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10 Days of Crime Reports from Royal TCI Police

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#TurksandCaicos, April 22, 2022 – At around 1:15pm on Wednesday 6th April 2022 a Police Patrol in the Five Cays area reported to the Police.  Control Room that they heard shots being fired. Soon after, the Police patrol found a man who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound. He was transported by the Police Patrol to hospital where he is receiving treatment.

During this incident and again later during the evening it is believed that a number of shots have been fired within the Five Cays area and Officers from the RTCIPF are investigating the shooting of the man and the discharge of the firearms.

Following these incidents, a number of photographs have been circulating across the TCI on social media and within WhatsApp groups purporting to be related to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the incidents of shootings in Five Cays. The public are advised that the photographs are not believed to be related to the Turks and Caicos Islands and they should not be circulated further.

At around 1:15 pm on Wednesday 6th April 2022, a Police Patrol in the Five Cays area reported to the Police Control Room that they heard shots being fired. Soon after, the Police patrol found a man who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound.

He was transported by the Police Patrol to the hospital where he is receiving treatment.

During this incident and again later during the evening it is believed that a number of shots have been fired within the Five Cays area and Officers from the RTCIPF are investigating the shooting of the man and the discharge of the firearms.

Following these incidents, a number of photographs have been circulating across the TCI on social media and within WhatsApp groups purporting to be related to the Turks and Caicos Islands and the incidents of shootings in Five Cays.

The public is advised that the photographs are not believed to be related to the Turks and Caicos Islands and they should not be circulated further.

At around 4:30 am on Monday, April 11, 2022, a planned policing operation to arrest a suspect for serious offences of violence and firearms-related crime was carried out at an address on Venetian Road, Providenciales.

During this operation, a single round from a Police Firearm was discharged which resulted in serious injuries to a suspect. The suspect is in hospital being treated and is under Police guard.

A Police Officer was also injured and is also receiving treatment in Hospital. A non-police issue firearm was recovered from the scene.

  • Suspect Involved in Police Related Shooting Dies 12/4/2022

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has confirmed that the suspect who was shot during the Policing operation in the early hours of today, Monday 11th April 2022, has died in hospital at about 8:15 pm tonight.

The circumstances of the discharge by the Police officer during the police operation remain under review as is normal in such circumstances and no further comment will be made at this stage.

  • CRIME UPDATE 13/04/2022

AGGRAVATED BURGLARY – LONG BAY BEACH DRIVE, LONG BAY HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES 

On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at about 10:35 pm, Police Control Room received a report of an Aggravated Burglary in Long Bay Beach, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales. Officers from the Response and Operation Unit were dispatched to a villa on Long Bay Drive.

The victims were at home when three masked men, all dressed in black and armed with guns entered their villa through an unlocked door and demanded money. The culprits made off with an amount of cash, jewelry and mobile devices. No shots were fired.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or call 911.

  • AGGRAVATED BURGLARY – LEEWARD ESTATES, PROVIDENCIALES

On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 12:05 am, Police Control Room received a report of an Aggravated Burglary in the area of Leeward Estates.

Officers from the Response and Operations Unit responded to the location and were informed by the victims that two masked men armed with a piece of pipe entered their villa through an unlocked door and demanded cash, which they made off with along with mobile devices. No injuries were reported. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477 (TIPS)  or call 911.

  • ROBBERY ON MILLENNIUM HIGHWAY, SUSPECT ARRESTED ON LEEWARD HIGHWAY, PROVIDENCIALES 17/4/2022

At about 9:13 pm on Saturday, April 15, 2022, the Police Control room received a report of an armed robbery along Millennium Highway, Providenciales. It was also reported that shots were fired and a victim sustained injuries. The culprits made off in a stolen vehicle.

Several Police Units responded to the scene along with Emergency Medical Services. The wounded victim was taken to the hospital for further medical treatment.

Shortly after, at about 9:46 pm, the Police Control Room was informed of another Robbery victim at the same location on Millennium Highway, whose vehicle was also stolen.

Later on that same night, Police Units received information and as a result, intercepted a vehicle along the Leeward Highway that matched the description of one of the stolen vehicles. The occupants fled the vehicle and ran into the bushes. Police Units were later informed of a man seen running down Leeward Highway and they responded to the location where they apprehended a man about to board a vehicle.

A search was conducted on the man and a bag in his possession. A black handgun was found on completion of the search. The man was arrested. The driver of the said vehicle was also arrested. Both men are currently in Police custody as the investigation continues.

  • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REPORT ESCALATES TO MURDER INVESTIGATION 17/4/2021

Officers of the Serious Crime Unit have now launched a murder investigation after the victim of a domestic violence investigation passed away on Friday, April 15, 2022. The victim was flown to the Dominican Republic for further medical treatment.

The victim, a national of the Dominican Republic was hospitalized in the Dominican Republic at the time of her passing after she was struck by a vehicle on Thursday, April 14, 2022, which was driven by her ex-boyfriend.

The suspect has been in Police custody since Thursday, April 14, 2022, after he surrendered himself in relation to the investigation that was launched into the domestic violence report.

  • Crime Update 17/4/2022

ROBBERY – LOWER BIGHT, PROVIDENCIALES 

On Sunday, April 17 2022 at about 4:42 pm, the Police Control Room received a report of a Robbery in the Lower Bight area of Providenciales.

Police Units responded to the location, where they were informed by the victim that the culprit held him at gunpoint and then made off with his vehicle. No injuries were sustained. No shots were fired.

  • AGGRAVATED BURGLARY – LOWER BIGHT, PROVIDENCIALES 

On Sunday, April 17, 2022, at about 12:30 am, the Police Control room received a report that two masked men broke into a villa in the Lower Bight area of Providenciales.

Police and Emergency Services responded to the location. Police were informed by the occupants who were on vacation that two masked men, armed with a weapon, believed to be a machete, entered the home. A fifty-two-year-old man sustained injuries and was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.

No property was stolen.

  •  AGGRAVATED BURGLARY – GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES 

On Sunday, April 17, 2022, at about 12:39 am, the Police Control Room received a report of an Aggravated Burglary in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales.

Responding officers were informed by the occupants who were on vacation that, two masked men, armed with a weapon, entered their villa and demanded cash. The culprits made off with an amount of cash, jewelry and electronic devices.

Investigations have been launched into these incidents. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-8477 (TIPS) or call 911.

  • FIREARM SURRENDERED

On Sunday, April 17, 2022, a black Glock Pistol along with eight rounds of 45 cal ammunition were handed over to the Police. The weapon will be processed and dealt with accordingly.

Caribbean News

Regional and U.S. Officials Warn: “Do Not Travel to Haiti” Amid Escalating Violence, Terrorism, and Breakdown in Order

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Regional and U.S. authorities are sounding a loud alarm: Haiti is unsafe for travel.

 

July 17, 2025 – In two back-to-back warnings, the Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State have advised their citizens against travel to Haiti, citing kidnapping, terrorism, gang violence, mob justice, civil unrest, and a failing healthcare system.

The U.S. Department of State’s Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory, reissued this week, includes a new terrorism indicator and leaves no ambiguity: “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason.” Since July 2023, non-emergency U.S. personnel and their families have been ordered out of the country.

According to the alert, kidnapping is widespread, including against U.S. citizens, who in some cases have been injured or killed. Victims have been targeted during routine activities or ambushed in convoys, with families forced to pay ransom demands ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The advisory also warns of mob killings and vigilante-style executions, where crowds have publicly assaulted individuals suspected of committing crimes.

Bahamian Advisory Adds Context for Caribbean Citizens

The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its updated travel guidance earlier this week, urging Bahamian citizens to reconsider any travel to Haiti and take “extreme precautions” if already in-country.

Citizens are advised to:

  • Stockpile essentials (food, water, fuel)
  • Avoid walking, driving, or using public transport—especially at night
  • Use secure vehicles with locked doors and tinted windows

State of Emergency and Rogue Law Enforcement

Haiti remains under a state of emergency declared in March 2024. Protests, civil unrest, and attacks on public infrastructure are frequent. The advisory notes that police presence is unreliable, and rogue elements of the Haitian National Police (PNH) may be operating. Travelers are cautioned to exercise extreme care when approached by law enforcement, or when navigating official roadblocks.

Firearms and Crime

Guns are widespread, and crimes involving firearms—including robberies, carjackings, and sexual assaults—are common. Citizens are warned not to attempt to procure or supply firearms under any pretext. Gunfire at night and isolated beaches should be avoided due to criminal activity.

Health Risks and Limited Care

Healthcare is described as dangerously limited. Hospitals are often closed due to unrest or attacks, and under-equipped when open. Payment is required upfront, even with insurance. Bahamian citizens are urged to secure emergency evacuation insurance.

There is an active cholera outbreak (since 2022), and risks remain high for malaria, dengue, chikungunya, zika, and other vector-borne diseases. Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A/B, cholera, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

Legal and Border Controls

Travelers are reminded to carry proper identification. Failure to produce legal status may result in detention or fines. The possession of cannabis or controlled substances carries 1–15 years imprisonment, and foreigners risk deportation. Agricultural goods and endangered species such as conch require proper documentation to avoid fines of up to $10,000 USD.

Natural Disasters

The advisory also reminds the public that Haiti is vulnerable to hurricanes during the June–November season, and remains seismically active, with earthquake and tsunami risks in coastal regions.

Final Guidance

While The Bahamas and Haiti share cultural ties, both governments warn that anyone perceived as foreign or affluent may be at risk, regardless of race or heritage.

Citizens currently in Haiti are urged to:

  • Remain indoors after dark
  • Monitor trusted local media
  • Comply with curfews and evacuation orders
  • Register with the nearest Bahamian or allied embassy

The travel alerts remain in effect until further notice.

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Royal Navy Chaplain Leads Communion at Grand Turk Prison During HMS Medway Deployment

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2025 – In a rare and touching moment during the Royal Navy’s latest deployment to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Father Matteo Zambon, chaplain aboard HMS Medway, led a communion service at His Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. The intimate spiritual gathering brought reflection and encouragement to inmates and staff, and was described by observers as “deeply moving.”

The service was a standout feature of HMS Medway’s multifaceted visit, showcasing the Royal Navy’s humanitarian and pastoral outreach, not just its operational capacity. While the ship is widely recognized for its disaster readiness and security work in the region, the prison service offered a profound, personal dimension to the deployment.

Alongside this spiritual engagement, HMS Medway conducted a simulated beach landing exercise in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, aimed at improving disaster response coordination. The Royal Navy’s Crisis Response Troop participated in the operation, which took place on the beach adjacent to the Grand Turk cruise pier and concluded safely before ship traffic resumed.

The visit also reinforced UK support for the Overseas Territories during hurricane season. HMS Medway, permanently stationed in the Caribbean, is outfitted with emergency relief supplies, medical kits, and equipment for clearing debris and restoring access in the aftermath of natural disasters.

In Providenciales, the crew met with local officials and conducted further training and outreach activities. The deployment builds on strong ties established during previous visits, including youth mentorship programs and joint patrols with the TCI Marine Branch and Police Force.

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has previously praised the UK’s forward-deployed assets like HMS Medway as “critical to disaster preparedness, maritime security, and community support”. This most recent visit deepens that role, showing how hard power can be paired with soft-touch diplomacy.

As HMS Medway resumes regional patrols, its legacy in the Turks and Caicos this year will not only be measured in drills and deployments—but in the quiet connection made behind prison walls, where faith, dignity, and humanity were affirmed by a visiting chaplain in naval uniform.

In a place often associated with hardship and consequence, Father Zambon’s communion service served as a rare reminder: that even the most disciplined missions can carry a message of hope.

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Governor Targeted Again in Social Media Impersonation Scam

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, July 13, 2025 – The Governor’s Office has issued a renewed warning to the public following the discovery of multiple fake Facebook accounts impersonating Her Excellency, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. The fraudulent profiles, created under names such as “Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam” and “Dileeni Selvaratnam,” have been flagged for attempting to engage residents through unsolicited messages.

In a statement released on Friday, 11 July, the Governor’s Office confirmed that at least four such accounts had been identified and formally reported to Facebook for investigation and removal. The public is urged not to interact with these profiles and to report any suspicious activity directly to the platform.

This is not the first time the Governor has been targeted. Similar impersonation attempts were reported in early 2024, when scammers used lookalike profiles to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. The recurrence of such schemes has raised concerns about online safety and the misuse of public officials’ identities for fraudulent purposes.

“Her Excellency does not conduct official business via social media direct messaging,” the statement emphasized. “All legitimate communication is handled through official government email addresses or verified public channels.”

Residents are encouraged to follow the Governor’s verified social media pages, including the official Facebook page: Turks and Caicos Islands, Governor’s Office and Instagram: @governorturksandcaicos, for authentic updates.

Authorities are reminding the public to remain vigilant when interacting online and to treat unsolicited friend requests or private messages from high-profile individuals with skepticism.

The Governor’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and online safety and thanked the public for helping to identify and report fraudulent activity.

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