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Murder in TCI surged by over 300%; from  FOUR in 2013 to FORTY-EIGHT in 2024

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, January 27, 2025 – When there has been a total of 118 lives brutally and callously ended by unrelenting homicidal criminals over the course of one’s tenure as head of elected government, and when that number reflects a boom in violence that is heart-rending, there grows immense public pressure to explain why there isn’t a more firm handle on crime by now.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, this is especially true as the tiny archipelago nestled in the Atlantic has been beset by media reports which expose an out of control situation.

The escalation in homicides is fuelled by clashing gang syndicates, said to have spilled into the British overseas territory from neighbouring Caribbean countries.  The onslaught has overwhelmed local law enforcement and landed the country at the top of the list of nations with the highest murder rates anywhere in the world.

The escalating crime has plagued the last two government administrations most.  Both Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and Charles Washington Misick have faced punishing criticism on crime; so have the British appointed Governors, (there have been five) who are actually the lead – in the territory – on national security.

While former premier, Rufus Ewing (PNP) saw 21 murders over his four years in office, Cartwright-Robinson, as premier witnessed seven murders grow to nine, then nine grow to 14 and 14 surge to 22 by 2020 just ahead of the pandemic which had forced lockdowns and other restrictive measures.

Crime under the current Washington Misick government has jumped over 300% since the days of Ewing.  This meteoric rise in the murder rate is also a 227% jump over the Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson (PDM) administration which ran from December 2016 through February 2021.  The country’s first woman premier recorded a total of 52 murders in the four calendar years when she served.

For Misick, it has been an epic challenge.  From 13 homicides in 2021 when he took office, to 34 a year later, 23 homicides in 2022-23 to now 48 killings in 2024.  Already three murders have happened this year.

The statistics come from published TCI media reports, fed by data from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.  While there is some ambiguity and inconsistency on how Police communicate crime statistics, we did our part to source the figures from the Police as the official source in almost all cases.

The comparison by our news organization follows comments from the Leader of the Opposition and the retort by the current Premier, who found themselves pointing a wagging finger at each other earlier this week.  The men, who are fast approaching a definitive national poll are blaming and claiming.  Blaming the other for the surge in crime.  Claiming their party has what it takes to deliver on promises to the public to bring about an abatement in crime.

We checked the numbers and it is tragic all around.  No one is a winner.  And while both political teams often say, crime should not be politicised, it is an indisputable fact, that Electors will more likely be giving their votes to the party with a more impressive pitch on stopping the violence.

“When my government took office in 2021, crime was already a growing crisis. A wave of violence had been allowed to fester under the failed policies of the past. The so-called “twelve-point crime plans” of the previous administrations were nothing more than hollow promises, leaving our communities vulnerable and our Police Force under-resourced.

We refused to let this trend continue. Over the last four years, my government has made unprecedented investments in law enforcement and the judiciary—$147 million to date, including $125 million allocated specifically to the Police Force. These funds reflect not just our commitment, but our resolve to give our law enforcement agencies the tools, training, and support they need to protect our people,” said the Premier on Tuesday.

In a statement issued after the more recent murders,  the PDM said, “Under the leadership of the PNP, crime has spiraled out of control in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the lack of an effective strategy to address it is unacceptable.

The safety and security of our people and visitors should be the government’s top priority, yet we are witnessing continued inaction and mismanagement,” chastised Edwin Astwood on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Premier’s press conference was convened to shed light and allay public dismay about any thought that his government was incapable of  putting a choke hold on the unrelenting murderous crime and violence.  A press conference, which was necessary because there had been a shooting at a top rated night spot on Grace Bay, the country’s luxury tourism hub.

Three people were shot, including a tourist who was a police officer visiting the island.  Shamone Duncan, a 50-year old Cook County Sheriff’s deputy on vacation in Providenciales will not be returning to her son and grandchild in Chicago.

Also shot by an errand bullet, Dario Stubbs, a father, husband, beloved son and insurance professional hailing from South Caicos. He was picking up his wife from work.  His young daughter was also there.

The stunning crime sent shockwaves across the nation and news of it quickly spread to the islands’ leading tourism source market, where one of the victims is from, the USA.

ABC News reported: “The fifty year old grandmother was on her second of three nights on the island, vacationing for her sister’s birthday.  Along with two of her sisters were at a roof-top party Saturday night at a restaurant, when others began to argue downstairs.  That’s when her son says a shootout ensued.”

His mother was among those told to get down; his mom instead got up.

“And that’s when she got hit,” explained her adult son, Peyton, who was awash in tears; his devastation undeniable.

It was crushing news and the Premier  has vowed to find the perpetrators.

“These heinous acts are unacceptable, and let me assure you: my government will not rest until justice is served and peace is restored to every street, every home, and every corner of our nation.

This is not just a commitment to one family but to all families who have suffered because of crime in our islands,” said the Premier.

To date, no arrests have been made though police investigators say they are close.

Imagine residents ten years ago being incensed by four murders for the year, now having to come to grips with a staggering 48 deadly shootings and dozens more suffering gunshot wounds.  It would not be unfair to say that the last 16 years have been a living hell for far too many families and guests to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

There were at least 191 murders during that time.  Now, both political leaders are promising relief.

From the PDM, “The PDM has consistently outlined our comprehensive plan to tackle crime and violence head-on, including: Strengthening law enforcement with advanced training, technology, and resources. This includes increasing surveillance of our streets, neighborhoods and tourist hot spots; Implementing community policing to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement; Securing our borders to prevent the illegal influx of firearms and drugs fueling criminal activities and Investing in youth empowerment programs to address the root causes of crime and create opportunities for at-risk youth.”

Premier Misick talked about some of his actions since the triple shooting.

“I also spoke to the Minister representing the Overseas Territories in the FCDO yesterday morning and expressed my view that HMG is not doing enough to assist the TCI.

Let me be clear: these tragedies demand not just words but decisive action,” he said.

Misick reflected on an emergency Cabinet meeting and actions taken then.

“On Monday, Cabinet approved $500,000 in special funding to bring in specialized tactical police units from across the Caribbean. These highly trained officers will provide critical expertise and manpower.

An additional $100,000 has been allocated to TCI Crimestoppers to support community cooperation through rewards and tips.

We have also strengthened our partnerships with regional allies through CARICOM Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE). These partnerships ensure that we have access to additional resources, expertise, and boots on the ground to tackle crime from every angle.”

On Saturday January 25, the country learned that 50 more armed police officers will join the local Force from the UK and the Caribbean region.  The UK Department of Defence in response to the urgency of the TCI National Security Council has included more intelligence and investigative specialists, they will join five others who are already in the country, working and charged with an intelligence-led approach to uprooting the disorganised crime which has been allowed to plant itself in the islands.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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