By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, September 18, 2022 – Over a thousand people tuned in to the government’s joint press conference addressing the scary surge in violence in Five Cays on the weekend of September 3rd and based on the reactions many residents were thoroughly disappointed.

While the Governor, Nigel Dakin,  laid out an 8-step National Security Response, residents felt that interventions by other speakers were severely lacking in the conference which was supposed to be aimed at reassuring Five Cays and Provo residents that they were safe after seven people were shot in the span of two days; four of them fatally.

The air of residents in the press conference was one of fear, disappointment and anger.

Consistent reactions by dozens of residents expressed displeasure with the fact that there seemed to be no accountability from the force regarding their record. In addition, a barrage of comments indicated the residents believe there are major leaks in the police force, crushing claims of confidentiality by the Commissioner.

Also a bone of contention; a seeming lack of preparation by some speakers and the fact that there still seem to be no immediate measures in place to protect residents

One resident said, “This live is not reassuring at all, all it’s giving ‘we gonna try’”.  In response another resident said, “I am actually feeling worse about the situation.”

Others continued. “They never had a plan— lol, they just wanted to show up so we the people can’t say they are silent.”

“What is the plan for immediate response for what is currently happening, everything that was mentioned is near future action, nothing immediate. Our people are dying now, our people are losing sleep and are fearful now! What are the measures that are in place for the NOW!!!!!??????” was one resident’s query.

The sentiment was shared by many others including this resident who said, “This press conference is just to show that our nation doesn’t have any specific measures set in place to resolve such situations, though it has been happening for years. I mean it’s quite ridiculous that our government is taking this so lightly, we are in fear for our lives!”

Several residents were displeased with Commissioner Trevor Botting’s response in which he reiterated that the police were working hard to keep residents safe and people refused to speak to them.

One resident said, “What is the plan to keep us protected because y’all don’t have any confidentiality in that force at all.” Another chimed in. “I have no confidence in what he is saying. Talk is cheap.

“Y’all keep saying say something if you see something and when you do, your name be called before you leave the station, what plans y’all have in place to protect persons and their families if they should come forward about something they see???” One person added.

Residents in the comments also lamented the poor conviction rate calling for audits of the police force and expressing little faith in the witness protection program designed to keep informants safe.

“Is there any plan to audit the current commissioner? How many unsolved murders have occurred since he has been in his position?“

Another added. “The Force does gossip and talk too much for anybody to feel safe to trust them with information. It’s embarrassing the level of information that gets leaked.”

There were those who reiterated that the onus was on all TCI citizens to play their part in stopping crime.

One individual said “No matter what, we prove our ignorance on to many levels if we want things to change first we must listen not listen half way then criticize what can be a step in the right direction.”

Others maintained that police needed more equipment including better technology, potential sniffer dogs and better customs security to find illegal weapons.

“I don’t blame the force entirely. It’s the lack of equipment and the lack of efficient manpower that is to blame. There are other departments that should be held accountable— [including] the lack of our borders being properly protected. The firearms didn’t drop out of the air nor did they appear overnight.” A resident contended.

The solution to put lights in Five Cays to reassure residents and slow crime being committed under the cover of darkness was also poorly received by several residents.

“Lights?” One said. “These people are shooting and killing at 8 a.m!”

“Exactly!” Another agreed “They don’t GAF.”

Many residents were discomfited by MP Rachel Taylor’s speech. Some expressed concern that the matter at hand was not truly addressed and others claimed that young men in the constituency had pleaded for help and were being ignored.

“[SIC]Go look for the young men in five cays and talk to them to see what they need” one resident encouraged. Another responded directly “She doesn’t care, they beg her for help, we see her she don’t never pay us any mind.  I’m telling you from experience we beg that woman.. we follow her all the way to batchies where they had a meeting just to get her to hear us out.. all we got was “ill get back to yall”

Dozens of viewers expressed frustration that the issue at hand was lost in reporting on other social issues that could have possibly been more appropriate at another time. Comments included

“What is this conference about crime or education?“

“Is this a basketball conference?”

Stop reading and speak from the heart and feel how the people feel. TCI should be mourning now!” One viewer chided.

In addition, there was concern for the security officers who would be placed in schools and whether or not they would be armed to protect teachers, students and themselves should an unfortunate situation take place.

At this time, Turks and Caicos legislation forbids security guards being armed with guns.

One resident expressed eagerness at a stronger response to the four murders and unbridled gunfire in the community over the weekend.

“Where are the strong measures that’s coming that we the people might not like that was talked about in the Statement from the Premier at the funeral. I haven’t heard any yet or did I miss something?” One noted.

“This is frightening…these responses are very vague.”

“I don’t think the authorities grasp the gravity of the situation. At least in my opinion they don’t.” Another mentioned.

Member of Parliament for the Bight, Jay Stubbs was also concerned, adding “What should the communities on Provo look forward to immediately?”

The exasperated responses continued to the end of the press conference. There was an unmistakable air of dissatisfaction with the few solutions put forward and the fear that pushed residents to lock up and shut down in an effort to protect themselves.