The UK is sending a specialist team to the Turks and Caicos Islands in response to a rise in shooting deaths, with four men killed in early February following 21 homicides in a two-month period in 2022. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's 14-member team includes police firearms experts and criminal investigators. TCI's governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, announced the deployment and the pursuit of additional support from Caribbean partners. Premier Washington Misick condemned the violence, and opposition leader Edwin Astwood described the murders as a calamity.

The UK is dispatching specialist assistance to the Turks and Caicos Islands due to a rise in shooting deaths, with four men recently killed on Providenciales. This follows a previous spike in homicides in 2022. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is providing a 14-member team, including a police firearms team and criminal investigators, to enhance local capabilities against criminal networks. The TCI's governor and premier are coordinating with the UK and seeking additional support from Caribbean partners. Local leaders have condemned the violence and emphasized it does not reflect the values of the TCI's people.

Cayman animal welfare group One Dog at a Time is seeking public and corporate support to fund a new shelter for unwanted and neglected dogs. The non-profit, which rescues and re-homes about 30 dogs a month, is running out of space and resources. The group is considering three potential locations for the new centre, with costs ranging from $350,000 to $700,000. President Caroline Johnston emphasized the need for community support to make the project a reality, highlighting the benefits of a kennel-free environment for the dogs. The organization relies on fundraising and donations to cover various expenses, including veterinary care and transportation.

Police Commissioner Kurt Walton addressed the rising gang-related crime in Grand Cayman, particularly in West Bay, following a recent shooting. Walton emphasized the severe consequences of gang violence and announced targeted police operations and increased armed patrols. Governor Jane Owen expressed serious concern over the violence and urged public cooperation with police investigations. Both officials highlighted the importance of community effort in maintaining safety and security on the island.

Public outrage has surged following the death of Clyde, a neglected Labrador Pitbull mix, who was abandoned and later euthanized due to severe health issues. Caroline Johnston, president of One Dog at a Time, emphasized the preventability of Clyde's condition with proper care. The incident has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws in the Cayman Islands, with many advocating for harsher penalties for offenders. The Department of Agriculture and the Humane Society are involved in ongoing investigations and care for mistreated animals, but public sentiment remains critical of the current legal and enforcement framework.

The owner of Elizabethan Square in George Town is seeking permission to build a barbed-wire fence due to a recent increase in crime. Rovida Estates Company has applied to the Central Planning Authority to replace and extend the height of existing fences for enhanced security. The Department of Planning noted that barbed-wire fencing is generally for agricultural sites but may be permitted for security on top of masonry walls or chain-link fences. The authority will assess the application, with a decision expected in about three weeks. Barbed wire is commonly used in high-crime Caribbean cities to protect property.

The Department of Environment (DoE) clarified that the prolonged timeline for the Port Zeus environmental impact assessment (EIA) is due to delays by the project developer and their consultants, not the department itself. The DoE emphasized that the EIA process is conducted by the project proponent with oversight from an environmental assessment board. The National Conservation Council initiates the assessment, and the development project team conducts the EIA for review. The DoE highlighted that the timeline for an EIA is typically controlled by the project proponent and their consultants, depending on the project's nature. The department also addressed misconceptions about coastal works mitigation fees, stating that these are decided by the Cabinet after the EIA is complete.

Proposed public amenities at an East End beach, including a carpark and toilets, are likely to cause shoreline erosion, according to the Department of Environment. The Lands Ministry's application seeks to bypass the regulated setback from the high-water mark, proposing structures closer to the sea than legally allowed. The Department of Environment warns that the development could lead to increased erosion and runoff, urging adherence to minimum coastal setback requirements. The application will be reviewed by the Central Planning Authority, with a decision expected in about three weeks.

Cayman Islands MPs receive an annual $60,000 allowance to run constituency offices, with no legal requirement to account for spending. This lack of accountability has been highlighted by Auditor General Sue Winspear. The allowance is intended for office expenses, but MPs use it variably, with some opting to work from home or shared spaces. Comparatively, UK MPs have stricter accounting requirements and smaller allowances. The article discusses the implications of this policy and includes perspectives from several MPs, who argue the funds are used to assist constituents and maintain accessibility.

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is being conducted for Port Zeus, a proposed harbour and marina development in Cayman Brac led by entrepreneur Frank Schilling and his company Developer FS. The project, which includes a marina, residential area, and beach club, is in the third of seven EIA stages. The Department of Environment has yet to finalize the terms of reference, causing delays. The development aims to provide significant environmental benefits and address stakeholder concerns. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association views the project positively, seeing a bright future for the cruise industry in Cayman Brac.