Photo by Eagle Legal News Media 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 27, 2025 — The Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has launched an active homicide investigation following a deadly shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Blue Hills community.

Around 12:30 a.m., officers from the Tactical Unit, while on routine patrol, responded to reports of gunfire at Ralph Close Evangelic Yard. Upon arrival, they discovered the unresponsive body of a man lying behind a wooden apartment building, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The deceased has been formally identified as 43-year-old Fritznel Beliard, originally from Limbe, Haiti.  Authorities have extended condolences to Mr. Beliard’s family and friends as investigations continue.

According to preliminary findings, a group of individuals had gathered in the yard to socialize and play music when two armed men approached.  The gathering quickly dispersed, with people fleeing in different directions.  Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Beliard was found fatally wounded.

At this time, investigators have not established a clear motive for the attack and are keeping all possibilities open as they pursue leads.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force emphasized that a life was senselessly taken and appealed to the public for assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward,” a police spokesperson said.  “Your cooperation could be vital in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

Residents with any knowledge related to the incident are encouraged to contact their nearest police station, call 911, reach out directly to the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-800-8477.  Additionally, tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force assured the community that every effort is being made to swiftly solve this case and maintain public safety.

Authorities continue to canvass the area for witnesses and surveillance footage as the investigation remains ongoing.

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.

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.