Crime

The Commission of Inquiry into the July 18 MV Barima tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of 72 people and left dozens missing, begins its proceedings on October 21, 2026. This inquiry aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the vessel, which authorities believe carried 179 people when it capsized. Chaired by Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith of Belize, the five-member body will gather evidence at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, operating weekdays from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. While the Secretariat anticipates testimony from more than 100 witnesses, including survivors and first responders, Secretary Javed Shadick noted that only one survivor has contacted them to testify. The investigation follows the arrest of the vessel's captain, Kevin Price, and two crew members, who face murder charges related to the incident. Established by President Irfaan Ali, the commission is tasked with reviewing the vessel's maintenance history, seaworthiness, and the adequacy of search and rescue operations. Although the mandate was initially set for two months, the process will require an extension. Javed Shadick estimates the commission’s work will take approximately six months to complete, as gathering evidence and drafting the final report will extend beyond the original timeline.

A 76-year-old cook named Quan Sheng Li appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court in Guyana on October 14, where he was charged with the murder of six-year-old Zi Feng Cao. The child died following a violent incident at his East Bank Essequibo home on October 7, 2026. Police state that Li confessed to killing the boy during a dispute over money with the child’s parents, who operate a restaurant. After the attack, Li allegedly directed investigators to the location where he had discarded the 12-inch stainless steel blade used as the weapon. Magistrate Omadatt Chandan remanded the accused to prison without a plea, noting that the prosecution requires more time to gather witness statements and the post-mortem report. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 6.

The United States Southern Command killed four individuals during a military operation in the Caribbean Sea on October 11, 2026. Officials described the target as a vessel involved in narcotics trafficking, though the incident has ignited intense international debate regarding the legality of using lethal military force against suspected traffickers. The military labelled those killed as “narco-terrorists” after a “lethal, kinetic strike.” While authorities state this is part of a broader anti-drug campaign, human rights groups and United Nations experts have condemned the actions. Ben Saul, the UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, stated there are “reasonable grounds to believe” these attacks constitute crimes against humanity. According to official data, more than 220 people have died in similar operations since September 2025.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has formally discontinued all human trafficking and prostitution-related charges against Oren Walkin and his wife, Maria Alexandra Pineda de Walkin. This legal action concludes the high-profile criminal proceedings in the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court, which were set to face a defence challenge regarding abuse of process on October 9th, 2026. A nolle prosequi was entered before Mr. Justice Chris Selochan on October 8th, 2026, effectively ending the prosecution of the couple without an acquittal. The final indictment had accused the pair of controlling prostitution for gain, keeping a brothel, and trafficking in persons, charges they consistently denied since being initially charged in March 2025. The prosecution provided no official reason for its decision to drop the case, which followed a lengthy series of evolving indictments originating from a police operation at the Red Bar on South Dock Road, Providenciales, in October 2024. Following the court’s decision, the couple's bail conditions have been lifted, and their travel documents, including passports, are to be returned. While the court indicated it would entertain an application for legal costs, the defence has not yet confirmed if they will pursue this option. The case, which began with the discovery of several women at the establishment in 2024, is now considered closed by the judicial system.

On October 7, 2026, Justice Tunde Bakre sentenced two Five Cays men to life imprisonment for the 2024 murder of Evason Walkin. Jevano Arthur and Archley Forbes must serve at least 28 years before becoming eligible for parole. The Supreme Court convicted the pair for the October 10, 2024, killing in the Club Med Yard area of Providenciales. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) stated the sentencing concluded a complex investigation and remains committed to “pursuing justice for victims of violent crime.”

Two additional suspects have been charged in connection with an aggravated burglary at Aqua Blue Villa in Blue Hills, Providenciales, bringing the total number of defendants to three. These charges stem from an investigation into the incident that occurred on September 6, 2026. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) identified the new defendants as Maia Ashley Shenique Cox, charged on September 24, 2026, and D'Angelo Delancy, who was charged on October 4, 2026. The investigation involves allegations of handling stolen goods, theft of a chose in action, and obtaining property or pecuniary advantage by deception. Police stated they remain committed to prosecuting all individuals involved, though they provided no further details due to the ongoing court proceedings.

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) charged Wilkie Arthur of Providenciales with perverting the course of public justice. Police allege Arthur submitted a false document to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on October 8, 2026, claiming a complainant wanted to withdraw a criminal case. The Serious Crime Unit investigation concerns a case involving threatening letters to kill from March 2026. That matter remains before the Supreme Court; Arthur appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on October 9, 2026.

Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos has earned a finalist spot in the Community Engagement and Awareness category of the Crime Stoppers International Awards for its local domino tournaments. This global recognition highlights the organization's success in fostering community relationships and encouraging residents to report criminal activity confidentially across the islands. President Lewis Smith credited the achievement to the dedication of volunteers, partners, and the wider public who support the group’s crime prevention mission. The organization uses these tournaments to build trust and increase public awareness, placing them alongside international programs serving populations of up to 300,000 people. The official winners will be announced during an awards ceremony in Panama City, Panama, on October 16, 2026.

The Crown is pursuing confiscation orders against former Premier Michael Misick, former Cabinet minister McAllister “Piper” Hanchell, and attorney Thomas Chalmers “Chal” Misick that could exceed a combined $129 million. Proceedings for the three men, convicted in the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this year, are scheduled for October 26, 2026. The amounts include approximately $40 million from Michael Misick, $6 million from Hanchell, and over $83 million from Thomas Chalmers Misick. Under the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 1998, the court will set final amounts and may impose up to ten additional years in prison for non-payment. This time would be served after completing their current sentences. Serving time does not cancel the debt, which continues to accrue interest, and the Crown may seek to increase orders within six years of conviction if additional criminal gains are identified. While the hearing is set for later this month, a replacement judge has not been appointed following the exit of Mr. Justice Rajendra Narine. This vacancy, alongside the lack of a confirmed date for the men's substantive appeals, creates uncertainty. Defendants may apply to reduce the order through a certificate of inadequacy if assets are insufficient, a process requiring formal court approval.

Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has publicly backed Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) reforms following unverified online attacks. She warned that harassment against officers and attempts to undermine leadership must not derail the 42% reduction in major crime reported over the past year. The Governor’s statement addresses articles published under a pseudonym that criticized the RTCIPF’s management. While acknowledging concerns regarding career advancement for local officers, she emphasized that institutional accountability is essential for progress. Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam noted that operational reforms, including training and specialist recruitment, have yielded tangible results, with murders declining by 88% during the same period. She firmly condemned the intimidation of personnel, stating that attacks on officers carrying out their duties have no place in public service. Looking ahead, the Governor and the National Security Council remain committed to strengthening police capabilities while building a pipeline for local leadership. She stressed that while the force must address internal concerns about opportunities for local staff, this objective cannot be compromised by resistance to necessary changes. The Governor concluded that meaningful reform requires a shared sense of purpose, asserting that succession planning must be pursued alongside operational reforms designed to strengthen policing and public safety.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) reported an explosion on a Marine Branch vessel, Sea Protector 2, while it was refueling at Turtle Tail Marina on October 8, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 2:29 p.m., resulting in damage to the boat's stern deck but causing no injuries. Marine Branch personnel responded immediately to the scene, and officers from the Forensic Support Unit are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the blast. The RTCIPF stated there is no indication of any threat to the public following the event.

On 7 October 2026, the Supreme Court in Grand Turk sentenced Jevano Arthur and Archley Forbes to life imprisonment for the murder of Evason Walkin. The men, both of Five Cays, Providenciales, were convicted for the 10 October 2024 killing in the Club Med Yard area. His Honour Mr. Justice Tunde Bakre presided over the sentencing, ordering that both Arthur and Forbes must serve a minimum of 28 years in prison before they are eligible for parole. This outcome follows an extensive investigation by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), which acknowledged the prosecutors and personnel involved in securing the convictions.

On October 7, 2026, the Supreme Court in Grand Turk sentenced Jevano Arthur and Archley Forbes to life imprisonment for the murder of Evason Walkin. Both Five Cays residents must serve a minimum of 28 years before becoming eligible for parole. This concludes a Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) investigation into the killing, which occurred on October 10, 2024, in the Club Med Yard area of Providenciales. The RTCIPF credited the investigators and prosecutors who secured this outcome for their work in bringing those responsible to justice.