Welcome to this week's Sunday Edition. It is brought to you by mango.tc. Your one-stop shop for everything TCI!
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has been actively working to remove illegal weapons from the community. A 36-year-old male was taken into custody after a firearm and ammunition were recovered during a domestic-related report in Providenciales. This marks the fourth firearm seized this year. Meanwhile, a structural fire at TINGS GALORE in Grand Turk is under investigation, with the Fire Department responding promptly to extinguish the blaze.
In other news, a woman was fatally struck by a vehicle on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales while attempting to cross the road. This incident marks the third traffic-related death in the Turks and Caicos Islands this year. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is also investigating the cause of the accident.
Turning to community development, Beaches Turks and Caicos has certified four team members as qualified dive instructors, including Almina Browne and Cicely Clarke. The resort offers comprehensive resort diving programmes with on-site PADI courses and daily dives. Additionally, the resort hosted a fine dining and etiquette session for Clement Howell High School students, led by Deryk Meany and Phildreka Mayham, to prepare students for hospitality careers.
The Inland Revenue Department reminds businesses that the renewal period for Business Licences is from April 1 to April 30, 2026. The Ministry of Health and Human Services has reinstated full-time physiotherapy services on South Caicos, improving healthcare access for residents. Honourable Kyle Knowles commits to enhancing essential health care services across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In the realm of law and order, IAN BARRINGTON GRAHAM, a 35-year-old police officer, has been charged with three firearm-related offences. TYSEAN WILLIAMS, 20, of Grand Turk, has been charged with Aggravated Burglary and Possession of an Imitation Firearm. The Court of Appeal has quashed Brian Alexander Francis's murder conviction due to serious flaws in the trial judge's handling of identification evidence.
The Turks and Caicos Islands government is tackling a massive work permit backlog by filling 20 temporary posts to assist with processing. The Labour and Employment Services Department is working to clear the backlog, which has been a sore topic within the Ministry. The government is also pursuing full membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), but will not adopt the free movement of labour policy.
As the week comes to a close, the Turks and Caicos Islands community is looking forward to a brighter future, with a focus on justice delivery, border security, and community development. With the Digital Borders Programme and Starlink on the horizon, the islands are poised for growth and innovation, and the community is eager to see the positive impact of these initiatives.