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TCI Governor believes out of control gun violence needs these 8 things  

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 16, 2022 – A day after two double homicides rocked the nation key members of the National Security Council have announced that they are planning eight ‘immediate actions’ with local and international partners to stifle the upsurge in violent crimes in the TCI.

Governor Nigel Dakin made the announcement in a press conference on September 5; days after four people were gunned down in two double homicides in the fishing village of Five Cays.

Dakin said the eight actions were “to bring in strategic support to our overall enforcement posture.”

The immediate actions announced at the press conference on Monday September 5 are as follows.

  1. A firm swift response.  The Governor said, “Lest there be any doubt whatsoever there is only going to be one outcome to the immediate problem we face it is going to be dealt with firmly.”
  2. The Tactical Unit will make arrests based on a list of individuals responsible for the ‘mayhem’ in the Five Cays over the weekend.  The governor cautioned suspects, warning them to cooperate with the police rather than resist.  He especially warned them not to try using force, as in order to protect themselves and other law abiding citizens police officers were authorized to respond with lethal force.
  3. More police presence in Five Cays.
  4. Immediate aerial support via a helicopter team from the Cayman Islands to augment the police force.
  5. A UK backed unit focused on Gun, Gangs and Drugs Unit’.  Dakin maintained that this unit was progressing quickly Anna already had confirmation from the UK.  It will be bolstered by foreign officers with expertise but would be led by locals. That specialist expertise includes: Leadership, Investigative, Technical, Intelligence and Analytical Skill.  Those skills He said would be passed on to the local officers over time.
  6. A new surveillance aircraft from the United Kingdom
  7. New legislation allowing the government interception and tracking of gangs
  8. Assistance from the United Kingdom in closing cases.

Dakin also had a stern warning for criminals and an impassioned one for the loved ones who are witnesses to the criminal acts of their sons and brothers.

“Those who are intimidating a whole community are small in number; they can think no further than their ego, reputation or their wallet. While they seemingly live in the moment—- all that will eventually happen and faster than many can imagine is that they will die at the hands of a rival or be imprisoned. It is not a question of if but when one of these two outcomes occur.” He said.

When the police eventually came he had some advice for the individuals ‘responsible for the mayhem.’

He stressed that the police would be coming for them one way or another and in order to avoid the worst possible outcome they should do this, “If this is you I strongly suggest that when the tactical unit confronts you you immediately lay down with your arms outstretched. Showing beyond any doubt that you are not armed, if a police officer fears for his or another’s life the rules of engagement are very clear and unfortunately very final.”

Despite the warning, to date no arrests have been made in regards to the killings even after several forays into the area and exchanges of gunfire with criminals.

To the families of gunmen Dakin said, “If someone you love risks being on the fringes of this activity, say something very clearly to them, which is ‘If you continue on this road you’re going to be drawn into a world where you either die or go to prison’.

He cautioned them to do the right thing to save the lives of their sons before it was too late.

Caribbean News

‘People will face consequences’ – VP Jagdeo on Adrianna Younge’s death

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Guyana, April 25, 2025 – As the nation mourns the heartbreaking death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has expressed condolences to her family on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and called for full transparency in the ongoing probe.

During a press conference on Thursday, the Vice President described it as a “sad day for Guyana.”

He also made it clear that anyone within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) found to be involved in covering up the circumstances surrounding the child’s death will face severe consequences.

Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks come amid growing public outrage and scrutiny of the police’s handling of the case. He pointed to several troubling inconsistencies in the GPF’s initial report.

According to that report, Adrianna was at the swimming pool of the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, with her grandmother and siblings when she reportedly disappeared around 13:00-14:00 hours. The police initially claimed that the hotel’s CCTV system was non-functional; however, footage from external sources reportedly captured Adrianna entering a red and black Toyota Raum, bearing registration number PSS 4684, which was later seen heading east toward Vreed-en-Hoop.

“If they have that footage (the police) and they put it in the statement…they should immediately release that footage,” Dr Jagdeo said.

“Something is wrong, and we have to get to the bottom of it. We are not going to rest until that happens. And whoever is culpable, whoever, if there is a coverup, people will face consequences; we are not going to tolerate this. This young girl should never have lost her life.”

Just 24 hours after issuing the initial report, the GPF acknowledged discrepancies in the information released and has since launched an internal review.

Dr Jagdeo also spoke of the emotional toll the incident has taken on Adrianna’s family, stating, “I saw a video of the father speaking and how distraught he was. The family deserves answers, and the people of this country need answers.”

The discovery of Adrianna’s body in the hotel pool after hours of desperate searching has plunged the nation into deep mourning. Frustration over handling the case has sparked protests, with citizens demanding justice and accountability.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has since ordered the GPF to establish a special investigative team to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

“We must uncover the full truth of everything that transpired, and no resource or effort will be spared,” the President said via his official social media account.

President Ali also spoke directly with Adrianna’s mother, pledging the government’s full support in pursuing justice. President Ali has further instructed the GPF to compile a comprehensive report detailing all actions since the investigation began.

To support this, the government has ordered an independent autopsy and Barbadian forensic pathologist Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul is expected to arrive in Guyana at 5:30 p.m. today to conduct the post-mortem examination.

VP Jagdeo also offered his condolences on behalf of the PPP to the families of Maline LaCruz, who was killed by her husband, along with her mother, Waveny LaCruz and sister, Sueann LaCruz. Maline’s younger brother, Ceon LaCruz, was also injured in the shooting and is in critical condition.

He said the government is committed to uncovering the details behind the shooting, particularly the legality of the gun used to kill the three women.

“Because if he had a legal firearm, after the assault, he was supposed to lodge the firearm … we will look at this matter,” he assured.

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Crime

Major Firearms and Ammunition Find in Five Cays – RT&CIPF Scores Breakthrough in Fight Against Gun Violence

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat gun violence across the territory.

The Force reports: On Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers from the Tactical and Serious Crime Units carried out a targeted operation at a property in the Five Cays community. During the search, authorities discovered two high-powered, military-style firearms and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.

Following the discovery, police say they launched an intensive investigation, pursuing several leads. One suspected gang member has since been taken into custody in connection with the weapons cache.

Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey described the seizure as a critical milestone in the Force’s crime suppression strategy.

“The seizure of these dangerous weapons sends a clear and unequivocal message—we will not tolerate violence and lawlessness in our communities. This significant find has potentially prevented the loss of life and further acts of violence against law-abiding citizens.”

He further revealed that seven firearms have been seized between January 1 and April 23, 2025—five of which were pistols. All recovered weapons have been sent for ballistic testing to support ongoing investigations.

“This operation forms part of the RT&CIPF’s intensified anti-crime suppression activities aimed at removing illegal firearms from the streets, disrupting criminal networks, and enhancing public safety,” Commissioner Bailey said.

“Our anti-crime efforts remain focused on high-visibility and intelligence-driven operations. The successes recorded over the past week are a testament to our officers’ dedication and hard work toward achieving our crime reduction targets for 2025 and making the islands safer.”

The RT&CIPF has pledged to maintain the momentum with continued road traffic stops, search exercises, and targeted operations in areas known to harbor priority offenders and suspects.

Public Support Urged

Authorities are again reminding the public of the crucial role they play in supporting law enforcement efforts. Anyone with information related to illegal firearms or suspicious activity is urged to contact the nearest police station, dial 911, or reach out to the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app.

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Crime

Former Police Officer Opens up to Eagle Legal about Frightening Kidnapping and Robbery at Gunpoint; alarmed at TCI Police silence

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Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islands – In the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a former police officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands was the victim of a terrifying robbery and kidnapping in the Dock Yard area, Eagle Legal News Media has learned.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m., the victim had just dropped off his girlfriend near Bible Street (Behind Mara) and returned to his vehicle when he was confronted by a lone, masked man armed with a firearm. The attacker, described as aggressive and agitated, demanded the victim’s wallet, phone, and other valuables. The victim, trying to remain calm, complied. His wallet reportedly contained over $1,000 in cash.

Despite giving up his belongings, the gunman continued to threaten him, demanding more money and pressing the firearm to the victim’s head and body. The victim described the ordeal as intense, saying he felt as if the bullets were already tearing through him due to the attacker’s inexplicable rage.

Although he considered using his police training to subdue the attacker, the victim noticed other men nearby observing the situation without intervening. Concerned for his life, he instead came up with a plan: he told the robber he could take him to an ATM to withdraw more cash.

“I felt like he was going to kill me for more money,” the victim said. “So I told him we could go to the ATM, even though I knew it was closed, just to get out of Dock Yard and buy myself a chance to survive.”

The assailant agreed, and the two drove to a nearby ATM, with the victim behind the wheel and the gunman keeping the firearm aimed at him the entire time, threatening him with violent language. When they arrived and found the ATM closed, the victim seized his moment.

“As soon as I stepped out of the car, I ran like Usain Bolt,” he recounted, “I tore through the bushes straight to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.”

There, he hid in the brush for a time before emerging to seek help. He contacted authorities from the hospital, where he was treated for minor cuts and bruises sustained during his escape.

Thankfully, he was not shot.

The former officer described his assailant as a male with a mixed Jamaican-Haitian accent who spoke fluent English. The man reportedly told him he was hungry and desperate for money.

He recalled the gunman saying, “If you don’t get me more money, I’ll kill you.”

The assailant fled the scene in the victim’s car, which was later recovered by police in Dock Yard. As of this report, no arrests have been made.

The victim contacted Eagle Legal News after seeing no official police report released about the incident.

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