Grand Turk, August 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Tourism in general and the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board in particular were informed by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force that the body of the third missing person in the Middle Caicos beach mishap was discovered this morning.
Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, in expressing his grief on
yesterday’s incident conveyed sympathy and sadness to the families of the
victims of yesterday’s incident off Bambara Beach. He noted that ‘While there
is nothing we are able to do to bring your love ones back, we want you to know
that we will always keep you in our prayers at this difficult time.
Minister Higgs continued, ‘The loss of your loved ones have not only
shaken the small, close-knit community of Middle Caicos but indeed the country.
I was told that the families were repeat visitors to the TCI and had an
intrinsic connection, especially for light adventure. In looking through social
media postings, the emotional impact is felt in the sympathetic messages and
suggestions. We know that our entire country is pulling for the families and
friends associated with this tragedy’.
Notwithstanding the tragic events, Hon Higgs reiterated the commitment
of the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos to ensuring that residents
and visitors alike are able to enjoy all our natural attributes in a safe and
hospitable fashion, recognizing that there are unpredictable moments that
nature shares with us.
The Ministry expresses thanks to the search and rescue team headed by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, United States Coast Guard, District Commissioner’s Office, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and residents for their relentless efforts in locating the third missing person. Also, special mention to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center and the Turks and Caicos Islands Social Welfare Department for providing care services to the survivors whilst awaiting the arrival of next of kin.
Release: TCI Tourist Board