her swearing in this past Thursday June 29.

“To advance the changes needed we hope that with your professional qualifications, skills and experience in the areas of public policy law procurement and strategy together with your network in the power halls of the United Kingdom—we will find a way to expedite the changes needed in these areas.”

The Premier advised too, that the status of an overseas territory was fraught with potential for misunderstandings and the UK had many times misunderstood the ‘ground level realities’ and that had cost the country dearly, though they were working to improve.  He had encouragement for the newly appointed governor as well.

“What does matter will be your commitment to come to know us and use your high office in collaboration with the government— towards the aspirations of the people of these islands,” Misick maintained.

He said that the country’s economic boom had brought its own challenges including security threats and lop-sided development and admitted that social development is lagging despite the massive amount of money the country has stored away.

At the same time Misick maintained that to move forward, the Government would need more flexibility, a task with which Selvaratnam is expected to help.

During his speech, Misick recognized Anya Williams, Deputy Governor for her excellent service and lauded Selvaratnam for hitting a ‘double record’ being the first female governor and first governor of color.

Selvaratnam is a lawyer by trade with years of experience in the UK legal space.  Her Excellency, the sixteenth governor for the TCI, was sworn in on June 29th 2023 and is expected to serve a two year term as Governor.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, July 1, 2023 – The interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands come first and already decided is a national familiarization tour, for the newly appointed governor to become directly acquainted with the islands and islanders.

In her first official, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam was poised, succinct and clear about expectations and her role as the 16th governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I am acutely aware of some of the issues on your mind, in particular national security, the constitution, social development, and the economy. My meetings with elected representatives, communities, officials, and bodies over this coming month will equip me with what I need to focus my priorities to best serve the interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

Crime was high on the list of deliverables for the new governor and with a decades long background in law and overseeing courts, she promised a rework of the justice system to come.

“Tackling the present challenge of the safety of these Turk and Caicos Islands requires now more than ever a strong relationship between the police, partner agencies, and our communities that they serve. I will be working with all involved to address the stark levels of criminality and much needed justice reforms, ” she promised.

She thanked Anya Williams, Deputy Governor for her ‘admirable and dedicated service’ over the past three months in the role of Acting Governor and reflected on the preparation she had for the role in the last six months meeting with former Governor, Nigel Dakin and Williams herself.

Selvaratnam maintained that her time in Anguilla, which ended in May, had also prepared her well for the job.

“My previous role taught me much about the issues and challenges which Caribbean Territories face, and our relationship with the United Kingdom and the region more widely. I will build on that experience to deliver the constitutional responsibility I now come to bear.”

After her address, she was presented with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers by one of the island’s boy scouts and met each member of the House of Assembly personally escorted by Gordon Burton, Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Selvaratnam will spend the first 10 days of her tenure touring the Turks and Caicos and visiting each constituency; a tour she says she anticipates will help her serve the country better as she aims to meet as many residents as possible.

“As I make my way through each and every inhabited island, I will listen and I hope to begin to appreciate your rich and multifarious societies, to witness with my own eyes, the beauty and diversity of each of the Islands and to learn about the gains and the challenges these bring.”

She had been brought to the House of Assembly under honour guard led by Trevor Botting, Commissioner of Police.

Selvaratnam took her oaths just after 10:00 am at the House of Assembly, at HJ Robinson High School auditorium after which she was addressed by Premier Washington Misick and Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition, both welcoming synergy and speaking bluntly about their own expectations.

“I’m sure each constituency is unique and only through meeting as many of you as possible can I begin to understand your respective concerns and ambitions for the islands and how I must shape my governorship,”  she said as she doubled down on her thrust to properly serve all islands and cays.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, June 29, 2023 – Forty-two year old Anya Williams has been ably and historically acting as interim governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands; that stint, which started on March 29th ends today Wednesday June 28th following a three month appointment in the country’s top job.

Williams has now served as Acting Governor for over 97 days since becoming deputy governor back in March.

Williams now shifts fully back to her role as Deputy Governor, which has the mammoth task of managing the public sector.

She is only the second person to have been appointed as Deputy Governor since the position was created in 2006 and has held on to that position for over a decade making her the longest serving “DG” in TCI History.

She was also the first native Governor to attend the coronation of a British Monarch.

Williams hands over the reins to another history-making woman, Governor Designate, Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, the country’s first ever female governor on June 29th.

Since her appointment earlier this year, Selvaratnam and Williams have met on multiple official occasions as the former prepared to assume her role as Governor in the Turks and Caicos.

The new Governor will be officially sworn in at Parliament in Grand Turk on June 29.

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 29, 2023 – Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, Governor arrived in country on Wednesday afternoon; she was greeted by PCTB and  Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and was earlier today, sworn in.

Governor Selvaratman, is the immediate past governor of Anguilla.  She has a Master’s degree in Public International Law significant legal experience in the realm of Strategy and Change.

The new governor has held leading positions in departments that oversaw all the courts of England and Wales before moving to the Insolvency Service, a Government agency that ‘helps to deliver economic confidence by tackling financial wrongdoing.

She enters her role at a time when the country is bleeding millions of dollars through lost court cases owing to mistakes in all arms of the justice system and as the TCI struggles to get off of the EU blacklist of non- compliant tax jurisdictions.