Crime
TCI stands with CARICOM on WAR on Guns
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 26, 2023 – Despite being unable to attend the CARICOM Regional Symposium on the topic of Crime and Violence, the Turks and Caicos is throwing its full support behind the Caribbean declaration of a war on guns.
Washington Missick, TCI Premier, in a statement on Friday April 21st, maintained that he has every intention of supporting his regional counterparts.
“The Government, led by Premier Hon. C. Washington Misick aligns itself with the declarations made by the other Heads of Government on the issue,” he said in the brief statement after the April 18th symposium held in Trinidad and Tobago.
Not only did the CARICOM heads declare violence a public health issue, as the region continued to be ravaged by
gun violence especially, they declared a war on guns and called directly on the United States of America to help.
“We declare a War on Guns to combat the illegal trade which provides the weapons that contribute significantly to crime and violence in our Region causing death, disabilities, and compromising the safety of our citizens. We call on the United States of America to join the Caribbean in our War on Guns and urgently adopt and take action to stop the illegal exportation of firearms and ammunition into the Caribbean.”
In the declaration document, the country leaders expressed frustration at the chunk of money they have had to spend year on year to combat crimes committed with guns, weapons which are in many cases, American made. They flow into the region, buoyed by the tidal wave of lax US gun laws and corrupt individuals on both sides.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands was not able to attend due to pressing domestic duties, said the Office of the Premier.
It comes as the TCI prepares to lobby for full entry into the regional body – CARICOM – and after 2022, a devastating year of gun related murders which led to a grim #1 ranking for murders in the region per capita last year.
Crime
Acting Police Commissioner, Rodney Adams issues statement on Jouvly Inelus and gruesome photo of his dead body
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.
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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