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High Level Civil servant charged for Conspiracy to supply Guns

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Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicosIslands, February 14, 2024 – A high-level civil servant is among a group of men, charged with conspiracy to smuggle firearms into the Turks and Caicos, 41-year-old Ryan Smith was called before the courts alongside 43-year-old Shakeme Seymour of Grand Turk and 27-year-old James Ferguson of Providenciales.

Wilkie Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, broke the news on Monday, February 5th. Police confirmation followed days later. Rumors of an arrest had begun as early as October 2023, following the killing of Jumilla Isma, who was being sought by police for questioning regarding firearm supply.

Arthur confirms the men were re-arrested this year and charged swiftly after it was alleged that they conspired along with Isma to supply firearms in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The charges come just months after Smith was appointed as Director of Business
Transformation in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Premier Washington Misick had warned in 2022 that many of the young men suspected of committing crimes in the Turks, and Caicos were gainfully employed.

“A lot of these young men that are involved in criminality have jobs, so it’s not a situation where they are unable to support themselves.”

The premier blamed the need for instant gratification.

Smith holds an associate degree in System, Analysis and  Computer Programming from Tallahassee Community College, a bachelors in Computer Information Systems from DeVry University, and other information systems certifications. In August 2023 he had been hired to drive the transformation of public services to better meet the needs of the public.

The three men, one of whom is already on remand for gun related charges (Seymour), will remain in police custody until their cases are called later this year.

The importation and supply of guns locally has been an area of serious concern for the government as guns are the main tool used in murders across the country.

Following the most recent outburst of crime, which resulted in five deaths and seven injuries, including that of a 10-year-old girl over one five days, (January 29, February 1 and February 2nd); the UK has indicated they are sending in a firearms team, consisting of six officers and a commander.

Crime

Updated Double Homicide Statement – #2

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Turks and Caicos, January 19, 2025 –  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is actively investigating two fatal shooting incidents and a wounding that occurred yesterday (January 18) at approximately 10:00 p.m. near a popular restaurant on Grace Bay Road.

Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the Police Control Room received reports of gunfire being heard in the vicinity of a Bar along Grace Bay Road. Officers of the RT&CIPF were immediately deployed, along with medical personnel.

“Responding officers discovered three individuals injured during the shooting, one of whom succumbed to injuries at the scene while the other at the hospital.  A third victim, who has been identified as a 29-year-old male, is undergoing medical treatment.

“The deceased have been identified as Shamone Duncan, 50, a visitor from the United States and Dario Stubbs, 30, a TCI resident.  There is no evidence to suggest that Ms. Duncan, Mr. Stubbs or the wounded victim were the targets of this incident.  I wish to take this opportunity to extend my deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased.  The RT&CIPF will continue to provide victim support resources to those devastated by these incidents.  We condemn this violence and will remain resolute in our pursuit of the person(s) responsible for this despicable act”.

The RT&CIPF is appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity around the time of the incident to come forward with information. Witness accounts, video footage, or any details, no matter how small, could be critical to the investigation.

Please call the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers at 1800-8477 to anonymously provide information on these incidents. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.

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Crime

From TCI Police, a DOUBLE HOMICIDE:

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, 18th January, 2025 – Officers of the Serious Crime Unit are currently at the scene of a suspected double homicide and wounding in Providenciales.

A further update will be provided as additional information becomes available.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is asking members of the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on these incidents.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.

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Crime

THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND PUBLIC POLICY WARNS THE PUBLIC OF FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS SOLICITING MONEY 

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 14th January 2025 – The Office of the Premier and Public Policy is urging the public to remain vigilant following reports of fraudulent social media accounts impersonating the Premier and soliciting money.

It is important to note that the Premier and his team do NOT operate accounts that solicit financial assistance, and that these messages are part of a fraudulent scheme. These fake accounts are using the Premier’s name, photos, and official title to deceive individuals into sending funds or sharing personal information. We strongly urge the public to exercise caution and refrain from responding to any such messages.

The Office of the Premier and Public Policy is working closely with relevant authorities and social media platforms to address this issue. Protecting the trust and security of our citizens remains our highest priority.

We thank you for your vigilance and cooperation in this matter. Please share this information widely to help prevent others from falling victim to this scam.

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