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Relatives Scream and Cry, brought to their knees as GUNMEN roam free

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Deandrea Hamilton & Wilkie Arthur 

Editorial Staff

#TurksandCaicosIslands, February 14, 2024The Turks and Caicos is not fearing well against illegal guns and the infiltration of these killer weapons, continues to wield its worse in 2024.  

 

A matter at the start of the month was a sobering reminder that we are not just tallying shootings and homicides, we are losing people.

 

In the mass shooting incident of February 1, the pain of loss was public and paralyzing.  Families screaming, crying, near fainting and mourning bitterly, loudly as bystanders and law enforcement observed; awestruck and incapable of consoling the relatives who were now faced with such traumatic loss. 

 

The evil and violent rampage is unconscionable.

 

Murder, in this way and at this rate is bound to hit home eventually for everyone in the small British overseas territory, home to around 50,000 people.

 

Sooner or later, it is my son or my brother or my cousin or my co-worker or my boy. It is reaching every doorstep and a threat that knows no bounds.

 

Mass shootings in the Turks and Caicos have happened in the tourism district of Grace Bay, near school sporting events, within homes and have even been directed at the Police, many times. 

 

On the night of Thursday February 1st in Providenciales, five men were shot up in the parking lot of the IBO Plaza which is near Beaches Roundabout; gunfire rang out around 10:20 p.m. 

 

An hour later police would confirm that two were dead, driving the murder count for the Turks and Caicos Islands to four.  That murder tally has quickly soared to seven people murdered so far in 2024 on the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk.  

 

Among the victims on this fateful night, roughly thirteen days ago was a young man, who is the younger brother of a TCI Regiment member.  That member was on the same night, called to duty and working with the Royal TCI Police Force at one of its security check points set up in Provo.  

 

The Regiment member turned up to assist in the investigation and what he would see literally brought him to his knees.  A blood curdling cry is described as he robotically handed over his service weapon, flopped to his knees and wept over one of the bodies.

 

He shouted, “Not my baby brother!  My brother is a good boy!”

 

It was chilling and agony laid bare. 

 

The situation only became more anguishing when his mother arrived.  Together they wept and other relatives of the other victim, also rushed to the crime scene; devastated and inconsolable.

 

“It was a hollering time out there; it was so emotional out there even the officers struggled to keep their composure.  It is honestly one of the most emotional things I have ever scene.  It was terrible out there, just terrible,” said Wilkie Arthur, Court Correspondent for Magnetic Media.

 

Shortly after the shooting, reported Arthur, all of the businesses in the complex shut down.  Police began their investigations immediately, getting those operators to re-open presumably for questioning and insight, likely through security cameras.

 

It is also suspected that this is another retaliatory crime, stemming from the October 19, 2023 murder of Jumillo Isma and Mike Forbes; two men who were slaughtered mere metres away from the Providenciales International Airport terminal.  Isma, was trying to make his way out of the country but would never make the flight bound for London.

 

The shooting aroused a mixture of reactions.  

 

There was expressed disappointment that law enforcement seemed incapable of stopping the atrocious killings and frustration at the so called, ‘waste’ of police resources on check points which annoyed law-abiding residents and picked-up mainly on only minor traffic violations. 

 

Residents pointed out officers were distracted from their original mission, detecting and stopping crime; having now worn out their welcome, the check points were characterized as “predictable” and “ineffective.”

 

“They should go to where crime is actually happening,” said one resident on social media.

 

But even with the hyper vigilance of the joint law enforcement team through numerous security check points, the gunman who opened fire at the IBO Plaza were able to get though.  The shooters managed to get through at least three of the police check points.

 

As the night and the double homicide investigation wore on, it became clearer, that the shooting was meant to crash the party of a group of friends, celebrating a prison release.  Facts also expose that the two who were murdered, were not the intended targets.  

 

With anyone in earshot able to hear, at the crime scene that night, a bold vow to execute vigilante justice was announced by unknown men.  Police were warned to ready themselves for what was coming.

 

Within 24 hours, a second mass shooting would rock the country.  Two more murdered and a little girl caught in the spray of bullets.  The ten-year-old girl survived, reported as hospitalised with three gunshot wounds and her father was one of two men murdered.

 

Another week would pass, and a new shooting would shatter the serenity of the capital.  One young man lay dead in the street, riddled with bullets within yards of a high school sports meet.

 

It was another traumatic situation for Grand Turk, which only ten days earlier, on January 29th had its own mass shooting where four people were struck, one man fatally.

 

Incredibly, just eight days of February would pass and tiny Turks and Caicos would record five murders by gunfire.  

 

On February 10, the Royal TCI Police would announce the first arrests for a 2024 murder.  Three people were taken into custody for the February 8 shooting of a 24-year-old man.  It is a suspected murder plot and being questioned are two young men and a 55-year old woman.

 

The crimes have been condemned by country leaders and there has been government response to the deadly shootings.  Turks and Caicos will see a new temporary police commissioner and firearms expertise all from the UK and the hope is their tactics will help in stopping the bloodshed and finally put a dent in crime.

Crime

Homicide No. 40 for the Turks & Caicos is a wake up call

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Deandrea Hamilton and Wilkie Arthur

Editorial Team

 

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2024 – Another Sunday murder was recorded on October 20 and the victim, a man was discovered in a dark blue car, reportedly with what appeared to be his leg hanging out of an opened door of the vehicle.

Images from the crime scene were heartbreaking, as a wife charges toward the car to see if the report of her husband being shot dead was true. Sadly, it was.

The 40th murder for the year in the islands seems to have taken place on Walter Cox Drive, where the body of the victim was found.

Royal TCI Police information said, we are “investigating the 40th homicide of the year, which occurred on Sunday, October 20, 2024.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim, identified as 43-year-old ESTON LUNDY, was seated in a vehicle along Walter Cox Drive, Kew Town when he was fatally shot.

Officers responded to the scene after receiving multiple calls reporting gunfire at approximately 2:23 p.m.

The brazen nature of this crime reflects an ongoing concern in the TCI regarding the illegal use of firearms,” the report issued on Monday October 21st said.

A day before, the chiefs of the National Security Council – Her Excellency Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam and Hon Washington Missick – were weighing in on the grim milestone. It’s the highest ever homicide rate for the TCI.

“This situation is unacceptable. We want to assure you that we are taking decisive action to secure our law enforcement response and build our capability to deal with the threats we face.  In the last month, the RTCIPF has received additional specialist capability assigned to the serious crime team and tactical firearms unit.  Our multi-agency law enforcement efforts have intensified in high-risk areas, with intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting and dismantling criminal groups.  The safety of our communities and all who visit is our top priority”, said the Governor and Premier.

But for many residents, the common refrain offered little solace and failed to inspire confidence about their grip on crime.

From one of the country’s spiritual leaders and regular writer, Chad Archbold there was this, “The murder rate in our beloved islands has catapulted us into a realm of violence once unimaginable. Each death feels like an open wound on the national consciousness, especially for a people so connected to community. In a population as small as ours, every murder hits twice as hard, resonating across families, churches, and communities.   This year, Turks and Caicos is on track for a record-breaking number of murders. Gun violence, in particular, has become the tool of destruction, leaving behind broken homes, shattered lives, and deepening fear.  The tragedy of the 40th death marks more than a statistic; it is a clarion call for change. As we reach this symbolic number, the spiritual and national implications cannot be ignored. Just as 40 in Scripture signals a moment of reckoning, so too must we recognize this moment as one that demands reflection, repentance, and revival.”

Police say “ELEVEN firearms and a large quantity of assorted ammunition for the year.  The RT&CIPF is working closely with regional and international law enforcement agencies to stem the illegal flow of firearms and ammunition, as well as to identify the major perpetrators of these organized criminal network.”

All of the statements offered condolences and called for synergy.

“…we cannot do it alone, as the public’s assistance and support in the fight against crime is indispensable.”

To help, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime

Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.

You can also download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to provide information.

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Crime

Boat Owners Plead for Help After Five Boats Go Missing

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Wilkie Arthur 

Eagle Legal News

 

Turks and Caicos Islands — Friday, October 25, 2024 – Despite the potential dangers posed by five missing boats, there has been no official statement from the police, DECR, or other law enforcement agencies. This silence from authorities on such a critical issue is raising concerns among the public and boat owners alike.

The owners of these boats reached out to Eagle Legal News this morning, expressing frustration at the lack of response from officials. They reported that attempts to contact government ministers for assistance have gone unanswered.

With five boats stolen as of today, owners are urging authorities to take swift action, given the implications of such thefts in the region.

Wilkie Arthur

Investigative Journalist, Eagle Legal News Network

For advertisements, sponsorships, and donations to support our growing media network, please contact us at #3423407.

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Crime

TCI Murders 36, 37, 38 and 39 so far in October

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Turks and Caicos, October 18, 2024 – Five homicides were reported this month in the Turks and Caicos Islands; two of them, stemming from deadly shootings in late September; three others happening between October 9-15.

On Tuesday October 1, Royal TCI Police confirmed the murder of one of the country’s ‘Most Wanted’ men.  Gunned down and body gruesomely chopped, was Jouvly Inelus who was found in a pool of blood in Blue Hills the day before.

“At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.

Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months.”

On the same day, it was reported by Eagle Legal News Media and then confirmed by TCI Police that one of two men shot in an apparent targeted attack in Snake Hill on September 27 had died in hospital abroad.

“Blue Hills resident FRANCIUS PIERRE, has succumbed to gunshot injuries. Pierre, 41, was shot on September 27 while at a location at Stammers Run, Snake Hill. The Police Control Room had received calls indicating gunshots were heard at around 8:35 pm. Police and medical personnel arrived and found two males, Mr. Pierre and Paulcius Louites Vereus. Mr Vereus was unresponsive,” said the official police report.

The two homicide reports at the start of October brought the country’s murder count to 36, topping the deadliest year on record in 2022 where 34 people (including an unborn child) was murdered.

A week long break from violent killings crumbled, when in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday October 9, police were summoned to the Bight in Providenciales where residents reported hearing “multiple gun shots.”

A man was found dead and later identified as Lewis Francis Jr.  A second man was struck in the same attack and was taken to hospital where he was held for treatment of gunshot wound.

Eagle Legal News Media learned, “on the night of the killing and attempted murder of another in the Bight, we counted 40 yellow and black police evidence ‘spent shells’ markings.

His body laid face up, his hat dropped where he was sitting along with the other gunshot victim.”

It was shared with the investigative journalist that a lone gunman walked up to the pair and opened fire.

“Lewis Francis Jr tried to get up and run but instantly collapsed.  The shooter emptied a magazine on the fallen man and changed the magazine to a much longer one and continued shooting,” said Wilkie Arthur in his reporting on the incident.

TCI Police said:  “Shortly after midnight today (October 9), a call was made to the Police Control Room indicating there was a shooting at a location in Lower Bight, Providenciales.

A team of officers and medical personnel were dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, officers observed an unresponsive male clad in a black T-shirt, a pair of black jeans and a pair of black boots. The deceased has been identified as Lewis Francis Jr, 36.

The RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr. Francis’ relatives.

At around 1:27 am, officers were alerted to a male with gunshot wounds found at a residence in The Bight. Based on preliminary investigations, this stemmed from the initial incident. Officers responded and rushed the 38-year-old victim to a medical facility for treatment.”

Francis Jr was the country’s 37th murder for 2024.

Thirty-two hours later, on Thursday October 10 the murder count would climb some more.

“Whilst in the middle of one of those (power company) blackouts, residents all across Five Cays heard a number of loud gunshots from what sounded like two of three different firearms, according to those that heard it and reported to Police,” informed Arthur of Eagle Legal News Media.

Evanson Walkin, aka Archie or Bonka, aged 28 years old was discovered dead.

It was another killing that raised eyebrows. Despite the criminal history of Walkin, it was shared by those close to the young man that he was now living an honest life.

“He worked very hard on the waters in watersports and on boats.  He has his shortcomings but was a very nice little fella who was loved by many tourists.

He has one little girl.”

Six days later, residents would be horrified by yet another shooting.  This one in broad daylight in full view of the area primary school.

The Ministry of Education, issued a statement, which said in full:  “The Ministry of Education is deeply saddened to confirm that a shooting incident occurred near the Enid Capron Primary School on October 15, 2024.  The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority as we navigate this distressing situation.

At approximately 10:00 AM, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the school. Though no students or staff members were harmed, the incident has understandably caused significant concern within our community.

In response, the Ministry of Education is taking immediate and proactive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff:

  1. Increased Security Presence: We have coordinated with local law enforcement to bolster security on and around school grounds. Police officers and security officers will be present throughout the week to provide reassurance and support.
  2. Communication with Parents and Guardians: We are committed to keeping our community informed. We have sent out a message to all parents and guardians outlining the event, our response, and resources available for support. Our communication lines remain open for any questions or concerns.
  3. Crisis Counseling Services: Our counseling teams led by the school’s Guidance Counsellors is prepared to provide emotional support to students and staff. Additionally, our Student Support Services will be available for all students and staff during and after this difficult time.
  4. Safety Drills and Training: The school’s Critical Incident Management plan has been activated to respond to an active shooter scenario, the Enid Capron Primary School will be reviewing its safety protocols and will conduct additional training for staff and students to ensure preparedness for any future incidents.
  5. The Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP) was postponed on Tuesday 15thbut will resume today October 16, 2024.

“We are heartbroken by today’s events and extend our thoughts to those affected by the incident,” said Honourable Rachel Taylor, the Minister of Education. “Our focus remains on providing a safe environment for our students and staff, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure this.

As the situation develops, the Ministry of Education will provide updates through official channels.”

Eagle Legal News Media said residents found the body first and that it took some time before Police took control of the scene of the crime.

“We then headed out to Five Cays, and not much police were there, but the Commissioner of Police was directing the traffic to turn around as the street had become a crime scene.  Persons couldn’t walk, nor vehicles couldn’t drive in that direction any longer.”

Teachers, school staff and students were terrified, said Arthur.

We soon learned that the man shot and left bleeding out in a puddle of water was, Dorlens Zamor, a 33 year old resident of Five Cays.

Zamor was murder No. 39 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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