News
Statement from Mr Trevor Botting, Commissioner of Police
#TurksandCaicos, March 17, 2022 – “I am addressing you after a period of five days, from Friday 11th March, when the Turks and Caicos Islands experienced an unacceptably high number of serious and violent crimes across Providenciales. This level of violence, perpetrated by young men has left a trail of tragedy across these beautiful islands that is unacceptable in any civilized society.
On Friday 11th March, there were four robberies across four different locations within a period of 90 minutes, the first at 8:14pm in The Village, in Grace Bay where 4 armed men stole from 2 victims. No injuries were caused and no shots were fired. At 8:42pm a female was parked in the area of Glass shack when three men armed with a hand guns demanded cash.
The victim was unhurt and no shots were fired. At 8:43pm there was a robbery at Sunny Foods. It was reported that shots were fired but no one was injured. The offenders made off with cash from the store. The fourth offence took place on Friday 11th March at 9:46pm, when a robbery was reported on Lazy Eight Lane, Venetian Road. 3 victims were approached by armed men and had cash and other property stolen. No shots were fired and there were no injuries. Sunday 13th March, saw the shooting of 2 young men on Providenciales.
Both of these separate attacks are believed to have been targeted on the individuals involved rather than as part of the commission of another offence. Such incidents seem to be motivated by revenge or retribution between groups of young men or even within criminal groups often, over minor disputes. Such acts are ruining young lives on the TCI and have no place in our society.
These young men have to find another way to live their lives rather than through violence and guns. I am appealing to them directly to stop the cycle of violence, a cycle that makes you more likely to die a violent death, a cycle that will ultimately result in spending most of your life in prison and a cycle that is causing death and misery to others.
I am also appealing to those people who are close to these young men, I am asking you to plead with them to stop the violence and take a different path before they too end up being shot and killed in the very cycle of violence they are perpetuating.
The first shooting occurred early in the morning around 8am, a 28-year-old man attended at the hospital with gunshot wounds. It is believed that this incident took place in the Dock Yard area. The victim is currently in a stable condition. Later, during the evening of Sunday at about 8.30 pm, a 27-year-old man attended at hospital with a gunshot wound. The circumstances in relation to this incident are unclear however, it is believed that this incident was not part of the commission of another offence, it was targeted towards victim himself.
Three murders have tragically occurred over the last 5 days. Three senseless deaths caused by criminals who have no right to have a place in our communities and they must be held accountable and be brought to justice. On Saturday 12th March just after 8am, 911 received a call in relation to a shooting at the dump site, Millennium Highway. Police attended to find that a 48-year-old man had been shot during a robbery where he had cash stolen from him.
The man was taken to hospital where he had emergency surgery. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the medical team the man succumbed to his injuries on Monday 14th March.
Later on Saturday, at about 6pm the Police Control Room received information that a man had been shot at a location behind Mary Jane Lane, Blue Hills. Upon attendance police discovered the body of a man who was declared dead by medical staff having been shot. Whilst the investigators have an open mind to the motive for this murder, it is believed that this man was involved in very serious criminality and his shooting was a targeted attack by a person known to him as an act of revenge or retribution.
The third murder was just last evening. Just after 9pm a man was shot during what was believed to be a robbery in the area known as the Well, just off South Dock Road. The murder last evening was as senseless and barbaric an act as you can imagine; a man who posed no threat to the armed criminals who were seeking to rob and terrorize him shot him for no reason whatsoever, a cold hearted and hideous act of violence. So far in 2022, there have been 4 murders. This is a terrible and tragic start to the year for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
My officers are working tirelessly to investigate these crimes and other officers are undertaking operations, some overt and some covert to identify the offenders and bring them into custody. In the last few days, our operations have led to the seizure of firearms and other evidence that we believe are connected to serious and violent crimes.
We know that you, our communities are fearful but I want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to take these criminals off the streets of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As always, we need your help, if you know anything, no matter how small tell us. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers, you won’t need to leave your name and we won’t know who called but we will get the information you leave.
We also are in the middle of a gun amnesty.
You may be financially compensated for handing over a gun. Work with us to get these criminals and their guns off the streets of the Turks and Caicos Islands. They do not belong in our communities. Finally, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones and friends of those who have died in the recent attacks and those who have been injured.
Make no mistake, as a Force we feel the weight of the responsibility to keep our communities safe and we are under pressure, but we remain focused, steadfast and committed in hunting down the criminals who are causing so much misery to our communities.
Thank you, and my God bless you and these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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