News
Did TCI Police wait 30 weeks to get serious about radical, deadly gang turf war?
By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, October 6, 2022 – Questions are being raised about the timeline surrounding the flare-up of violence in the Turks and Caicos these last few days and whether earlier, strategic intervention could have saved lives and the TCIs reputation. The genesis of the senseless killing spree stretches back to March 2022 according to Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor; 207 days or nearly 30 weeks ago.
On Saturday March 12, 2022 the Turks and Caicos was in the midst of one of the first crime waves of the year, Four robberies had been carried out the night before and a man was robbed and shot in the early morning, that man would later die, and when Gari Santi Charles was murdered around 6pm that night, the nations security leaders were silent. There would be one more innocent man robbed and killed that week before a decisive statement was made.
Of the two innocent who were robbed and brutally murdered, Governor Nigel Dakin said, “It’s hard to find the appropriate words to express one’s heart-felt sympathy to those they leave behind nor utter words of sufficient condemnation to those who took their lives.”
Of Santi, not even his name was confirmed by the Governor or Police Commissioner Trevor Botting who both made extensive statements condemning the crime spree. All the public was told was that Police had been trying to apprehend him on four different occasions and were unsuccessful. Obviously, the police had an idea of how dangerous this man was proven by the many failed attempts to nab him.
A month passed and another wave of crime, including shooting robberies and home break ins began in early April. On the week of April 5th, Five Cays residents were forced to endure days of unexplained shootings that culminated in one injury and an extension of the failed gun amnesty. The police knew exactly who was doing the shooting, and said so in a statement on April 8th.
“Armed policing operations have been deployed in Five cays in response to this situation, both to push back against the criminals carrying and discharging firearms, but also to proactively target those who we know are responsible,” they said.
Three days later Randall Rigby Junior was shot by an officer in a planned policing operation on Venetian Road. The police say they went ‘to arrest a suspect for serious offences of violence and firearms related crime.’ A firearm was recovered on scene and an officer was injured. Rigby died in hospital that night, and the police indicated no further comment would be made.
Like Charles, Rigby was not named by the police and no gang related statements were ever made in regards to the two deaths.
Unbeknownst to the public, Charles’ death, and that of Randall Rigby would spell serious consequences for the country. That is according to Co-Chair of the security council Nigel Dakin in a statement on October 3rd.
“Several months ago, two local gangs, and yes, there is a very significant local element to this, two local gangs lost their leadership. One, extremely local, one extremely violent local gang leader was shot dead by police for resisting arrest. The other, a Haitian gang leader, who the police had made four separate attempts to arrest in the shanty areas of Romi Yard, was killed by one of his own gang, before he could be arrested.”
Between the deaths of Charles and the statement made by Dakin this past Monday, 207 days passed, 24 more murders were committed, all but one of them were young men and all but one of them who died was shot to death.
Fifteen of the 24 died in a 29-day span between September 3rd and October 2nd. Included in that tally are innocents who were resting on a Sunday morning, enjoying an island vacation, or just having a night out with friends. It was only after that bout of extreme viciousness that Governor Dakin, who chairs the National Security Council along with Premier Washington Misick, made the tell-all statement to the public from Parliament.
“The vacuum and confusion this created, allowing a predominately Jamaican gang, with a relatively small footprint here, to reinforce from Jamaica.”
The gravity with which the statement was delivered was felt deeply by Islanders, but it begs the question, how long have the powers that be had this information?
Was the issue raised with the Prime Minister of Jamaica on the Premier’s visit in August?
How long has the knowledge that Jamaican affiliated gangs had not only infiltrated the Turks and Caicos, but were expanding been in the hands of those with the power to do something about it?
The Government also obviously has some knowledge of the involvement of our own young men in the issue.
This is as referenced by Premier Washington Misick whose warnings on September 5th were a grim foreshadowing to Sunday’s murder of a tourist, who was killed by bullets meant for the tour operators.
Based on the fervor with which Charles was pursued, the capture of Rigby and the detailed statement on Monday, it is abundantly clear the police knew something. And yet no immediate announcement was made of the significance of these so-called dangerous ‘gang leaders’ to the public . Nor were the deaths followed up with any significant, on record, anti-gang operations, and to date no successful gang related convictions have been reported.
Only in the past few days has Turks and Caicos been supported by the UK, with a tactical unit training team arriving on Sunday. The governor said five had arrived on the day of a three person killing rampage.
The Bahamas, through its Police Force, would also lend manpower support within days of the address at the Legislature.
The Jamaican Constabulary Force is offering intelligence-led support as well, Magnetic Media has learned.
Meanwhile, it cannot be ignored that the Royal Turks and Caicos Police has acknowledged they are out of their depth and are calling in and grateful for reinforcements.
The question remains, why not sooner, when lives could have been saved and the onslaught of unprecedented crime could have possibly been averted altogether.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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.
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