Upsurge in crime prompts TCI to seek international assistance

"by" St Vincent Times

Premier Charles Washington Misick has written to several neighbouring governments and the United Kingdom seeking help to quell a surge of criminal activity plaguing the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The violence which has flared up in recent weeks will not be tolerated by this government and must not be accepted nor tolerated by decent law-abiding citizens of these Turks and Caicos Islands,” Misick said in a national address on Tuesday.

The territory has recorded 22 murders this year of which 11 occurred in September.

Misick revealed that he has reached out to the Prime Ministers of The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica seeking members of their police force to boost local manpower.

Misick said the territory is mobilising resources from the United Kingdom and has requested that the US Department of Homeland Security deploy a surveillance aircraft to assist with policing the waters between TCI and Haiti.

The UK will be sending a Chief Superintendent and an Inspector to set up an Anti-Gang Unit on the TCU.

Twenty-three officers will staff the unit and they are expected to arrive in the TCI within the coming months.

Misick said he is also speaking with UK officials to develop a “Gun, Gangs and Drugs Squad”.

A total of $67.3 million has been allocated for public order and safety and Misick said no expense would be spared to assure the safety of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

The premier has called on the Opposition and members of the public to support the government’s efforts to crack down on criminal behaviour.

Source :
Loop Caribbean

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