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

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.