Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, March 7, 2025 – Tourism dependent, Turks and Caicos must work quickly to improve safety and security in the islands. On Tuesday, the US Department of State issued a Level 2 travel advisory which urges travelers to “exercise increased caution” when on these islands. A Level 2 advisory, in this case was warranted, said the federal agency, because Americans need to “be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.”
It pointed to Providenciales as the island where the most crime occurs.
The warning coincides with an official U.S. visit to the British overseas territory, from March 5-7. U.S. Embassy officials have one final meeting with its citizens in the Turks and Caicos; sessions held by Consular personnel for “routine U.S. passport and citizenship services.”
The warning also follows the murder, in January, of a vacationing Chicago policewoman – Shamone Duncan – who was struck by a stray bullet while at a family celebration at a popular restaurant and lounge in Grace Bay, which is the tourism district on the island of Providenciales.
Regional countries like Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten and St Lucia are enjoying a Level 1 rating. Jamaica’s is at a Level 3 which calls for Americans to “reconsider travel”. Also at Level 3 are Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Haiti, with dangerous gang-led unrest, is at Level 4, where the advice from the State Department is “Do Not Travel.”
The Bahamas is Level 2 for safety and security, so is the United Kingdom, which is cited for possible terrorist attacks.
The Turks and Caicos set a record for tourism arrivals in 2024; cruise passengers were 1.2 million and overall, there were 1,959,000 guests to the country. The popularity of the destination reflected a 30 percent increase according to the Ministry of Tourism. The Real Estate market also saw strong growth and these factors worked in tandem for an upgrade to the islands’ sovereign credit rating, now at A-, as bestowed by S&P.
The continued success of the territory is at stake and reports are, this weekend, as many as 30 newly recruited and experience police officers will join the Royal TCI Police Force on the ground; they are said to be coming from Jamaica.
The US Level 2 Travel Advisory also warns Americans about firearms and ammunition.
“Firearms and ammunition, including single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage, are illegal. Police strictly enforce these laws, even at the airport when travelers are leaving. Travelers face arrest, jail time, and heavy fines. Some U.S. citizens have been detained and unable to depart for several weeks or more after being found with bullets in their luggage. Offenders can face 12 years or more in prison. Though the law allows for some exceptions and discretion, the Department of State cannot guarantee your release.”
