Haitian Community Responds: “Singled Out, Scapegoated, Yet United”

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A joint statement released July 29 by three Haitian community leaders—Rev. James Prosper, Mr. Vaguy Vilmar, and Dr. Alces Dor—expressed deep outrage at Premier Charles Washington Misick’s recent comments, which linked Haitian residents to 75% of serious crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands and urged community leaders to help provide intelligence on gun and drug smuggling routes.

“This narrative works so well for the criminals,” the statement read. The leaders accused anonymous social media accounts of amplifying hateful discourse, warning this tactic distracts from addressing the true drivers of violence. They noted that posts scapegoating Haitian surnames proliferated online before authorities even had the chance to issue arrest warrants.

Community sentiment was blunt: “We cannot afford to let our true selves be defined by a competition over which nation produces more criminals in our community.” Instead, they urged unity and focus on real perpetrators, regardless of nationality.

While acknowledging the pain caused by violence, the leaders demanded evidence of accountability: “The most significant news… is yet to come: ‘How many criminals have been apprehended?’” They questioned whether security forces would deliver hard facts rather than rhetoric.

Hope Radio host Joseph Vixaille echoed the sentiment, urging the Premier to include all communities in dialogue. “Instead of calling only Haitian leaders to the table…I urge you to call all community leaders from every nationality. We must deal with the root causes—poverty, neglect, lack of education and opportunity.” He added: “Your statement alienates and stigmatizes an entire community… They are good enough to vote… good enough to build our homes… but when crime happens, they become the scapegoat, why?”

A young Haitian resident also weighed in, saying:  “I don’t usually make posts like this, but as a young Haitian who grew up here in the Turks & Caicos Islands, this is the only place I truly call home… So why should we take offense when the Hon. Premier calls on the Haitian community to help — because, let’s be honest, enough is enough… We have a responsibility to protect the future of the country we now call home.”

However, while the collective message calls for unity and accountability, the opportunity for meaningful dialogue may now be strained. Shortly after these statements, the Turks and Caicos government—alongside the UK-appointed Governor—approved a six-month moratorium on first-time work permits and travel entry visas for Haitian citizens, citing concerns over national security and rising migration.

In an official press release dated July 28, Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the nightclub shooting and extended condolences to Turks and Caicos leadership and affected families. The ministry condemned the violence and pledged cooperation with local authorities to curb cross-border criminal activity, while also referencing recent residential fires involving Haitian victims and warning against “manipulation or politicization” of the events.

Despite decades of contribution, the Haitian community now finds itself at the heart of a political and security flashpoint. Whether these calls for justice and cooperation are heeded remains to be seen—but they have, without question, been made.