Turks and Caicos Islands police chief says progress made on gangs, migration

Acting Police Commissioner Rodney Adams praised the effectiveness of recent police operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands to help stem illegal smuggling, migration and gang violence. TURKS AND CAICOS POLICE

THE WATCH STAFF

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have turned the corner on a violent crime wave with the help of regional partners and forces targeting organized crime groups, police officials in the British Overseas Territory said at a year-end news conference.

Acting Police Commissioner Rodney Adams cited a 30% drop in homicides and even greater reductions in robberies and firearm discharges compared with 2022. Adams acknowledged the tragic losses caused by recent criminal activity. “I pause here to offer condolences to the families and friends of those who lost loved ones during the period of these senseless killings,” he said at a December 22, 2023, news conference. Adams stressed the improved interoperability of TCI security forces and their more frequent participation in regional security operations.

Gang activity is responsible for most of the crime on the islands, but the territory’s anti-gang ordinance, approved in late 2022, “played a vital and crucial role in addressing gang-related offences.” More than two dozen illegal firearms have been confiscated, and five suspected gang members await trial, Adams said.

Challenges remain, including record levels of migrants and illegal smuggling of firearms and drugs. A 2022 United Kingdom Foreign Office inquiry found a recent spike in violence due to a turf war between gangs and increasing numbers of mostly Jamaican and Haitian migrants.

Although the violence has somewhat cooled in the last year, Adams said that illegal and irregular migration continues to stretch resources and threaten the regional security.

But TCI forces are meeting the migrant challenge, said Adams, continuing, “Our Marine Branch and law enforcement partners — TCI Regiment, TCI Border Force and our international partners have been doing a stellar job intercepting irregular migrants seeking to enter the TCI,” Adams said. “Protecting the TCI border remains a high priority for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and its partners. This year, there has been a record 33 interceptions. This remains a costly exercise, and we welcome tips that alert us before boats enter our space.”

Adams also thanked the TCI Regiment for its cooperation, saying the Soldiers “have become our valued partners,” and the territory’s international partners. “The challenges we face are opportunities for growth and evolution, and I have complete confidence in the collective strength of our force. I extend my deepest gratitude to our law enforcement partners, the TCI Regiment, TCI Border Force, all volunteers, private security companies, our international partners, and other partners within the TCI public service.”