***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, 10th January, 2025 – Thirty-three-year-old WOLBERT FERGUSON has been charged with TWO COUNTS OF HANDLING STOLEN GOODS and BURGLARY.

Mr Ferguson of Kew Town, Providenciales, is expected to appear in court at the next available date.

The accused was held by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force following a report of a burglary on Monday, 6th January 2025.

The incident allegedly occurred at the Central Storage located on Industrial Drive.

Turks and Caicos, December 31, 2024 – Six individuals, including a female minor,  have been charged with various firearm-related offences following investigations conducted by the Serious Crime Unit.

The accused are expected to appear in the Magistrate’s Court next week.

On December 24^th, 24-year-old SMALEY LOUIS was charged with the following offences:

• One count of Possession of an Imitation Firearm with Intent to Cause Fear.  One count of Gang Membership.

On December 26^th, officers charged twin brothers GIVESON MARC and GUBERSON MARC.

The brothers, aged 20, are charged with the following offences:

• One count of Possession of an Imitation Firearm with Intent to Cause Fear.
• One count of Possession of Ammunition.
• One count of Gang Membership.

The charges against Mr Louis and the Marc brothers were laid following investigations into an incident reported on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

On Thursday, December 26, 2024, the following individuals from Dock Yard, Providenciales, were charged:

• ROSEMIRLINE PIERRE, 24
• WOODSON GAY,23, and
• A 15-year-old female -Given that the accused is a minor, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force cannot name nor release her photograph.

The accused face the following charges:

• One count of Possession of Ammunition.
• One count of Illegal Entry.

These charges stemmed from an operation in Dock Yard on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, December 18, 2024 – Three men, masked and armed with high powered rifles broke into the routine of serving the wholesale shoppers at GK Foods when they demanded cash, demonstrated an unprovoked agitation and proved to be a trigger-happy gang when they shot three people, one of them fatally.

From the Police Report: “Shortly after 3:29 PM today (Tuesday December 17), the Police Control Room received multiple reports of a robbery in progress at a warehouse along Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

Officers were dispatched to the given location and were informed upon arrival that armed individuals entered the business place, started shooting and escaped with a cash register.

While at the scene, officers received additional information that three individuals were brought to the emergency room of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Based on reports, the victims are employees of the business place held up by the armed suspects.

Sadly, one of the victims, a 31-year-old male, succumbed to injuries while undergoing medical Treatment. The other two victims remain under medical care.”

That 31-year old man is part of the Indian community in the Turks and Caicos.  Video would soon reveal that it was a senseless killing as all of the workers, who were held at gunpoint, were submissive, terrified and cooperated with the armed robbers.

“It is with a heavy heart that I learnt of the tragic shooting incident that occurred today, claiming the life of one innocent individual and leaving two others injured. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim, whose life was taken in such a senseless act of violence. To those injured, I pray for your healing and strength in your recovery,” came from H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, Turks and Caicos Islands Governor, who also made an appeal to the general public.

“During this difficult time, I urge everyone to stand together as a community. If you have any information about this incident or other incidents, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please come forward and share it with the police or someone you trust. Even the smallest detail could be vital to bringing those responsible to justice.”

Veteran security and investigative services provider, Evan Spencer of Spence Security was deeply troubled by the report and shared some tips for business owners.

“You have got to increase Security Presence; Consider hiring additional security personnel, especially during peak hours, to fortify the safety of your establishment.  Additionally, implement Cash Handling Procedures like avoid keeping large amounts of cash on the premises, conduct regular cash deposits throughout the day instead of retaining cash until closing and use different times for deposits to reduce predictability.

You also want to Secure your Deposits by ensuring you have security personnel present to escort your cash transactions and avoid displaying cash unnecessarily in public spaces,” said Spence.

Spence said he was motivated to make this helpful list given the recent events, which included Bugaloos Restaurant in Five Cays being ambushed by seven armed men.  Patrons and staff were robbed of valuables on Monday December 16.

“Sometimes, you have to adjust Operating Hours and consider closing your establishment earlier, especially before dark. This can significantly reduce the risk of nighttime robberies and improves overall safety.  Also, you want to stay vigilant, which means be alert to your surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately to the police department; encourage your staff to do the same and establish clear communication protocols in case of emergencies and employee education is essential.  Conduct security awareness training for your staff to ensure they know how to respond during a robbery and how to recognize potential threats,” said Mr. Spencer, who is a retired police officer.

At this time, the identity of the man killed in the brazen armed robbery has not been shared, however, video of the crime is being widely circulated.

The 31 year old man is the 47th homicide for the year in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Royal TCI Police has not informed if they have any suspects in custody.