RTCIPF Response to Serious Crime – Statement by the Commissioner of Police

#TurksandCaicos, August 3, 2023 – The shooting dead of a man in Grace Bay on Wednesday 2nd August 2023 at 2 pm in the afternoon was shocking.

This murder was targeted against the man who died and is, we believe, linked to gang-related serious crime, motivated by revenge and retribution.

This is the twelfth murder for 2023, with the majority of these deaths being linked to gang and serious crime activity.

Our young men on the TCI are dying needlessly through senseless violence. This matter is under active investigation, and I am asking you, our community, to tell us what you know about this and other serious crimes. You can do this in a number of ways and if you wish to stay anonymous, you can use Crimestoppers to tell us what you know.

You don’t need to leave your name and the information will be passed to us.

Soon after the incident in Grace Bay yesterday, the RTCIPF received reports of a group of armed men in the Dock Yard area. When Police Officers attended the area, they were subject to sustained gunfire from a group of men who were armed with automatic weapons.

In order to protect themselves, the Police officers also discharged their firearms. It is not known if any persons were injured as a result of the exchange although I can say that due to the protection afforded by the armoured vehicle, no police officers were injured in this cowardly attack on our Law Enforcement.

Very soon after this event, the second RTCIPF armoured vehicle also deployed to Dock Yard and the armed gang members dispersed.

I appeal to those law-abiding residents in Dock Yard to tell us where these individuals are living and who they are, you don’t need to leave your name, just tell us what you know, and we will deal with the fear and harm they are creating within the community.

The brazen manner in which armed men carried out the murder in Grace Bay and the attack on the Police Officers in Dock Yard is shocking and highly concerning.

I also remain concerned that further shootings will be carried out between gangs of young men involved in organised gang activity, motivated by drugs, guns, and retaliation. For this reason, the RTCIPF is on high alert and is undertaking robust operations in our communities, on our roads, and through intelligence-led targeted operations to locate and bring to justice those seeking to cause harm and fear across the TCI.

The Force remains committed and resolute in keeping our communities safe. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government investment in Policing have led to the purchase of two armoured vehicles to protect Police Officers from reckless and violent individuals as we chase them down and chase them down, we will. We have more Tactical Officers than in 2022, specialists who are well-trained and equipped to tackle the threats we are facing. I remain grateful to the Hon Premier and his Government for their support of the work of Policing across the TCI.

In terms of the threats posed to Police officers, let me be absolutely clear if any person poses a threat to the courageous men and women of the Force, their response will be uncompromising and robust. You need to know the reality, if you threaten a Police officer with a firearm, you must expect to be challenged and your threat will be met with potentially lethal force.

In the days ahead, you will see more Police Officers on the streets, in your communities, and carrying out policing operations on the roads and in neighbourhoods. Please ensure that if you are around this operational policing, do not threaten officers and comply with any instructions given, this will help officers do their job. One other way that you can assist is to ensure that your vehicle is properly registered, displaying number plates, and that your window tints do not exceed the legal limits. Officers will be checking non-compliant vehicles and whilst you may end up with a fine, you must also expect to be challenged robustly when officers stop you. Criminals use cars that are heavily tinted and have no registration plates so if you don’t want to be considered a potential threat, ensure your vehicle complies with the law.

I have briefed The Governor and Premier, who actively engaged to ensure the required support is in place for our policing response.  I have ensured that our Tourism Minister and partners are aware of the circumstances of the incident in Grace Bay.

The Policing arrangements remain under constant review and if additional support or capacity is needed, then we will explore all options for bringing in additional resources.

We realise that yesterday’s incidents have caused fear within our communities and one man lost his life. In the coming days, there will be increased visibility of officers on our streets as we work hard to bring calm, security, and safety to the TCI and we are committed to dealing with the violent criminality that is blighting the Islands