Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe yesterday announced a national security exercise between The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.
“The Ministry of National Security and its regional partners recognized the emerging national security threats developing across borders throughout the Caribbean,” Munroe said.
“However, the government of The Bahamas remains resolved in our strategic approach to mitigating external factors influencing our ongoing crime challenge domestically.
“The government of Turks and Caicos remains a critical partner in ensuring our people’s shared safety and well-being. We are confident that with these joint security missions between both countries, we can deliver an aggressive and robust counter-offensive against organized crimes impacting both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.
“The Ministry of National Security will provide as much information to the general public as possible to avoid any potential breach of national security information and protect this mission’s integrity.”
On Monday, TCI Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting reported that three people were murdered and five others were injured over a 24 hour period.
On October 2, armed men shot into a vehicle killing two people, including an American tourist, Botting said.
“The next incident involved a police patrol car of the Tactical Unit which intercepted the vehicle used by the criminals in the first attack,” he said.
“Based on information received from the command center, the suspected vehicle was followed and tried to evade the RTCIPF officers. The criminals started shooting in the direction of the RTCIPF officers with automatic weapons.
“Their bullets repeatedly struck the police vehicle’s windscreen and bonnet area multiple times. Bullets also deflated two tires of the vehicle driven by the officers.”
Botting added, “The third incident saw a man presenting himself at the hospital with a head injury. Whilst he was found at Smart Supermarket, it is believed at this stage that he was struck by shots discharged by the criminals in their confrontation with police officers.
“The fourth incident we are actively investigating is the report of an unidentified male body in Dock Yard.”
Botting called the event an “explosion of violence”.
He added, “… We need support, and I expect to see very substantial support arriving on the TCI shortly from across the region and the UK.
“This support will be in the shape of armed officers and investigators to assist the RTCIPF to deal with the current threats.
“I am grateful to the TCI and UK governments for their support and also to the government and commissioner of police from the Royal Bahamas Police Force for their solidarity and support.”