The recent upsurge in gun-related crimes in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) which have resulted in the killing of 15 persons in the past month, has prompted the TCI Government to seek external policing assistance, including military support from the United Kingdom (UK).
This was confirmed by their Governor His Excellency Nigel Dakin in a statement on Monday, October 10.
According to news sites within the territory, the situation on the ground has been deteriorating for the past year but worsened in September following several gun-related murders.
The violence has been linked to the drug trade on the islands and is said to have spiralled out of control following the killing of a local drug dealer with origins from Jamaica.
Responding to the proactive measures being taken by the TCI Government and the Office of the Governor, Dakin said that the situation is constantly under review and has been brought under control following external assistance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force and law enforcement agencies from within the United States.
He said, “Beyond local Police bravery, and skill, I also have little doubt that the arrival of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the US’s Customs and Border Protection Aircraft, along with Drugs Enforcement Agency, has had an immediate deterrent effect.”
“If it hasn’t, it should have. If the gangs have gone to ground, they will be found. If gang members have moved overseas, we have international partners – including the UK’s National Crime Agency and regional governments – who are solidly in support of helping us track them. If our short-term measures are being effective, I promise our long-term measures have to be determinative,” he added.
UK military on the way
Governor Dakin also revealed that their National Emergency Operations Group which consists of himself, the Premier, the Police Commissioner, Chambers, the National Security Secretariat and OT Policing Advisor, have requested precise UK military support.
“A Royal Fleet Auxiliary is making headway towards us and will bring her Wildcat Helicopter. The UK Foreign Office is paying and this airframe provides outstanding day and night surveillance providing top cover for Policing Operations and the ability to track fast boats. This is a strategic offer that the military can provide,” he stated.
He added, “Separately we have had the UK’s National Crime Agency arrive. They have worked with our Intelligence Branch helping further draw together the information we have on the gangs, developed from the new intelligence unit that recently became active supported by UK specialist trainers.”
Additional specialists firearms police support plan
The TCI governor also said that plans are being put in place to have additional specialists firearms police support deployed to the islands if needed.
“Given the Bahamas deployment, the Commissioner’s judgement is that we don’t immediately need more Tactical Firearms officers on the Island, to reinforce our own, beyond the ones we presently have. The Bahamas have sent sufficient and are the Force best placed – because of proximity, regional and cultural understanding – to immediately help. However, following the Premier’s and my request, UK policing are finalising a contingency plan for additional specialist Firearms police support to deploy forward if we need them,” he explained.
NAACP leader gunned down in TCI
Among the 15 victims killed in the territory was NAACP leader from Virginia, Kent Carter, who was gunned down on October 2 while on vacation.
He was one of two fatalities when criminals opened fire on a vehicle that he and his girlfriend were travelling in.
According to reports, the other person who died was the tour guide, who at the time was said to be driving the couple back to their accommodation after a daytime excursion.
Following the killing of the American national, the US issued a travel advisory against the Turks and Caicos Islands, ranking the territory at Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution – on the US Department of State website.
“Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime,” the US advisory warned.