TCI News
Doctor, nurse and entrepreneur from Texas are the three drowned in Middle Caicos
#MiddleCaicos, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 7, 2019 – An emergency room doctor, a part-time nurse and a transport services company owner are the three American tourists who drowned on Bambarra Beach in Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands on Monday August 5, 2019; news of the tragedy has elicited comments of shock and heartbreak from loved ones back home in Texas.
Dr. Richard Okoloise is described as an ‘excellent emergency room physician who loved to travel and who loved his daughter’.
Thirty-four-year-old Irma Barrera, a part-time nurse along with her husband of ten years, Roy Perez, 38 were travelling with their eldest daughter, according to reports from family members.
Barrera and Roy Perez, who according to his LinkedIn profile, owns Caliber Transport Services, had left their younger daughters – ages two and four – at home.
A search on Monday, involving TCI Police, Department of Coastal Resources and civilians like Reverend Evan Williams was suspended on Monday night; at that time two bodies including first found, Barrera, were retrieved and transported to Providenciales.
The search, for the third missing person resumed on Tuesday morning with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard.
District Administrator for Middle Caicos, Frederick Johnson made the discovery around 6 a.m. yesterday, according to a Police statement. The final body found was that of Dr. Okoloise and now all three remains are being held at the morgue in Providenciales.
Relatives are due to arrive in Providenciales today to assist with the two girls, who were found traumatized on the beach. The teens have been in the care of the Social Services Department since Monday afternoon.
The five tourists, made up of two families from Texas; Lake Jackson and Sugar Land are believed to have been caught in a ‘quick-rising’ tide as they attempted to cross the half-mile distance between Bambarra Beach and Pelican Cay. Authorities have expressed grave sorrow on the loss and have given highest commendation for the teamwork in this horrible tragedy, which is described as ‘the worst the Turks and Caicos has ever seen on its beaches.’
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, 28th April 2025 – On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, officers from the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) responded to a report of illegal migrants spotted in the mangrove area along the southeastern side of North Caicos.
The United States Coast Guard (Air Support Unit), the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, and the Department of Fisheries and Marine
Resources Management supported the operation.
Upon arrival at the location, RT&CIPF officers apprehended eleven (11) male individuals, all confirmed to be of Haitian nationality.
The individuals were detained and transported to Providenciales, where they were handed over to officers from Border Force for processing and further investigation.
We continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious maritime or coastal activity to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force by calling 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
-
Health6 days agoRecent outbreaks in the Americas underscore need to urgently address immunization gaps, PAHO Director says
-
Africa2 days agoRwanda and DRC Sign Historic Declaration of Principles in Washington
-
Bahamas News5 days agoBahamas Shifts Stance on SpaceX Flights After Debris Discovery
-
Climate Change7 days agoGovernment to table landmark ‘Oil Spill’ Bill in National Assembly next Monday
-
Caribbean News5 days ago‘People will face consequences’ – VP Jagdeo on Adrianna Younge’s death
-
Government6 days agoThe Department of Gender Affairs Celebrates Girls in ICT Day 2025 with an Inaugural Speech Competition
-
Bahamas News5 days agoBahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”
-
Caribbean News4 days agoLocal Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine