The Turks and Caicos Islands are facing anunprecedented crime wave, with 40 murders recorded so far this year—adevastating and record-breaking statistic for a nation once celebrated for itstranquility. Former Deputy Premier and PDM At-Large candidate Sean Astwood hasexpressed grave concern about the escalating violence, which now includes gangrapes, kidnappings, beheadings, and public executions. These horrors, onceunimaginable in the TCI, have shaken the nation to its core, leaving familiesgrieving, communities in fear, and the country’s sense of security deeplyeroded. Astwood declared, “This level of crime CANNOT be allowed to become thenorm.”

Astwood attributes the surge in violence toboth external influences and internal failures. Organized criminal networks,illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the proliferation of firearms haveinfiltrated TCI communities, spreading fear and lawlessness. He criticized thecurrent administration for failing to take decisive action and called forimmediate investments in law enforcement. Astwood outlined the need for betterresources, including forensic technology and stronger border security, to dismantlecriminal operations and prevent the entry of illegal weapons. He emphasizedthat restoring peace will require bold leadership and a commitment to makingsafety the top priority.

As a candidate, Astwood vowed to push forcomprehensive crime-fighting strategies to reclaim the islands’ peace andprosperity. He pledged to empower the police, improve accountability, and worktoward making TCI “safe to live, work, and raise families.” Astwood called thisa turning point for the nation, urging the electorate to demand action andjustice. “The time to act is now,” he declared, promising to work tirelessly torestore the Turks and Caicos Islands to the safe, peaceful paradise its citizensdeserve.