The heartbreaking news of the mass shooting at the Hookah and Cigar Lounge on July 27, 2025, is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for our government to take decisive and innovative action to combat gun violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. My deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones affected by this senseless act of violence.
While I commend the swift response of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice, it is clear that more must be done, not only to respond to incidents as they occur but to prevent such tragedies from happening in the first place. We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be proactive.
I believe the following key measures should be prioritized immediately:
- Youth Diversion and At-Risk Youth Employment Programs: Developing targeted youth diversion initiatives that steer at-risk young people away from criminal activity. Providing meaningful employment, skills training, and mentorship opportunities can create alternatives to involvement in violence and gangs. Investing in these programs is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and fostering positive community engagement.
- Enhanced Intelligence and Modern Surveillance: Investing in cutting-edge technology, CCTV upgrades in all communities, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring systems to improve our surveillance capabilities. Modern surveillance tools can significantly enhance our ability to detect and dismantle illegal gun networks before violence erupts.
- Enhanced Border Security: To effectively combat violence and ensure the safety of our communities, we must greatly strengthen our border security measures to prevent the illegal entry of guns, drugs, and undocumented immigrants. This requires a coordinated effort involving increased surveillance at ports of entry, improved customs inspections, and enhanced intelligence-sharing with regional and international partners. We must also invest in advanced technology and training for our border security personnel to identify and intercept more illegal vessels and landings more efficiently.
- Community Engagement and Education: Building stronger relationships between law enforcement and communities, fostering trust, and encouraging residents to participate actively in crime prevention efforts. There must be an encouragement of a culture of vigilance and empowering residents to report suspicious activities without fear of retaliation. Rewards, such as the current $10,000 offer, are important, but community trust and cooperation are vital.
Most importantly, I call on the government to elevate the issue of gun violence and national security to the forefront of our national conversation. Gun violence is not just a law enforcement challenge; it is a threat to our social fabric, our economy, and our islands’ safety. It must be the main topic in policy development, public discourse, and government appropriations. Adequate funding, strategic planning, and a united front are crucial to safeguarding our country both now and for our future.
In conclusion, the government must immediately enact a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that combines enforcement, prevention, and community engagement. The safety of our citizens, residents, and visitors depends on our collective commitment to building a safer Turks and Caicos Islands.
I urge the government to prioritize these initiatives and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that tragedies like this are prevented in the future. Our people, our visitors, and our islands deserve peace and security, and it is our shared responsibility to make that an immediate reality.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Opposition
Turks and Caicos Islands
