The opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) said it expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic double homicide that occurred in the vicinity of the Aziza Night Club in Grace Bay, Providenciales, last night.
“ This horrifying act, which claimed the lives of a female tourist and a local Turks Islander male, strikes at the heart of our nation and once again highlights the urgent need for decisive action to combat the escalating crime situation in our islands,” a statement from the party said.
It said that the senseless violence that has taken the lives of these individuals is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the escalating issue of gun violence among the young men of the country and the disturbing trend of crimes against women in the society.
“We cannot stand idly while such atrocities continue to plague our community,” the statement said.
It added: “In 2024 TCI recorded a record-breaking 48 murders and at the start of 2025, this escalating trend continues. Grace Bay, a hub of tourism and a symbol of the Turks and Caicos Islands' beauty, is now stained by violence that threatens not only the safety of our residents and visitors but also the very foundation of our economy. Incidents like these cast a shadow over our reputation as a safe, world-class destination and could have devastating consequences for our tourism industry.”
The PDM took a swipe at the government directly, saying that under their stewardship, crime has skyrocketed.
“Under the leadership of the PNP, crime has spiraled out of control in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the lack of an effective strategy to address it is unacceptable. The safety and security of our people and visitors should be the government’s top priority, yet we are witnessing continued inaction and mismanagement.
“The PDM has consistently outlined our comprehensive plan to tackle crime and violence head-on, including:
Strengthening law enforcement with advanced training, technology, and resources. This includes increasing surveillance of our streets, neighborhoods and tourist hot spots.
Implementing community policing to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement.
Securing our borders to prevent the illegal influx of firearms and drugs fueling criminal activities.
Investing in youth empowerment programs to address the root causes of crime and create opportunities for at-risk youth.
“The tragic events of last evening continue to underscore the failure of the PNP administration to protect the lives of Turks and Caicos Islanders and our visitors. The people of this country deserve leadership that will prioritize safety and take decisive action to restore peace and security,” the PDM further noted.
It also called for a united front against the torment of crime in the TCI.
“ Let us stand united as a community in support of the victims, their families, and all those impacted by these senseless acts of violence. Therefore, we must join hands in solidarity to demand accountability, justice, and change. We must not forget to turn to “God both in the good and bad times; for he promises never to leave nor forsake us. Together, with God, we can make a difference and build a community where everyone can thrive and feel safe.
“The PDM Team is committed to addressing this crime crisis and will work from day one to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands are safe for our people and our visitors. On February 7th, vote for the PDM—your future and your safety, are our priority,” the PDM concluded.
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