National Crime Press Conference held December 22, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, December 22, 2023 – Members of the various Media houses present, residents of the TCI, and persons viewing us on our Facebook platform, I have with me Acting Deputy Darron Williams, Superintendent Dean Holden, and Mat Newton.

A pleasant good morning, and thank you for joining us.

As I address you today in the spirit of love and servitude, a scripture weighs on my mind. With Micah 6:8, the Lord tells us how he wants us to love him and love our neighbor. To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with him. And I pray that we honour this commandment as we seek to live in a changing society.

As we advance towards the end of this year and focus on the beginning of a New Year, my team and I are here to update you, members of the public, on the national security of these Turks and Caicos Islands and to reflect on the collective achievements and challenges that we have faced during 2023.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, our law enforcement officers have exhibited resilience, dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to ensure the safety of these islands. Building a safer and more secure Turks and Caicos remains the number one priority of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

With the festive season upon us, the safety and security of you, our residents, and visitors to the TCI remains a top priority.

Together with our law enforcement partners, we have navigated complexities that tested our mettle.  Our shared commitment to excellence has driven our successes, from addressing crime rates to implementing innovative community engagement initiatives.

As a result of our strategies to tackle serious crime, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has seen significant reductions in some areas compared to last year.

Homicides have decreased by 30.3 %

Robberies – a reduction of 47.1%

Discharge of firearm – a decrease of 54.8 %

Moreover, while last year, the detection rate for Homicide stood at 6%, this year, our detection rate is 39%. An increase of 33%.

I pause here to offer condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones during the period of these senseless killings. This time of year will be particularly difficult as families try to unite. May the Almighty God continue to strengthen you during your grief and pain. One life lost to these senseless killings is one too much. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to bring these perpetrators to justice.

Families, that is our solemn promise to you. However, I must appeal to everyone: Do not let it reach your doorstep for you to care for it.

There are many of you out there who can bring closure and comfort to these hurting families, and we encourage you to be your brother’s keeper. If you know something, say something. Crime Stoppers remains available and is only interested in the tip, not who you are. We will continue to strengthen our efforts as it relates to Crime Stoppers. We know many of you are fearful and even feel that what you may know or have seen is insignificant, but I appeal to you to share it and let the authorities determine its usefulness or not. This is the season of giving, peace and love; let us do what we can to bring peace and show love to many homes seeking closure.

We are encouraged by the recent statistics and are committed to improving them even further.

Twenty-seven illegal firearms have been recovered to date, with 16 within the last four months. The Anti-Gang Ordinance of (2022) has played a vital and crucial role in addressing gang-related offences.

To date, FIVE suspected gang members are before the courts charged with various offences under this Ordinance.

We have had significant seizures of drugs this year and will continue in our relentless efforts to tackle drug-related offences.

Protection of our borders

The entry of irregular migrants puts the TCI at the most significant risk. Our Marine Branch and law enforcement partners – TCI Regiment, TCI Border Force, and our international partners have been doing a stellar job intercepting irregular migrants seeking to enter the TCI.

Protecting the TCI border remains a high priority for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and its partners. This year, there has been a record 33 interceptions. This remains a costly exercise, and we welcome tips that alert us before boats enter our space.

Road Safety

The RT&CIPF remains resolute in enforcing the law that helps to keep you and the public safe and makes it more difficult for criminals to move about or roadway undetected.

However, there appears to be a concerted effort by lawbreakers to continue having illegal tints, no license plates, no vehicle insurance, and no driver’s license. The law is clear, yet some drivers are not adhering to it. We will continue our zero-tolerance approach in the coming days. Again, I call on drivers to be more responsible and help us keep you, your friends, and your families safe as they traverse our roadways.

This year, we recorded five road fatalities.

Five families are spending the holidays without their loved ones. I again pause to extend condolences to the families and friends.

I am again appealing to drivers to be responsible on the roads. (Refrain from excessive and reckless speed. Do not use your phones while driving to the point of distraction) Do not Drink and Drive. Please appoint a designated driver or contact a taxi service if you drink. Wear your seatbelts. Remember, loved ones await at home.

Community Policing

Our Community Policing team has made strides this year by building on strong relationships in the communities we serve. Our team emphasised a proactive approach to address concerns and fostered a shared responsibility for public safety.

Our plans for 2024 include the DARE program in schools and the continuation of communityoriented outreach programs such as C-BOPP  “Community Base Patrol Program”.

We were pleased to participate in the Christmas Card Competition this holiday season and deliver goodies for our children across the Islands. The hosting of the Police Band on the Grace

Bay Strip and our first-ever Jingle Competition has already yielded positive results in our effort.  to build bridges. We commit to ensuring that the people we serve feel our presence in our communities and across all age groups.

Operation Shepherd

During the holiday season, the strength of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will be augmented; I wish to pause and thank the TCI Regiment (who have become our valued partners).

Operation Shepherd is ongoing and will encompass a more strategic and visible police presence. Please expect to be inconvenienced as we conduct various operations within the TCI aimed at ensuring your safety and security.

Our focus will be on continuous improvement, adaptability, and a steadfast dedication to the principles of justice and service.

We will continue our ZERO TOLERANCE approach on lawbreakers.

As we approach the coming year, the RT&CIPF will carry forward the lessons learned and the triumphs achieved.

The challenges we face are opportunities for growth and evolution, and I have complete confidence in the collective strength of our Force.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our law enforcement partners, the TCI Regiment, TCI Border Force, all volunteers, private security companies, our international partners, and other partners within the TCI public service.

I thank you, members of the public, for your continued trust and confidence in us. Thank you for working alongside and supporting us.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are the guardians of safety and the architects of positive change.

While 2024 may be filled with challenges, we also look forward to opportunities that will present themselves.

We will achieve our goals for a safer Turks and Caicos Islands through solid partnerships, planning, and sound policies and procedures embracing a multi-agency approach.

The men and women of the RTCIPF stand committed and will continue to serve the TCI with Pride and Integrity.

As we welcome new leadership in the coming weeks, let us commit to being true partners in our residents’ safety and peace. We each have a critical role to play, and may we ever remember that the challenges are shared; they are ours, and we must do more to hand down a better country for the generations to come. This is bigger than all of us.

On behalf of the Force Senior Executive Team, I wish to thank the officers of the Force and support staff who stepped up to the task when needed while defending the TCI from danger. Their selfless acts and determination are commendable.

On a personal note, I remain committed to serving my country and people as we forge ahead with our strategies to continue the building blocks of a safer and more secure Turks and Caicos Islands.

From the RT&CIPF family to yours, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year.

May God continue to bless these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.