News
Dominican Woman shot dead, another in hospital and Police comment on who was not behind the SHOOTING
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, November 25, 2023 – On the one year anniversary of the killing of notorious gang-leader, Brandon Rahming, there was a shocking shooting which left one woman dead, another was hospitalised.
Thursday November 23, 2022 was the day Brandon Rahming was shot by police in an arrest that ended with the TCI’s Most Wanted man dead in Dock Yard, Providenciales. November 23, 2023 was the day when an unknown person or people opened fire on patrons at Zap Zap Bar and Lounge in Dock Yard; one woman dying at the scene.
Hours after residents speculated on who fired into a crowd of people, described a club goers Police issued two statements. One to inform what had happened and another to refute firmly, what certainly did not.
The Royal TCI Police report informed:
Initial investigations have determined the identity of the female victim. However, details will not be released until all available family members have been informed.
According to a preliminary investigation conducted by officers of the Serious Crime Unit, patrons were inside a bar when several loud explosions were heard. A call was placed to the Police Control Room and a team of officers responded to the given location. Upon investigating, it was discovered that two female patrons were injured. Of the
Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams, in a statement, said, “An unfortunate incident occurred early this morning while patrons were socializing at an establishment. The callousness of a few intent on causing pain and suffering in the TCI has again surfaced. The value of life is meaningless to some, and our officers remain relentless in using all available resources to bring the suspect (s) to face the full brunt of the law for this heinous crime. I wish to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences to the victim’s relatives and friends on behalf of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Additionally, I am calling on any person (s) who witnessed this incident to contact us. Tell us what you know. Let us work together.”
The owner of the bar said he heard the shots from a high powered rifle, heard people running and called 9-11. The operator coached him and others who were with the woman who was struck, but despite their attempts to keep her alive, she did not make it.
The woman, said Tony, was a tenant in apartments nearby.
Police were fingered for the shooting. Rodney Adams strongly rejected that suggestion in a separate statement.
He said: “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is aware of a WhatsApp message stating that police officers were involved in an incident this morning (November 23rd) in Dock Yard.
Officers of the RT&CIPF were not involved in ANY exchange of gunfire.
This news is inaccurate, irresponsible, and unsubstantiated. In light of this, Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams asks the public to desist from circulating information that seeks to undermine the police force.
Mr. Adams is asking the public to please use their discretion before posting or sharing any news on public platforms, which could only seek to create mistrust in our officers dedicated to protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands.”