The Turks and Caicos Islands are confronting the Caribbean’s highest murder rate, with gang-related violence causing 24 homicides up to mid-August this year, threatening the safety of residents and the vital tourism industry.
In recent years, the British Overseas Territory has seen a dramatic rise in violent crime, transforming from a tranquil tourist haven to a hotspot of insecurity. Last year, there were 48 homicides, giving it the worst per capita murder rate in Latin America and the Caribbean due to its small population of under 50,000. This alarming trend has shocked a community once known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts.
A significant escalation occurred in July with the territory’s first mass shooting, which left four dead and nine injured, highlighting the severity of the crisis. Local authorities and residents report increased fear, with some considering leaving the islands despite the strong economy. Pastor Jacques Phanor, a Haitian-born citizen, shared his experience of an armed robbery, illustrating the personal toll of the violence.
The violence is largely attributed to gang activities, often linked to migrants from Haiti, which lies just 90 miles south. Many Haitian nationals flee turmoil at home but face challenges in Turks and Caicos, where complex citizenship laws leave young people disenfranchised and vulnerable to gang recruitment. Children born there often struggle to obtain legal status if their parents lack it, leading to a cycle of marginalization.
Premier Washington Misick has pointed fingers at Haitian communities, urging leaders to help curb violence, while also appealing to the UK for support in security matters. The UK has provided £9 million in aid over two years for coastal surveillance, boats, and policing efforts. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed close collaboration to address national security threats.
Recent government measures include temporary curfews, tighter controls on alcohol sales, and the bulldozing of over 220 shanty homes in August to disrupt criminal hideouts. However, critics like local reporter Wilkie Arthur argue that blaming Haitians oversimplifies the issue, as local economic disparities and unemployment also fuel crime. Arthur, an ex-convict, now works to steer youth away from gangs.
Tourism, which brings in $250 million in the first half of 2024-2025 and employs many, remains robust with nearly two million visitors this year, but there are concerns that persistent crime could deter future travelers. Efforts are underway to restore trust and ensure safety, with Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the islands’ appeal.
A 2024 United Nations report notes that organized crime and lethal violence are intensifying across the Caribbean, often fueled by drug trafficking from South America and high firearm availability. While Turks and Caicos faces unique challenges, it is part of a regional pattern that requires coordinated responses involving international partners.
Looking ahead, the government, with UK assistance, aims to strengthen border security and address root causes like unemployment and documentation issues to reduce crime and protect the islands’ reputation as a safe destination. Community leaders call for a united front to combat the violence and ensure long-term stability.