Turks and Caicos, May 30, 2025 – CYDERIO SMITH, 27, of Kew Town, Providenciales, has been found guilty of DISCHARGING a FIREARM following a trial in the Grand Turk Supreme Court.

Smith was initially charged with One Count of Discharging a Firearm and One Count of Being a Gang Member under the Anti-Gang Ordinance (2022). However, during the trial on 27 May, the presiding judge directed the jury to return a Not Guilty verdict on the gang membership charge.

On 28 May 2025, the jury, after deliberation, returned a guilty verdict on the firearm charge. Smith has been remanded to H.M. Prison, the Home of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, and will be sentenced on June 20, 2025.

The charges stem from a shooting incident on 5 February 2023 in Grace Bay, where a group of men reportedly discharged firearms at another group. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.

Smith was charged after a thorough investigation by police, in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. This conviction is a clear demonstration of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s (RT&CIPF) commitment to tackling gun crime and ensuring the safety of our communities.

The RT&CIPF remains steadfast in its efforts to bring to justice those who endanger public safety through the use of illegal firearms. Members of the public are encouraged to report any information regarding illegal activity by contacting: 911, the nearest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 232-8752 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – In response to a deadly surge in gun violence, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey on Monday morning formally briefed the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick and Her Excellency Acting Governor Anya Williams on two recent murders and the broader security crisis engulfing the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The high-level debrief followed a harrowing week which reports indicate brought the murder count for 2025 to 15 people, including what was described as mass shooting where as many as four men were struck with bullets.                                                                                                                                                                                              The Commissioner provided an update on the nature of the week of homicides, the current status of investigations, and the coordinated response measures being implemented by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF).

Both the Premier and Acting Governor pledged full support to the Commissioner and the RTCIPF, as the country grapples with a level of violence that has deeply shaken residents and visitors alike.

“The Government remains deeply committed to strengthening public safety and enhancing the resources available to law enforcement,” read a statement issued following the briefing.

As part of this commitment, 40 specially trained officers from across the region have recently completed orientation with the RTCIPF and are now operational. These reinforcements are expected to support ongoing investigations and bolster the national policing strategy.

Among the recent incidents:

• A young man was shot and killed in Five Cays on Saturday (May 24) afternoon. Police reported receiving a call around 2:58 p.m. about gunfire near a local religious institution. Officers arrived to find a male victim lying motionless with apparent gunshot wounds. His death is being treated as a suspected homicide.
• One of four men shot earlier in the week in Kew Town succumbed to his injuries, raising the death toll from that mass shooting.

As investigations continue, the RTCIPF is urgently appealing to the public for any information that might assist. Witnesses or anyone with relevant knowledge are encouraged to report to the nearest police station, dial 911, contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Commissioner Bailey, who was confirmed as the Turks and Caicos Police Commissioner in a ceremony on Friday April 25, has vowed that the RTCIPF will not relent in its pursuit of justice and community safety.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Public concern has been growing as the scale and brazenness of violent incidents increase. Community leaders and residents are demanding a stronger and more visible police presence in hotspots, as well as urgent interventions to address the root causes of gun violence.

The police force has pledged to issue further updates on investigations and arrests in the coming days.

Photo Captions:  

1st insert: ROBERTO YACINTHE, age 33 was shot on Saturday (May 25) in the Blue Hills community. He was an employee of the Alexandra Resort.

2nd insert: Crime scene in Five Cays

3rd insert: Flex Baptiste, 32 died on Friday.  He was shot on Wednesday.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

BORDER FORCE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 29 May 2025:  On Thursday, 22nd May 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force successfully intercepted a commercial vessel arriving from Haiti, uncovering a substantial quantity of concealed cigarettes. This seizure prevented an estimated $70,000.00 in duty evasion.

An investigation is currently underway, and additional details will be shared as they become available.

We commend and thank the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force and the TCI Regiment for their support and contribution to the success of this operation.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force continues to achieve enforcement successes and remains steadfast in its mission to protect our borders and safeguard our communities.

The public is reminded that the illegal importation of controlled goods is a serious offence, punishable by substantial fines and imprisonment upon conviction.

For any media inquiries, please contact crilightbourne@gov.tc