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Crime

Crime Rate in the TCI

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2022 – The murder rate in the Turks and Caicos for the year 2022 up to September 8th is 45.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, an exceedingly high rate on par with some of the most violent Caribbean countries.

The rate was calculated by Magnetic Media, using formulas from the California Attorney General’s office, population data provided by Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Statistics, and crime data provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The TCI murder rate far exceeds Jamaica’s murder rate which stands at 37.3 per 100,000.   As of September 1st, the country had had 1018 murders in a population of 2.76 million (per the last census), versus the TCI which has had 16 murders as of September 8th, with a population of 35 thousand (as per government statistics).

In terms of the Dominican Republic and how the TCI compare, the Turks and Caicos Islands again topped the larger country.  According to the Police, the murder rate of that country was 11.1 percent in 2021, with 1,349 homicides in a population of 10.8 million people.

Again, the Turks and Caicos dominated the Bahamas, up to June there were 74 homicides in the larger island chain with a population of 404 thousand, a murder rate of 18.3 per 100,000, versus the Turks and Caicos who up to June had 8 murders, a then rate of 22.8 per 100,000.

The TCI far outpaces the other British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean.  Bermuda had 7 murders in a population of 64 thousand per the latest information available (2020). The British Virgin Islands had 9 murders committed between 2020 to January 2022, with a population of 30 thousand.

Not only is the severity  figure extremely alarming on its own, the Turks and Caicos’ low rate of convictions is even more frightening.

Additionally, this year all but 2 of the 16 homicides were committed with a gun. Minister of Immigration, Arlington Musgrove, pointed out that The Turks and Caicos does not manufacture guns, yet there seems to be an abundance of them on these small islands.  And not just pistols, several videos of attackers, the most brazen of which occurred at a small grocery store in broad daylight in early 2022, have proven the existence of high-powered weapons in the country.

There has already been at least one advisory by the US against the TCI.  More violence could lead to irreparable damage of the burgeoning tourism product on which the economy depends.

Crime

Acting Police Commissioner, Rodney Adams issues statement on Jouvly Inelus and gruesome photo of his dead body

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Turks and Caicos – For the past three months, Jouvly Inelus has been wanted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) in connection with firearm-related offences, including homicides and robberies. Earlier this morning, officers from the Serious Crime Unit received forensic confirmation that the body found yesterday (September 30) is that of 32-year-old Mr Inelus, a resident of Blue Hills. This remains an active investigation, and the RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr Inelus’ relatives and all families that lost their loved ones to violent crime.

Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams issues the following statement: “At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.

“Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months. Despite the challenges, the RT&CIPF remained relentless in their pursuit of leads and conducted joint operations across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with the assistance of local and regional partners.

“We wish to thank Crime Stoppers and also express gratitude to the members of the public who acted in the best interest of the TCI. The police force remains committed to pursuing anyone who seeks to cause instability in the islands while ensuring the safety and security of all communities.”

In a direct message to the youth, Acting Commissioner Adams said, “I am pleading with the young men—put down your guns and preserve your life and the lives of others. Crime does not pay and only leads downhill. Many opportunities are available, and the RT&CIPF is launching a mentorship program to support and guide the youth. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this initiative.”

The RT&CIPF is also aware of a photograph on social media of the victim’s body. The circulation of such imagery is appalling and demonstrates a complete lack of respect. We urge the public to refrain from viewing and sharing material of this nature.

The RT&CIPF calls on anyone with information regarding illegal activities to contact the nearest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, 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.

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Crime

Murder #36; Regiment member’s brother does not survive gunshot wounds

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Turks and Caicos, October 8, 2024 – On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, Eagle Legal News learned that the man shot on September 27 in an apparent ambush in Snake Hill has now died, bringing the country’s murder rate to a record setting high.

The man, who had been medically evacuated to Jamaica for further hospital care was shot along with the late, former TCI Police officer, PAULCIUS LOUITES VEREUS.

Vereus was recorded as the 34th murder in 2024 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Here is the police report from the incident:

Blue Hills resident FRANCIUS PIERRE, has succumbed to gunshot injuries.

Pierre, 41, was shot on September 27 while at a location at Stammers Run, Snake Hill. The Police Control Room had received calls indicating gunshots were heard at around 8:35 pm.

Police and medical personnel arrived and found two males, Mr. Pierre and Paulcius Louites Vereus.

Mr Vereus was unresponsive.

Head of Crime, Safeguarding, Public Protection and Intelligence Superintendent Dean Holden said, “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Pierre, who succumbed to injuries this morning while undergoing medical treatment in Jamaica.

The Serious Crime Unit officers are continuing investigations and will leave no stone unturned as we actively pursue leads obtained.”

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800 8477 to provide any information anonymously. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.

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Crime

Suspected Gang Member Charged under Anti-Gang Legislation

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

 

Turks and Caicos, September 26th, 2024 – Following investigations, detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged CARLOS USHER HIGGS with several offences.

Mr. Higgs, 20, of Five Cays, Providenciales, faces the following charges:

* One Count Gang Membership, Contrary to Section 4(1) (b) of the Anti-Gang Ordinance;
* One Count Robbery;
* One Count Kidnapping;
* One Count Possession of Imitation of Firearm.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Friday 21st, September 2024.

Mr Higgs remains in custody pending a court date.

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