Good afternoon to the members of the media and all Turks and Caicos Islanders listening and viewing online. I am aware that the government, just yesterday, announced a joint press conference later this afternoon on the issue of crime and I hope that they will be listening to the PDM now as we voice the concerns of the people and discuss solutions to this ongoing crisis. Certainly, today is a sad day, our hearts are heavy, and many are left in disbelief at the out-of-control crime situation we are facing.
Crime is tearing apart our communities, claiming the lives of our young people, particularly our young men. I want to assure the people that this press conference today is not about politics; this is not about scoring political points; our nation is in serious crisis, and this is a matter of urgency.
We’ve witnessed 31 murders so far this year, and we are on track to surpass the record-breaking 34 homicides of 2022. Just this past week, we lost three more young men, gunned down senselessly. These statistics are not just numbers—they represent lives cut short, families left to grieve, and communities ripped apart and gripped by fear. We simply cannot continue down this path; this path will lead to destruction.
We also cannot ignore the fact that crime in Turks and Caicos is closely linked to illegal immigration. Our borders are open, and criminal networks are exploiting this vulnerability. Criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and the influx of illegal firearms are fueling the violence we see on our streets.
Illegal immigration is a national security threat that requires immediate attention. A PDM Government will implement Stronger border control measures, including advanced surveillance technology and increased patrols.
We must send a strong message to the violent criminals amongst us, we will no longer tolerate your operations; a PDM administration will support law enforcement and the people to take back our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities and our country from criminal enterprise.
A PDM Government will increase resources, training, and manpower for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. This includes recruiting more officers, enhancing their benefits, and equipping them with the modern tools they need to combat crime effectively.
At the same time, we must also address the root causes of crime. The high cost of living is a serious contributing factor to the crime situation – when people can’t meet their basic needs, when persons struggle to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads – desperation creeps in and some may feel they have no other options but to engage in criminal acts to survive. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity are pushing too many of our young people to a life of crime. This is the reality that must be addressed.
A PDM Government will focus on a holistic approach—one that not only strengthens law enforcement but also tackles the socio-economic factors driving our youth into the arms of gangs.
As a young entrepreneur, I understand the value of opportunity. When young people are given a chance to succeed, they seize it. But when doors are closed, they are left with little choice but to turn to crime. That’s why the PDM is committed to creating more opportunities for our youth. We will establish a National Trade School to equip them with the skills they need to enter the workforce with confidence. Whether in construction, technology, or hospitality, we will provide the training that opens the door to legitimate employment. By giving our youth a sense of purpose and direction, we can turn them away from crime and violence.
We also recognize the importance of community-based crime prevention. Our communities must be part of the solution. The PDM will implement programmes that focus on youth empowerment, job training, and mentorship for at-risk individuals. We must intervene early, offering our youth an alternative path before they are drawn into criminal activities. By addressing the root causes of crime, we can prevent it before it happens.
We will also enhance forensic capabilities by establishing a dedicated Forensic Science Laboratory right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
But we cannot stop there. The PDM recognizes that supporting victims is just as important as preventing crime. We will enhance support services, including counselling, legal aid, and financial assistance to help them recover from the trauma. A coordinated, accessible system for victim support will be a priority under a PDM Government.
Finally, to those committing these crimes, I have one message: Put down your guns. The path you are on only leads to death or prison. But there is another way. Take up a trade, pursue education, and build a future for yourself. Think of your families, think of your children, and think of the pain your actions are causing.
I want to assure all Turks and Caicos Islanders that on day one, a PDM Government will lay the groundwork to implement these policies to address crime and the root causes of crime. We will act swiftly and decisively. This is not just a fight against crime—it is a fight for the soul of our nation.
May God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands, and may we find the strength to rise above this crisis together.
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