Police deploying full investigative powers to bring criminals to justice – says Governor

Governor Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam this week stated that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is executing the full force of its investigative powers to bring those responsible for crime in the TCI to justice.

Her comments followed two fatal shooting incidents which occurred in less than 24 hours on Wednesday, July 18, 2023. the first in the Grace Bay area and the second in Kew Town.

The recent spate of shootouts and murders has stirred panic and re-ignited fear in residents of the affected communities in Providenciales.

The governor in a statement on Tuesday, July 18, offered her sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives through senseless acts of violence.

She said; “I share the concerns of those affected by these and recent incidents, I understand that there will be a heightened fear for the safety of our communities”.

She informed residents that the police are actively investigating the respective incidents and undertaking a number of “identified investigative leads”.

“Police patrols are in deployment in targeted areas across Providenciales, with an increased policing presence in the Grace Bay, Five Cays and Kew Town areas.

“As governor, I want to assure you that under the leadership of the Acting Commissioner, Rodney K. Adams, the RTCIPF is executing the full force of its investigative powers and remain determined in their efforts to bring those responsible to justice”, she added.

The territory’s new governor who was sworn in three weeks ago, said she is working alongside the National Security Council, and taking active ownership of the wider strategic response “to ensure the threats to the nation’s safety and security are gripped through intelligence-led interventions and enforcement action”.

She appealed to residents in the TCI to do their part to assist the police with their investigations by speaking up and reporting any information on incidents.

“I fully support the acting commissioner’s appeal for information, if you have any information related to the incidents or believe you know a family member, a friend or a loved one that is vulnerable to associating with those involved in this activity or in possession of a dangerous weapon, say something.

“We cannot do this alone; safer communities require continued and dedicated collaboration from each one of us to help reduce the room to operate for those who are seeking to commit a crime.

“Your assistance could be instrumental in advancing the police investigations and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice”, she added.

To provide information anonymously and in confidence, residents are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.