VOLUME 14 ISSUE 38

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SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2018 – SEPTEMBER 28TH, 2018

Website: www.suntci.com

Email: sun@suntci.com

VOLUME 14 - NO. 38

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MURDERS, GUN CRIMES ON THE INCREASE By Todeline Defralien

T

he Turks and Caicos Islands society is experiencing a significant change, with a record eight (8) murders for the first nine months of this year and a noticeable spike in firearm offences (54) over the same period. The month of August was the deadliest month in the country’s history, with four murders being recorded. Prior to that, there was one in March, one in April, one in June. There was one in September. In relation to firearm offences, there were six in January, six in February, 14 in March, four in April, four in May, six in June, six in July, seven in August and one in September. Commissioner of Police, Mr. James Smith confirmed the figures, expressed great concern about the situation and has pledged that the force will be getting tougher on crime. Smith said that 2018 has seen the highest number of murders than the last two years and he noted that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police also have been making numerous arrests with persons in possession of illegal firearms. “We have moved from calendar based reporting to financial year reporting for the last two years so it is not possible to accurately compare data in this way. However, no matter what measure you use this year to date has resulted in a higher number of murders than the last two years which is of great concern to all of us,” he told The SUN in an exclusive interview. “The very recent increase in firearms related incidents is of great concern to myself, members

PS Finance Athenee HarveyBasden cleared by Integrity Commission - Page 5

Long Bay High School cuts ribbon to third block Pictured here is, Government official, Principle of Long Bay High School, Director of Education Edgar Howell, Minister for Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Goldray Ewing, Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm, Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, former Minister of Education, Hon. Akierra Misick, Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication, Ministry of Education Wesley Clerveaux. (Continued on Page 10). of the Force and of course the public we serve. Firearms offences have always been an area of primary focus and we will continue to keep that focus. That is why we have invested in a Police dog section with specialist officers and highly trained dogs, Ballistics and Forensic technology and trained some officers to be specialist in investigating serious incidents. The reduction in firearms related crime requires us all to play a part, working locally and with international partners to stem the illegal importation of weapons, prosecuting those who possess or use firearms illegally and depend on members of

Decline in private jet arrivals - Page 6

the public providing information to help identify those involved,” Smith explained to The SUN. Members of the public who have information, no matter how small are encouraged to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. In an interview with The SUN earlier this year, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force revealed that they are working jointly with partners to stem the flow of illegal items into TCI, particularly firearms. Takara Bain, Communications Officer said, “We are about to launch a major new initiative in relation to gun

crime, which will be notified shortly and this will be allied to operational deployments, details of this will not be released.” In 2017, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force recorded a total of four murders, as of today’s date (Thursday, March 29th, 2018) there is one murder for this year. The names of the individuals who were victim of murder in TCI are Andreika Stubbs-Saintelmon, Judah Gail, Terrell Handfield, Johnny Jean, Ervin Walkin DeAngelo Harvey, Prince John Brutus and Chesner Augustin.

TCIG continues active 2018/2019 recruitment drive - Page 7

Conserve Energy & Save!

Prosecution closes case in SIPT trial - Page 2

Install energy-efficient compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. They give off less heat and use as much as 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Further information and nergy conservation tips are available on our website: www.fortistci.com

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