Trouble in paradise: Rising gang violence in Turks and Caicos
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Several countries have issued travel advisories urging caution for those heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands, a Caribbean destination long known for luxury resorts and white-sand beaches.
But beneath the postcard-perfect image, a growing wave of gang violence is threatening both locals and tourists — and has now placed the Turks and Caicos Islands at number 1 in the world for homicide rate in 2024.
Highest homicide rates in 2024 (per 100,000 inhabitants)
Turks and Caicos Islands – 103.1
Population: ~46,000
Murders in 2024: 48
Not a sovereign country but ranks #1 globally in homicide rate.
Haiti – 62.0
Ongoing political instability and gang warfare.
Jamaica – 49.3
Persistent gang violence, especially in urban areas.
Ecuador – 45.1
Rapid rise due to drug trafficking and cartel wars, especially in port cities.
Honduras – 38.93
Gang-driven violence remains a serious issue.
Venezuela – 36.69
Long-term decline in governance, economic collapse, and organized crime.
Belize – 37.79
Small population but high violence in some areas.
Lesotho – 43.56 (varies depending on source; some rank it above Honduras) These figures underscore significant security challenges in these nations, impacting both residents and travelers. It's important to note that homicide rates can fluctuate due to various factors, including law enforcement effectiveness, socio-economic conditions, and political stability. Therefore, consulting the most recent data from authoritative sources is advisable for a comprehensive understanding of the current situation.
Travel advisories from around the world
United States The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory, advising travelers to «exercise increased caution» due to rising crime, particularly on Providenciales. Limited police resources are cited as a concern for crime response and investigation.
Canada Canadian officials warn of muggings, assaults, and petty theft—especially in popular tourist areas like Grace Bay. Providenciales again is highlighted as a crime hotspot. United Kingdom The UK Foreign Office advises against using unregulated «jitney» taxis and highlights strict penalties for drug offenses. Travelers are urged to stay in well-lit, populated areas and be vigilant at night.
Australia & New Zealand While no specific warnings have been issued, both countries advise exercising normal precautions and monitoring the situation through official channels.
Why are gangs operating in such a small country?
Despite a population of just 46,797 (2025 est.), the Turks and Caicos Islands have seen an alarming rise in organized crime. Police intelligence confirms at least 19 active gangs with about 220 known members, most operating on the main island of Providenciales. Their activities include:
Firearm smuggling (mainly from the U.S.)
Drug trafficking
Turf warfare and targeted killings
Gang violence spiked dramatically in 2024 with 48 murders, giving the islands a homicide rate of 103.1 per 100,000—the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As of December 2024, police intelligence has identified 19 distinct gangs operating within the territory, comprising approximately 220 known members.
Composition and operations of gangs
These gangs are predominantly composed of males aged between 18 and 26 years. They are primarily involved in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and territorial disputes. Notably, certain areas like Dockyard and Five Cays have been identified as hotspots for gang concentration.
The gang landscape in TCI is further complicated by the presence of foreign influences. Authorities have indicated that gangs from countries such as Jamaica and Haiti have infiltrated the local underworld, contributing to a surge in transnational crime and establishing links to broader regional and international criminal networks.
Prompted significant concern
The escalating gang violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has prompted significant concern among officials and law enforcement leaders. Acting Police Commissioner Rodney Adams highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that gang activity is responsible for most of the crime on the islands. He emphasized the importance of the anti-gang ordinance, approved in late 2022, stating it «played a vital and crucial role in addressing gang-related offences.»
He has been vocal about the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force's (RTCIPF) commitment to combating gang-related violence. In a statement addressing criminals, he asserted:
We will continue to hunt you. Wherever you are. We will find you, and we will arrest you and charge you and ensure that justice prevails and justice is served for persons that are affected.
Superintendent Dean Holden provided further insight into the gang landscape, revealing that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has identified 19 organized criminal groups (December 2024) operating within the territory. He acknowledged the likelihood of additional groups, indicating the complexity of the issue. Holden described the typical gang member profile as «usually males between the ages of 18 and 26,» with concentrations in areas such as Dockyard and Five Cays.
In response to these challenges, law enforcement has launched initiatives like Operation Reclaim, aimed at disrupting and dismantling gang activities. Superintendent Matthew Newton, overseeing the operation, emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging the public to provide intelligence to aid in these efforts.
The impact of gang violence on TCI's tourism-driven economy has also been a concern. Superintendent Holden addressed this, clarifying that such incidents «very rarely» affect tourist areas.
Impact on public safety and tourism
The activities of these gangs have led to a marked increase in violent crimes, including homicides, which have raised concerns about public safety. While the primary targets of gang violence are often rival members, there have been tragic instances where tourists have been affected.
For example, in October 2022, Kent Carter, an American tourist and vice president of the Arlington County NAACP, was fatally shot during an ambush in the Long Bay area of Providenciales. The assailants, identified as armed gang members, indiscriminately fired upon the vehicle he was traveling in.
Such incidents have prompted several countries to issue travel advisories, urging visitors to exercise increased caution when traveling to TCI. The U.S. Department of State, for instance, updated its travel advisory to Level 2, highlighting concerns about crime, particularly in areas like Providenciales.
Efforts to combat gang activity
In response to the escalating gang-related violence, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) has initiated several measures:
Operation reclaim: A multi-agency initiative aimed at disrupting and dismantling gang activities through targeted operations and community engagement.
Legislative measures: The introduction of anti-gang ordinances designed to curb gang-related offenses and provide law enforcement with enhanced tools to combat organized crime.
Community outreach: Collaborations with community groups and educational institutions to address the root causes of gang involvement and offer alternative pathways for at-risk youth.
Despite these efforts, the persistent challenges underscore the need for continued vigilance and comprehensive strategies to address the complex dynamics of gang activity in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Does this affect tourism?
Tourism remains the lifeblood of the Turks and Caicos economy. Luxury resorts like those in Grace Bay have maintained high visitor numbers, and most trips remain incident-free. However, crime has led to increased cancellations and tighter security at resorts.
While Grand Turk and Salt Cay remain relatively calm, Providenciales—the main arrival point—has been the center of most violent incidents. Travelers are advised to:
Book with reputable resorts
Avoid isolated beaches or dark streets at night
Never use unregistered taxis
Monitor travel advisories regularly
Grace Bay Beach, located on the island of Providenciales, is often ranked among the best beaches in the world—and for good reason. With its powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, it offers a slice of tropical paradise that feels almost unreal. What many don’t know is that Grace Bay Beach is protected by a barrier reef located just offshore, keeping the waters crystal-clear and free of strong waves, making it perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. It stretches for over 3 miles and seamlessly connects with other beaches like Leeward Beach to the east and Bight Beach to the west—meaning you can walk for hours along uninterrupted coastline. Photo: kanu101, Flickr CC BY 2.0
Still a stunning destination
Despite recent troubles, the islands still offer some of the Caribbean’s finest natural attractions:
Grace Bay Beach: Regularly ranked among the world's best beaches
Chalk Sound National Park: A surreal turquoise lagoon
Conch Bar Caves and historical salt salinas
For travelers who stay informed and cautious, Turks and Caicos can still offer the tranquil, luxurious island escape it's famous for.
