THE ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE

Service with Pride and Integrity

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The Commissioner of Police would wish to update the communities of Turks and Caicos Islands with the following information.

Providenciales airport is fully open. Grand Turk and South Caicos, where a state of emergency has been declared remains open only to emergency services flights. Some limited food aid was delivered by volunteers to Grand Turk yesterday and it is hoped that a regular commercial supply will be delivered in the very near future. The utility companies are working very hard to restore power, water and telephone, some areas saw the power come on yesterday.

Yesterday a contingent of Her Majesty’s armed forces, in the form of Army and Royal Marine Commandos arrived on Providenciales to conduct initial assessments. They have experts within their ranks to conduct engineering assessments, communications, medical and security needs.

You will see them patrolling at the International airport with my officers and also assisting us on our mobile patrols including visiting the shelters. Please do not be alarmed at the presence of the military they are here to assist the Governor and the government in getting the country functioning as quickly as possible. In addition they are augmenting my officers to ensure the safety of the nation. Other aid agencies are in country and will be working with DDME to ensure the country gets the support needed as soon as is possible.

I hope that you will also see that there is sufficient fuel supplies in the country, both for vehicles and butane gas tanks. My thoughts are with those hardest hit and we will continue to do what we can to help. I would wish to again thank communities for their resilience, and of course all those engaged in providing help.