We write as a group of Turks and Caicos Islanders, British citizens and those from many other nations living, working, and investing in the Turks and Caicos Islands—a British Overseas Territory under the sovereignty and ultimate responsibility of the United Kingdom. Many of us are long-standing members of this community, and we are deeply invested in the stability, safety, and prosperity of these beautiful islands.

It is with great concern and growing alarm that we must bring to your urgent attention the escalating crisis in law and order in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over recent years, we have witnessed a steep and distressing rise in violent crime, including armed robberies, assaults, and even murders. These incidents are no longer isolated, but increasingly frequent and brazen. A recent example from January of this year included a vacationing US police officer and a local being gunned down in a Grace Bay restaurant at 10pm (link). This would be the equivalent of a tourist and a local being gunned down in front of The Ritz Hotel on Piccadilly Street in the heart of London, or Times Square in New York, at a time when many are out enjoying dinner with friends and family. 

There is a prevailing sense that local authorities are under-resourced and overwhelmed, and the public's confidence in their ability to restore order is fast eroding. The consequences of this deterioration are profound and multifaceted:

The safety of Turks and Caicos Islanders, British citizens and many others are at risk.
As a British Overseas Territory, the UK has a moral and constitutional obligation to ensure the security and well-being of its citizens and those living or visiting its territories, particularly where local capacity is insufficient. Our families, businesses, and communities are increasingly fearful, and that fear is justified.

The tourism industry—our economic lifeblood—is in jeopardy.
Turks and Caicos relies almost entirely on a perception of tranquillity, luxury, and safety to attract visitors. Increasing reports of crime will—if they haven't already—discourage travelers, damage the islands’ brand, and threaten livelihoods. A decline in tourism would trigger a wider economic crisis, with implications for public services, employment, and social stability.

UK reputation and influence are at stake.
In an era where global instability is rising, the UK cannot afford to be seen as passive in the face of criminal threats within its own jurisdiction. A strong response would send a clear message of intolerance toward lawlessness and affirm Britain's commitment to its responsibilities, its territories, and citizens of allied nations.

The US-UK relationship could be strained.
Given Turks and Caicos’ proximity to the United States, the vast majority of our visitors are American nationals. Were a serious incident to occur involving US citizens under British jurisdiction, it could seriously undermine public perception and political goodwill between our countries. This risk should not be underestimated.

We are aware that the UK has and does provide direct support—including specialist policing units, intelligence resources, and temporary security deployments, as have others such as The Royal Bahamas Police. We respectfully request that urgent consideration be given to expanding the UK’s security presence to ensure greater efficacy and deterrence.

At a minimum, we believe the UK Government should:

• Prioritize an immediate security assessment of the islands;
  
  
• Expand direct policing, either through personnel or operational guidance, and increase the number of hard assets in the region to signal clear intent and to offer the means to respond;
  
  
• Enhance border controls, patrols, and intelligence-sharing capabilities to combat organized criminal activity, some of which may be illegally entering from abroad;
  
  
• Work in close partnership with the TCI Government to rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

We make this request not out of panic, but out of a deep sense of responsibility—for our fellow residents, for the future of Turks and Caicos, and for the values that British citizenship represents.

We would be grateful for your prompt attention to this matter and would welcome an opportunity to engage further to support any constructive steps the UK is prepared to take.