TURKS AND CAICOS IMPOSES LOCALISED LOCKDOWNS TO FIGHT CRIME

By Staff Writer

A second locality in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has been placed under a State of Emergency as the UK Overseas Territory grapples with a serious crime wave.

Just a few weeks ago, TCI was rocked by its first mass shooting in which four people were killed, with several others injured.

At the core of the problem are gang conflicts linked to drug trafficking and illegal immigration, as well as a spate of street crimes and robberies.

In the latest measure aimed at clamping down on the crime surge,

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has taken the extraordinary measure of placing the area called Five Cays in the capital Providenciales under a weeklong curfew initially from August 20th.

The area is regarded as a crime hotspot with the authorities saying the violence has escalated to the point where it poses a serious threat to national security.

The State of Emergency order restricts residents to “remain indoors during curfew hours unless commuting for essential work, seeking medical care, or carrying out other police-authorised activities.”

There’s also a 6 pm curfew on businesses operating in the area.

An accompanying statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) declared: “This measure is in direct response to recent incidents that have posed a threat to public safety and community stability […] To ensure compliance and maintain public order, police checkpoints will be established throughout the area. Law enforcement presence will be significantly increased within the designated boundaries…”

It also warned that movement within the curfew zone is strictly prohibited during restricted hours, with exceptions for individuals commuting to and from work who show valid identification.

The Five Cays area state of emergency is the second localised shutdown of targeted areas in the TCI in recent times over crime.

Earlier in August, the area known as Blue Hills was placed under similar tight restrictions as the police-led anti-crime initiative, Operation Dragon, intensified.

Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam stated: “The threats we face are real. I want to commend the community for standing with our law enforcement agencies to ensure our islands remain safe. This is partnership in action.”

TCI Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey added that the curfew was proving effective in reducing risk and enabling law enforcement to carry out strategic operations with greater focus and control.

Government agencies have also posted videos showing the demolition of some illegally constructed neighbourhoods, some said to be breeding grounds for criminal activity.

The TCI has been receiving external expert advice and support from the UK with logistical support from the Cayman Islands.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service(RCIOPS) recently dispatched a helicopter and crew to bolster tactical operations, support border security and enhance TCI’s aerial surveillance capabilities.

“The deployment, which is funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, supports our multi-agency efforts to tackle key threats, ensure public safety and protect our borders,” said a statement from the Cayman Islands Government (CIG).

The crime crisis in the Turks and Caicos Islands was also highlighted during a recent UK-organised international summit which examined the work of the government’s Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC).

“The JMSC is harnessing cutting-edge technology and capabilities to provide 24-hour monitoring of UK waters and ensure our borders are secure, by using satellite to provide a better overall understanding of incoming threats to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” a UK government statement outlined.

It said the British government is “working with our partners in Turks and Caicos to support and protect the Island from irregular migration.”

Locally, the TCI government this month imposed an immediate six-month moratorium on the issuance of first-time work permits to Haitians, citing escalating violence in Haiti and a huge rise in visa applications from Haitian nationals. The territory also has a huge Haitian population, aggravated by a continuing flow of illegal migrants from that country and reported crime links.

TCI Premier Charles Washington Misick stated: “In light of the ongoing escalation of violence in Haiti and the steady influx of work permit applications from that country, the Government will immediately implement a six-month moratorium on the issuance of first-time work permits to Haitian nationals and a six-month moratorium on visas that will take effect immediately.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. government has had a Level 2 travel advisory in place for Turks & Caicos for nearly three years due to high levels of crime.

Level 2 means travellers should “Exercise Increased Caution.” A Level 3 alert would advise reconsidering travel, while Level 4, the most serious, is a ‘Do not travel’ warning.