admin 
Premier Charles Washington Misick and Police Commissioner, Fitz Bailey, flanked by senior members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force at the news conference. (Photo via CMC)
COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and CAICOS Islands, CMC – Police say Haitian gangs are behind the first known mass shooting in this British Overseas Territory (BOT) resulting in “a mass casualty” on Sunday.
Police said that three people were killed and 10 others injured during the incident that occurred at the Island Hookah Lounge on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin.
The authorities are offering a reward of US$10,000 for information resulting in the arrest of those responsible for the shooting and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is also urging anyone with information to come forward through official channels or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
In a statement, the police said that Police Commissioner, Fitz Bailey is asking the public and media “to respect the privacy of the victims and responders and to refrain from speculation as we work to manage this incident”.
But speaking at a news conference, Bailey, flanked by Premier Charles Washington Misick, say they believe that Haitian gang-related violence is behind the Turks and Caicos Islands’ first known mass shooting.
Bailey described the “mass shooting” incident as “deeply disturbing “ and that preliminary investigations and CCTV footage suggest at least four shooters armed with high-powered weapons were involved.The police said that while the motive remains under investigation they suspect inter-gang or intra-gang conflicts, with a particular focus on Haitian gang activity.“This was indiscriminate violence meant to incite fear,” Bailey told reporters, adding assuring the public that the police and partner agencies will maintain a visible presence to keep residents safe.Premier Misick appealed to the Haitian community, saying “we are now having a gangland-type slaying, and a lot of this gang violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian communities.“I’m going to appeal to our Haitian nationals, our Haitian brothers and sisters, the leadership in the Haitian community, to make a concerted effort. The government stands behind those persons who are law-abiding, legally resident in this country, who wish the best for their families and the other citizens of these islands. And we want a dialogue with you,” Misick said.Premier said he believes individuals within the wider Haitian community are not only involved in the violence but also have critical knowledge of how illegal firearms are entering the country.“You know who these violent criminals are. You know how guns are getting into the country. And while I’m speaking predominantly to the Haitian community, because that is where most of the violence seems to be coming from, I want to speak to everybody else, because I believe these criminals are being aided and abetted by persons who know who they are and who are doing it for gain.”Premier Misick said his government is resolute in targeting not only the perpetrators, but also anyone facilitating or protecting them, warning that new resources will be directed to law enforcement to ensure offenders are captured and prosecuted.“We do have legislation on the books, and we will be resourcing the police to the highest level to ensure that you’re captured and dealt with. Whether you facilitate or aid and abet criminal activity, or whether you commit it, we will be providing the resources, including places to keep you.”He warned also against turning a blind eye to criminal activity.
“Let this be a warning to everyone: those who know something and are not speaking, those who are aiding and abetting criminals, and those who are committing crime. Let it be known that this government is committed to ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands is a safe place for people to live and to raise their families.”
Acting Governor Anya Williams said that the incident has been declared a national security critical event, with all protocols activated.
“I have also been in contact with the Governor (Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam) who is currently away from the country and have informed the United Kingdom of the current arrangements, issues here in Turks and Caicos Islands, having also reached out to the National Crime Agency for support. We are taking these matters very seriously. The hospital is currently on lockdown to ensure patient safety.”
So far this year, 22 people have been killed here and Commissioner Bailey noted that up until last week, the territory had been experiencing a 30 per cent reduction in murders.
But he acknowledged that the recent double homicide of two brothers and this mass shooting have significantly undermined those gains.
“This deeply disturbing event has shaken families and the wider communities,” Bailey said. “We extend our sincere condolences to all those impacted and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to ensure justice is served.
“While we continue to uphold and respect the principles of human rights, we are equally resolute in recognising and defending the rights of victims. Those who have suffered through loss, injury, or trauma deserve justice, compassion, and the full protection of the law.”
