Crime
Residents React to Crime Press Conference; Officials fail to bring comfort or confidence
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 18, 2022 – Over a thousand people tuned in to the government’s joint press conference addressing the scary surge in violence in Five Cays on the weekend of September 3rd and based on the reactions many residents were thoroughly disappointed.
While the Governor, Nigel Dakin, laid out an 8-step National Security Response, residents felt that interventions by other speakers were severely lacking in the conference which was supposed to be aimed at reassuring Five Cays and Provo residents that they were safe after seven people were shot in the span of two days; four of them fatally.
The air of residents in the press conference was one of fear, disappointment and anger.
Consistent reactions by dozens of residents expressed displeasure with the fact that there seemed to be no accountability from the force regarding their record. In addition, a barrage of comments indicated the residents
believe there are major leaks in the police force, crushing claims of confidentiality by the Commissioner.
Also a bone of contention; a seeming lack of preparation by some speakers and the fact that there still seem to be no immediate measures in place to protect residents
One resident said, “This live is not reassuring at all, all it’s giving ‘we gonna try’”. In response another resident said, “I am actually feeling worse about the situation.”
Others continued. “They never had a plan— lol, they just wanted to show up so we the people can’t say they are silent.”
“What is the plan for immediate response for what is currently happening, everything that was mentioned is near future action, nothing immediate. Our people are dying now, our people are losing sleep and are fearful now! What are the measures that are in place for the NOW!!!!!??????” was one resident’s query.
The sentiment was shared by many others including this resident who said, “This press conference is just to show that our nation doesn’t have any specific measures set in place to resolve such situations, though it has been happening for years. I mean it’s quite ridiculous that our government is taking this so lightly, we are in fear for our lives!”
Several residents were displeased with Commissioner Trevor Botting’s response in which he reiterated that the police were working hard to keep residents safe and people refused to speak to them.
One resident said, “What is the plan to keep us protected because y’all don’t have any confidentiality in that force at all.” Another chimed in. “I have no confidence in what he is saying. Talk is cheap.
“Y’all keep saying say something if you see something and when you do, your name be called before you leave the station, what plans y’all have in place to protect persons and their families if they should come forward about something they see???” One person added.
Residents in the comments also lamented the poor conviction rate calling for audits of the police force and expressing little faith in the witness protection program designed to keep informants safe.
“Is there any plan to audit the current commissioner? How many unsolved murders have occurred since he has been in his position?“
Another added. “The Force does gossip and talk too much for anybody to feel safe to trust them with information. It’s embarrassing the level of information that gets leaked.”
There were those who reiterated that the onus was on all TCI citizens to play their part in stopping crime.
One individual said “No matter what, we prove our ignorance on to many levels if we want things to change first we must listen not listen half way then criticize what can be a step in the right direction.”
Others maintained that police needed more equipment including better technology, potential sniffer dogs and better customs security to find illegal weapons.
“I don’t blame the force entirely. It’s the lack of equipment and the lack of efficient manpower that is to blame. There are other departments that should be held accountable— [including] the lack of our borders being properly protected. The firearms didn’t drop out of the air nor did they appear overnight.” A resident contended.
The solution to put lights in Five Cays to reassure residents and slow crime being committed under the cover of darkness was also poorly received by several residents.
“Lights?” One said. “These people are shooting and killing at 8 a.m!”
“Exactly!” Another agreed “They don’t GAF.”
Many residents were discomfited by MP Rachel Taylor’s speech. Some expressed concern that the matter at hand was not truly addressed and others claimed that young men in the constituency had pleaded for help and were being ignored.
“[SIC]Go look for the young men in five cays and talk to them to see what they need” one resident encouraged. Another responded directly “She doesn’t care, they beg her for help, we see her she don’t never pay us any mind. I’m
telling you from experience we beg that woman.. we follow her all the way to batchies where they had a meeting just to get her to hear us out.. all we got was “ill get back to yall”
Dozens of viewers expressed frustration that the issue at hand was lost in reporting on other social issues that could have possibly been more appropriate at another time. Comments included
“What is this conference about crime or education?“
“Is this a basketball conference?”
Stop reading and speak from the heart and feel how the people feel. TCI should be mourning now!” One viewer chided.
In addition, there was concern for the security officers who would be placed in schools and whether or not they would be armed to protect teachers, students and themselves should an unfortunate situation take place.
At this time, Turks and Caicos legislation forbids security guards being armed with guns.
One resident expressed eagerness at a stronger response to the four murders and unbridled gunfire in the community over the weekend.
“Where are the strong measures that’s coming that we the people might not like that was talked about in the Statement from the Premier at the funeral. I haven’t heard any yet or did I miss something?” One noted.
“This is frightening…these responses are very vague.”
“I don’t think the authorities grasp the gravity of the situation. At least in my opinion they don’t.” Another mentioned.
Member of Parliament for the Bight, Jay Stubbs was also concerned, adding “What should the communities on Provo look forward to immediately?”
The exasperated responses continued to the end of the press conference. There was an unmistakable air of dissatisfaction with the few solutions put forward and the fear that pushed residents to lock up and shut down in an effort to protect themselves.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
The Bahamas, June 26, 2026 – Imagine boarding a plane for another Bahamian island, only for it to crash in U.S. waters during what
now appears to have been a remarkable twist of timing.
Jonathan Gardiner’s Election Day flight has dominated headlines for weeks, but Thursday’s decision by a New York federal judge suggests the story may be far bigger than the crash itself.
Gardiner was denied bail after U.S. District Judge Gregory Woods described him as a danger to the community, a significant flight risk and concluded that the government’s evidence is “very strong.”
For many Bahamians, however, the public narrative has remained fixed on the approximately $30,000 recovered after the crash, including an envelope reportedly containing $5,000 intended for an unnamed politician.
Gardiner’s attorneys have argued the cash was legitimate, saying roughly $20,000 had been withdrawn from his business account the day before the flight. They also maintain the prosecution’s case is circumstantial and have argued that his speedy trial rights are being violated.
But prosecutors say the charges stem from a three-year federal investigation into an alleged conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States—not an investigation that began because a plane crashed in Bahamian waters.
That distinction may prove critical.
The crash brought the case into public view, but it may not be what ultimately determines its outcome.
The judge’s ruling raises a question that now deserves greater attention: What evidence from that three-year investigation persuaded a federal judge that the government’s case is “very strong”?
The answer may not lie in the cash recovered after the crash, but in investigative material that has yet to be fully presented in open court.
As the case moves toward trial, Magnetic Media will continue looking beyond the headlines and following the evidence that underpins one of the most closely watched criminal prosecutions involving a Bahamian in recent years.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – A police briefing intended to update the public on crime trends in the Turks and Caicos Islands instead exposed what may be one of the most significant criminal investigations currently underway in the country.
When questioned about the June 14 shooting on Bible Street, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey revealed that the incident stemmed from an
anti-human trafficking operation during which 12 women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by law enforcement.
“The officers were engaged in an anti-human trafficking operation… 12 females were rescued or victims of human trafficking were rescued, and they are in our care and that investigation is advanced,” Bailey told reporters.
The revelation stunned many who had linked the Bible Street shooting to other recent violent incidents, including the June 12 murder in Five Cays. However, the Commissioner indicated the confrontation was connected to the anti-human trafficking investigation, though he declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.
More than a week later, authorities continue to maintain that the investigation remains active. Magnetic Media has confirmed with police officials that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.
The Commissioner also sounded the alarm over what appears to be an emerging trend involving teenage boys and serious criminal activity. In discussing recent incidents, Bailey suggested that some young offenders are operating within organized criminal networks and warned that law enforcement alone cannot solve the growing problem.
“My experience tells me that once they reach a threshold it is very difficult to bring them back,” Bailey said. “The social agencies will have to
get involved. We have to find a way to reach these unattached youth and to engage them and to create that positive reinforcement in their life.”
Despite those concerns, Bailey reported that overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to trend sharply downward.
According to police statistics presented at the briefing, murders have fallen from 13 at this point last year to just one in 2026, representing a 92 percent reduction. Attempted murders have fallen by 100 percent, kidnappings by 75 percent, robberies by 34 percent, aggravated burglaries by 22 percent, firearm possession offences by 50 percent and incidents involving the discharge of firearms by 85 percent. Police reported that nearly every major category of serious crime has declined compared to the same period last year.
The lone murder recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2026 occurred on June 12 in Five Cays. While no arrest has been made in that case, the Commissioner indicated that investigators believe they know who is responsible.
“I am convinced and I am positive that the perpetrator is a teenager,” Bailey stated.
The press conference was held at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.
