Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islands experienced an alarming spike in gun violence on Wednesday May 21, with five individuals shot in two separate incidents across different islands—marking an unprecedented day for the nation’s ongoing fight against violent crime.

According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), four males were injured in a targeted shooting in the Kew Town area of Providenciales around 6:14 p.m. Police received multiple calls reporting gunshots near Betty Shop and surrounding areas. Emergency services rushed two victims to a medical facility, while police discovered a third at the scene and transported him by ambulance. A fourth man with a gunshot wound to the foot was later located in Pete Court. All four are currently hospitalized.

Earlier in the day, around noon, a separate firearm incident occurred in South Caicos, where a 71-year-old man was shot in the left thigh. He, too, is undergoing medical treatment.

In response to the violence, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales suspended all visits, citing security concerns. Armed police officers were stationed at the hospital to prevent any further attempts on the lives of the wounded—believed to be victims of targeted attacks.

The incidents come just as the RTCIPF recently welcomed 40 tactical police officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Barbados to bolster national security.

Both shootings are under active investigation by the Serious Crime Unit, with forensic and tactical teams deployed. The RTCIPF is urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist their inquiries.

The violent episodes underscore growing concerns about public safety, even amid recent progress reported by the government in reducing overall crime.

PHOTO CAPTION:

ACTIVE CRIME SCENE IN KEW TOWN, PROVIDENCIALES.  PHOTO BY EAGLE LEGAL NEWS MEDIA

Deandrea Hamiltonian

Editor 

May 15, 2024 – Police in the Turks and Caicos Islands are investigating a double shooting that occurred late Saturday night, resulting in one fatality and one man injured.

According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF), the first shooting was reported around 11:12 p.m. on May 10 in the Kew Town area.  Officers responded to gunshots heard near Harmony Close and discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds at Cerasie Close.  Emergency medical services were called, but the victim—identified as 33-year-old Cyrildo Smith of Kew Town—was pronounced dead at 12:16 a.m.

While securing the scene, police located a second man nearby who had also sustained injuries. He was transported to a medical facility for treatment. His condition was not disclosed in the statement.

Shortly after, at approximately 11:25 p.m., officers responded to a second report of gunfire at Ralph Close in the Blue Hills area. There, they found a 20-year-old man inside a house with apparent gunshot wounds. He was also taken for medical treatment. Authorities did not release his name or details on his condition.

Police have not confirmed whether the two incidents are connected and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or using the P3 mobile app. The Serious Crime Unit is also reachable at 231-1842.

The RT&CIPF extended condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Smith.

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor 

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A sophisticated online scam promising over $42,000 in government-issued payments has triggered alarm in The Bahamas, prompting a swift and stern warning from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The elaborate hoax, now pulled from the internet, featured a fake Q&A-style interview with Minister Michael Halkitis — complete with doctored quotes, government-like branding, and the logo of a major national newspaper.

At the heart of the scam was a too-good-to-be-true offer: a special financial program allegedly reserved for 4,000 Bahamians, each set to receive $3,500 BSD monthly. The phony article, disguised as a legitimate news piece, falsely claimed the initiative had government backing and featured a fabricated interview in which Minister Halkitis appeared to endorse the program.

In a press statement issued May 13, Minister Halkitis categorically denied any involvement and called the website “very likely a website created with malicious intent.” The Ministry emphasized that neither the Minister nor any government agency is connected to the claims being circulated.

“This message was not sent out by the Minister nor is he in any way affiliated with this group or any services they claim to be offering,” the statement read. “We strongly advise members of the public to avoid submitting any personal information or making payments to this website.”

The fraudulent site not only exploited the Minister’s name and likeness but also leveraged the brand of The Nassau Guardian, one of the country’s oldest and most reputable newspapers, to boost credibility. The result was a dangerously convincing piece of disinformation that has since been flagged and removed — but not before circulating widely on social media.

Government officials are urging residents to report any suspicious links or ads they encounter and to be cautious of offers that require payment or the submission of sensitive personal information. The matter has been referred to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for further investigation.

The Ministry is also advising Bahamians who may have interacted with the scam to take immediate corrective action, including changing passwords and contacting their banks or relevant authorities.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and always verify information through official sources before taking any action,” the Ministry urged.

This latest incident underscores the evolving sophistication of online scams in the region and highlights the importance of digital literacy and healthy skepticism when encountering sensational claims — particularly those promising unearned wealth.