The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force yesterday (June 02nd) joined relatives and friends of those murdered by illegal firearms at a ceremony “In Honor of the Victims of Violent Crime in the TCI”.
The event was held at the Cheshire Hall Plantation Grounds, Memorial Garden, Providenciales, and was organized by Ms. Sharla Walkin, whose brother and cousin were murdered in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were invited to deliver remarks and unveil a plaque with the names of victims killed by gun violence.
Showing solidarity at the event was Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant, Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Superintendent of Police Dean Holden, Superintendent of Community Policing and Divisions Dwight Gardiner, officers from the RTCIPF Tactical Unit and the Traffic Enforcement Unit were also in attendance.
DCP Adams called on those gathered to not lose hope and not despair.
“To the families, friends, and loved ones gathered here, we are here for you; we will continue to be with you. I wish to say to you that I am sorry for your loss, I am sorry for the years of pain that you have endured. I am sorry for the fact that there are too many young people turning to a life of crime. Even though sorry will not bring your loved ones back, I empathize with you. The tears you shed also wet our faces too often.”
The DCP further added that investigations: “ into the murders of your loved ones are ongoing and we continue in our sustained efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice”.
DCP Adams bemoaned the loss of opportunities families now face because of the senseless killings perpetrated by criminals.
“As we gather here today, remembering the many loved ones lost to such senseless acts, young and elderly members of our various communities, leaving too many empty seats at our breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables, in particular on those very special occasions. It no doubt continues to be a very difficult and challenging experience for too many of us in this small society. We must continue to pray for the healing of each other and our country”.
Additionally, DCP Adams said, there exists a small, but deadly minority who choose crime as a way of life. He described them as being callous, without remorse, and see death, fear, and destruction as ordinary days’ work.
“They steal, plunder, murder, assault, and commit wicked crimes against many hard-working law-abiding citizens, with the use of illegal firearms or other offensive weapons. Evidence abounds that social disorder and criminal activity have been rising globally and our beautiful by nature TCI has not been immune. We have to stop glorifying things that are negative. Our young men need to know that joining gangs and engaging in criminality is wrong.”
The DCP called on those intent on a life of crime to start fearing God.
“It is time for man to live to please God and not himself. To see a decline in evil, people must seek God.”