Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Wednesday July 13, 2016 – “My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, earlier this evening, a body, believed to be the remains of 26 years old Sorineida Moreno Arias, a Dominican national who was last seen on July 10 2016, was found in the area of North West Point in Providenciales.
“While foul play has yet to be confirmed, it is suspected and I expect to be updated by the Commissioner of Police as the investigation into this recent discovery continues.
“In the meantime, I wish to assure you that this incident, like all other crimes and especially those involving the loss of life, will be treated with the highest priority. It is in this vein that I have already reached out to the Governor asking him to begin engaging with criminal investigation units abroad, whose strength we can pull on to assist us in bringing perpetrators to justice, and I will be following up with him and the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all resources are behind bringing to close the spate of murders and other serious crimes within our borders.
“To the family and friends of Ms. Arias and the Dominican community living among us, I offer, on behalf of my Government, my deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and I want you to know that we will do our utmost to bring those responsible to justice.
“I have reached out to the Dominican Consul in an attempt to reach Mr. Danilo Medina Sanchez, the President of the Dominican Republic, to assure him and his countrymen of our commitment to finding the answers to the death of Ms. Arias and to bringing to justice those persons responsible for the deaths of Dominicans within our country and to also assure them that we take seriously our responsibility for the security and safety of our people and all persons residing among us.
“I am therefore imploring all persons with any knowledge that can assist the police with this and any crimes to please speak up. We, the Government, will continue to do our best to combat crime and we ask that you also play your part to help us keep our country safe.
“May God continue to protect you, may He continue to bless you and may He continue to bless these our Turks and Caicos Islands.”
