Caption: The National Flag of the Turks and Caicos Island
Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said that the Government of Jamaica has noted with concern, recent developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands related to an upsurge in gang activity there.
The Minister advised that in the broad spirit of cooperation which exists between our two countries, Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands have been engaged at various levels, and that Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Premier Charles Misick have held discussions on the ongoing situation, including on the multi-national nature of gang-fuelled violence which also affects Jamaica.
Johnson Smith shared, “in the context and spirit of CARICOM solidarity, Jamaica, along with other members of the Community in the Northern Caribbean were asked to provide assistance within our individual capacity and expertise and are examining ways in which to do so”.
The Foreign Minister added however, “it is truly regrettable that, against information indicating that various nationalities have been and are involved in previous criminal activity and the recent upsurge, Jamaicans were singled out for blame”. “Such statements are distinctly unhelpful”, she noted.
The Minister ended, “crime in our Caribbean societies affects us all and it is therefore our hope that there will be a speedy resolution to the current upsurge. We assure our nationals in the Turks and Caicos Islands of our concern and interest in the situation and urge them to remain calm while they continue to exercise their usual responsible citizenship in the country. We also assure them that we have communicated their concerns to the government of the TCI, and are assured of their recognition of the value of our many law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their society”.
