Letter to the Editor  

Calling Hon Rachel Taylor Elected Representor for Five Cays, along with your PNP Government, The Commissioner of Police, and The Superintendent of Police.

#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – You were Elected, and now we feel Neglected! DID YOU REALLY COME FOR THIS “WOK”?

I hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to address the urgent matters that affect the residents of the Five Cays community, sometimes it’s good to sit and be silent, allowing the happenings of today to pass and the action of tomorrow to be realized. It is time to break the silence and take meaningful action to address the challenges we face. We can no longer wait idly for the elected Government and the Police Department to fulfill their responsibilities. We need concrete steps and real progress, not merely symbolic gestures.

First and foremost, we are seeking answers. The faith we once had in our leaders has been eroded by recent events. With four deaths in a single week during June alone, coupled with the escalating violence over the past two years and a lack of effective communication on prevention and deterrence, our faith is diminishing each day. We must now question the methods employed and demand transparency. How are the CCTV cameras being utilized? Has data collection been conducted to ensure the cameras are adequately positioned in the Five Cays area, particularly in high-crime zones? How has this substantial investment contributed to crime-solving efforts in one of the most challenging areas?

Furthermore, communication is of utmost importance. Currently, there is a severe lack of updates provided to families and communities regarding ongoing investigations. It feels as though we are left in the dark, only receiving updates when arrests are made. However, what about the families eagerly awaiting news while investigations are ongoing? Why is there so much radio silence? A system for regular updates and information dissemination needs to be established to address this issue effectively.

We, the residents of Five Cays, deserve more than last-minute road repairs and empty promises. We yearn for a time when our community is viewed with respect and admiration, rather than being perceived as a haven for violence and unanswered questions. We long for the day when we can traverse the roads you so eagerly repair and feel acknowledged and understood.

It is disheartening to realize that Five Cays does not appear to be the focus of your work. We implore our elected officials to roll up their sleeves and genuinely commit to the tasks they vowed to undertake. You must provide answers, make meaningful efforts, and implement necessary changes to transform Five Cays into a place of decency and respectability.

The good news is that we genuinely want you to succeed in your endeavors. We desire a better Turks and Caicos culture and reject the path of violence and diminished quality of life. We want to afford the elected Government a fair opportunity to guide us toward a prosperous future for the next generation—one where the Turks and Caicos Islands boast a thriving, vibrant culture. Therefore, we kindly request a face-to-face meeting, inviting you to join us in our backyard. It is time to get your hands dirty and visit the areas where none of you reside, where the fear of safety does not haunt your every step. We seek a chance to sit down with you, and the elected officials, and discuss how we can collaboratively find workable solutions and foster better relations for the benefit of Five Cays. It is crucial to remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and presently, our chain is in pieces.

We eagerly anticipate your positive response and willingness to engage in dialogue that will lead to the transformation we so desperately need. Together, let us strive towards building a stronger, safer, and more united community.

Sincerely, The Concern Residents of Five Cays Please don’t take this letter lightly.

Enough is Enough