Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, February 6, 2024 – Residents and visitors had much to say via social media last weekend in the face of two recent double murders in the Turks and Caicos, frustration and fear were front of mind. 

Comments were left on posts by the Governor and Premier as well as the Royal TCI Police Force, as information was shared about the murders that took four lives and injured five others across Thursday (Feb 1) and Friday (Feb 2).

“More CCTV in all communities, not just Grace Bay.” 

Suggested one resident speaking on the February 3 crime message from Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor and Washington Misick, TCI Premier .

“The frustration is not felt.” 

“We need more action. Too many innocent persons are losing their lives,” argued two others. 

The frustration with the current response continued, with some residents offering suggestions on issues they had noticed. 

“We need highway patrol that drives around pulling over people and making arrests. And [they] should always be on the roads patrolling . They might have caught the person yesterday,” said one resident during the broadcast on Facebook, aired after a double murder in the Glass Shack area of Providenciales. 

“Where is the police training school and compound that needs to be built! Get serious,” another chided. 

Despite these responses, a number of commenters were pleased with the swift response video from the country leaders, which garnered 4,000. 

“This is what we wanted, at least some public responses from our leaders to the madness of these evil, horrendous killings. Speak with authority to the criminals,” one resident said. Prior to the arrival of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor, the Premier’s Office was notorious for making residents wait for extended periods for official comment on serious crime issues even as residents called for guidance. 

“I am not only watching.  but listening especially [to] the Governor who has real power,” said one individual. 

“Yes we must fight Crime TOGETHER! All hands on deck!” Another chimed in. 

As for comments left for the police on their own Facebook page, there was one thing users really wanted; more offenders behind bars.