Crime
Youth Day marred by Murder in Grand Turk
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicosIslands, October 4, 2023 – Residents have been left heartbroken after tragedy struck this weekend as what was supposed to be a celebration of youth turned into a murder scene leaving 21-year-old Sevano Wilson Jr
dead; questions are now raised about the lack of police presence at the gathering held on Governor’s Beach in Grand Turk.
Officers are expected to be stationed at large events as a deterrent to misbehavior and in order to swiftly respond in case of any outbreak of violence. Instead, the TCI Police had to react to the melee, which was caught on cell phone video. The video showed nearly four minutes of chaos, screaming, yelling, shouting and cursing as the fight ballooned out of control; Wilson,
according to some killed at the scene. Police arrived when it was too late, crucial minutes lost because they were not stationed at the event.
In their report, Police confirm their absence when they say they were called around 8:41 to Governors Beach on reports of a stabbing. Wilson was rushed to hospital but died while undergoing treatment. The Police did not
comment on the circumstances behind the incident or indicate whether a suspect was in custody.
Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor, in a joint statement with Washington Misick, TCI Premier, is describing the violent altercation as merciless.
“Addressing these matters as a community must be our priority. We are gravely concerned by and strongly condemn the merciless taking of life. Reckless actions can lead to irreversible consequences,” The Governor said in a joint September 30th press release with the Premier’s Office, a day after the deadly incident.
It marks the 15th murder of the year and one of the youngest victims to be lost to violence in the country in 2023. It is the second murder for Grand Turk this year; both men were stabbed to death.
This latest homicide has left many Turks and Caicos residents in a state of shock and mourning yet again. It is an emotional mix fanned by feelings that such a young person was brutally killed on National Youth Day holiday, the day set aside to celebrate younger generations but also the family from which the young man hails and the new eruption of anger this killing revives in the small community.
Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education and Youth who had led an otherwise successful week of youth events before the tragedy said, “The death of this young man has left my Ministry, members of the youth day planning committees and I completely shaken with shock and sadness. Many families have suffered loss of some kind with this incident. The lives of many young people have been impacted; those who may have witnessed the incident and now are traumatized, those who may have participated and now must face the consequences of their actions.”
She has encouraged Turks and Caicos Islanders not to grow weary in encouraging and praying for youth locally.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Media Release
July 15th, 2024.
SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.
Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The offences against Missick are:
- One Count – Discharging Firearm
- One Count- Discharging Ammunition
- One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
- Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
- One Count –Possession of Firearm
- One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
- One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.
The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.
Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.
The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.
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