The Turks and Caicos Islands cherish a friendly relationship with the United States, a bond built on mutual respect and understanding. We welcome over 1 million visitors each year, a testament to their trust and confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As your Premier, I want to make it clear that our Government is committed to taking decisive and comprehensive action to preserve the safety and security of our nation.

We do not target US citizens or any other nationality; any contrary statements are without merit. Our independent justice system upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of nationality, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our Islands.

Laws are debated and passed in this honourable house. In the case of the Firearms (Amendment) Ordinance 2022, this was passed unanimously at a time and in an environment when our country was facing an unprecedented spike in violent gun crimes, which resulted in the threat of destabilizing the economy and the striking of fear in the hearts of residents and visitors.

To protect our people and the Turks and Caicos reputation as one of the safest places in the world, we had to stiffen penalties as a deterrent against violence and gun crime. Hence, the mandatory minimum sentence moved from 7 to 12 years, and a fine for possessing firearms and ammunition is also compulsory. In exceptional circumstances, judges can impose a custodial sentence of less than 12 years and a fine that they consider fair and just in accordance with sentencing guidelines in each case.

To date, no US citizen has received the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years. The TCI does not manufacture firearms or ammunition. However, the number of firearms finding their

way to the Turks and Caicos has increased. Illegal firearms have committed all of the gun crimes; statistics show that between 1st January 2018 and 15th May 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force seized a total of one hundred and twenty-five firearms of various types and calibres.

A total of three hundred and ten individuals (310) were taken into police custody for firearm-related offences, which included possession of ammunition from 1st January 2018 to 15th May 2024.

A total of one hundred and ninety-five (195) persons have been sentenced in the TCI for firearm or firearm-related offences. Turks and Caicos Islanders account for the majority of the convictions. Seven (7) USA citizens have received sentences for firearm-related offences in the TCI.

As in any modern democracy, the TCI has three branches of Government: the legislature makes the law, the police and the office of public prosecution enforce it, and the court is responsible for administering justice. I have complete confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ judicial system.

The operation of legislation is under constant review to ensure that it meets its objective, is balanced and proportionate to the nature of the offence committed and gives judges discretion based on sentencing guidelines; the same is happening in this case. The law must be applied even-handedly, and no special carveout should be made for any particular group of persons.

The Government is committed to ensuring that justice is done without undue delay and will continue to make every effort to ensure that the judiciary is properly resourced to carry out its functions.