Jamaican Fitz Bailey appointed police chief for Turks and Caicos Island

Retired Jamaican police official Fitz Bailey says his appointment as police chief for the Turks and Caicos Island (TCI) should be viewed as part of a greater mission towards improving public safety across the region.

Bailey’s appointment was announced by the Governor’s Office via a statement released on Thursday.

It is for three years.

He joined the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force in October last year as deputy commissioner before being appointed acting commissioner on November 21.

Bailey retired from the Jamaican police force last September after a 40-year career that spanned several critical units, including the Criminal Investigation Branch and the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Division.

He told The Gleaner on Friday that his appointment as TCI’s police chief is a win for the region.

“If the Turks and Caicos (Island) is safer, then the entire region is safer,” he said.

Bailey said he was honoured and humbled by the appointment, noting that his experience in the Jamaican police force has prepared him for his new role.

Further, he said it is another indicator that Jamaicans continue to make their mark across the Caribbean and on the world stage.

Bailey thanked the people of the TCI for the confidence they have reposed in him and promised to help build a safer nation and develop a police force that is professional and can be compared to any other in the region or globally.

"I will continue to maintain the standard that I am accustomed to in Jamaica and to ensure that the Jamaican flag continues to fly high," he said.

- Livern Barrett

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