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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Thursday, December 4th, 2008 – Residents of the affluent Chalk Sound district of Providenciales can rest easier, as a new police station has officially opened in that area.
With the rapid growth and development of Providenciales, coupled with the cosmopolitan increase in the community, along with human smuggling, has placed an added burden on the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF).
At today's ribbon cutting ceremony, Premier Hon. Dr. Michael Misick noted that government has seen it fit to ensure that all of the sectors of our community are protected. "Therefore, we made a policy decision along with the police to establish a full fledge police station here in this area, that would be in a position to rapidly respond to any activities that would happen in this area."
The station, situated at the entrance of Chalk Sound, gives it an important role with respect to the nearby dock as it develops. It was four years ago when then Chief Minister Misick and former Governor - the late James Poston announced plans for a station there. The area at that time was plagued with aggravated burglaries; and in recent times, many Haitian sloops have landed. Fortunately, the police were able to detect most of those burglaries, brought criminals to justice and the SPICE unit capturing many of those illegally entering our borders.
"This initiative is indicative of my government's commitment to the rule of law and order," said the Hon. Premier, adding: "we are committed to this in spite of the tough economic times; and we feel that it was important for our country to not only say that we are safe, but be safe."
As Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dr. Misick declared that: "crime and tourism does not co-exist, so we have to do everything in our power, as a government, as an opposition, the police, the civil society and everyone at large to route out the crime wherever it raises it ugly head."
Governor Gordon Wetherell stated that the station demonstrates the readiness and ability of the police to respond to identified needs, and "in this case, they include the need to ensure that the spate of aggravated burglaries in the area a few years ago remains an isolated blot on a peaceful landscape, to satisfy residents that they can live here safely, and to reassure the tourist on which the economy of the islands depend so heavily, that they can spend an enjoyable time in the TCI with no security concerns to worry them."
Minister of Works and Housing Hon. Jeffery Hall, whose Ministry is responsible for procuring office space for government departments, noted that attaining the facility in the beginning proved problematic. However, he was resilient in seeing that the project came to fruition. To that end, "We are very proud today to present to the Minister of Home Affairs the keys to a very important establishment, and I hope that this facility will serve well the residents of Providenciales, particularly the residents of Chalk Sound."
Hon. Galmore Williams, the Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister encouraged station officers to get involved with their community and residents that live there; in so doing, their community could assist them in keeping crime where it belongs - out of Turks and Caicos.
Like everyone else, Hon. Williams said the police also need a word of encouragement; to which he called on all Chalk Sound residents to get to know the officers working in the station, to give them a kind word, or report anything that they deem to be of a suspicious nature.
"The opposition supports any efforts that promotes law and order," said Hon. Douglas Parnell, Opposition Appointed Member. "I live down the street from this station, so I can assure you that I am going to sleep much better tonight."
He went on to note that it is often said that the opposition and the government seldom agree, however, "I think that today we can all agree that this station will certainly go a long ways in helping to promote safety in our 'Beautiful By Nature' Turks and Caicos Islands."
On review of the 2007-2008 RTCI Police Force annual report, Commissioner of Police Edward C. Hall noted that crime figures for the third quarter of 2008 stands at 1460, which registers a decrease of 1% when compared to the same period last year.
"At a time when our neighbours are recording tremendous increase in crimes and not only in minor crimes, but also violent and serious crimes; and in spite of the challenges we faced during this period under review; the opportunities which presented itself after the destruction of hurricane Ike and our serious illegal immigration problem and the related criminal activities that come with it, I believe it is note worthy, and therefore salute the men and women of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their commitment in ensuring that everything is being done to prevent criminal activities."
To the officers that are fortunate to work at this new station, Commissioner Hall said: "I ask that you rededicate yourself to service and serve the residents of Chalk Sound and indeed the entire island of Providenciales with commitment and a sense of loyalty."
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