Three young men were killed and 10 others injured at a well-liked nightspot within the Turks and Caicos Islands in what authorities called the British territory’s first mass shooting in recent history.
No less than 4 suspects were involved within the shooting on Sunday that took place around 3 a.m. local time on the island of Providenciales on the Hookah and Cigar Lounge, but nobody has been arrested, in response to Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey, who called it “deeply disturbing.”
“We are actually having a gangland-type slaying, and a number of this gang violence appears to be concentrated in our Haitian communities,” Premier Charles Washington Misick told a press conference.
He called on the Haitian community to cooperate with police, saying a few of them understand how guns are being smuggled into the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“What is occurring here is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before,” he said. “This will not be a situation we should always accept.”
Police revealed the identities of the victims as Yeiscol Rhinel Rodriguez Florestino, 25, Keell Silver, 39, and Erlin Dorastin, 27.
Bailey said the opposite victims’ injuries range from “minor to serious” and were transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for medical attention.
Acting Gov. Anya Williams said the hospital in Providenciales was on lockdown to guard those being treated for his or her injuries.
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According to police, two people have since been released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while two others were airlifted for overseas care. Two others who received multiple injuries are in stable condition and being closely monitored, and 4 others are receiving hospital care.
“Investigators from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force are working across the clock to find out the complete circumstances of the incident and to discover and apprehend those chargeable for this senseless act of violence,” Bailey said.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force are asking the general public to supply information to Crime Stoppers and offering a reward of $10,000 for credible information that may assist police with the investigation. Crime Stoppers can be offering a further $10,000 reward for any information resulting in the capture of Andrew Percival, certainly one of the suspects.
Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, released an announcement on Monday extending her “deepest condolences to the victims and their families during this incredibly painful time.”
“The police have full multi-agency operational plans in place and are pursuing all leads actively. The National Security Council continues to supply full oversight of the broader response as investigations progress.
“I would like to precise my sincere gratitude to all first responders, including the police, medical teams and emergency personnel, for his or her swift and courageous actions in responding to this tragedy,” she wrote.
Daniel-Selvaratnam urges anyone who can have information to come back forward.
“In the event you know something, say something. Your voice could make a critical difference,” she said. “Our thoughts remain with all those affected. The protection and well-being of our residents and visitors continues to be our highest priority.”
The shooting comes because the archipelago cracks down on illegal immigration.
An estimated 10,900 Haitians live within the Turks and Caicos Islands, representing a 3rd of the territory’s population. Around 80 per cent of Haitians live in Providenciales, and 20 per cent have everlasting residency, in response to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
The mass shooting occurred just over one week after a body present in Turks and Caicos had been identified as Brian Tarrence, an American tourist who vanished while on vacation there last month. The 51-year-old was last seen on June 25. There was no connection made between the 2 incidents.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) said that Tarrence’s stays were found during a search on July 5, but they were only able to verify his identity on July 16 after receiving the outcomes of a forensic dental evaluation.
“An autopsy conducted on July eleventh revealed no signs of trauma, and right now, there isn’t a suspicion of foul play,” police said in a media statement on Facebook. “The RT&CIPF continues to await the ultimate autopsy and toxicology reports to finish the investigation.”
“The RT&CIPF extends our condolences to Mr. Tarrence’s family and friends during this difficult time. We thank the general public for his or her patience and support as we proceed the investigation,” police said.
— With files from The Associated Press
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