Premier Charles Washington Misick. Photo courtesy “Turks and Caicos Sun”.
COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos--Premier Charles Washington Misick and Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam have strongly condemned the recent bomb threats made against the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and other Overseas Territories.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is facing an unprecedented number of bomb threats, which have disrupted the JAGS McCartney International Airport and Howard Hamilton International Airport as well as schools.
These threats are allegedly coming from individuals who are demanding the release of several US visitors awaiting sentencing for firearms and ammunition charges.
In an address to the nation on Monday, May 6, Premier Misick called on the people of the islands to remain calm and vigilant. He assured that the government is doing everything it can to protect the safety and security of its citizens.
"As our nation faces a new security threat, we must respond with a united front, drawing on our collective strength and resilience,” Misick said.
"Each of you play a crucial role in this response, and together, we will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger.”
The premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to working with international partners and experts to bring the perpetrators of these threats to justice. "We are aware that other overseas territories have experienced similar cases in the last 24 hours [prior to Monday, May 6 – Ed.],” he said. "We are working with our partners to expose the perpetrators of this unwarranted threat to our little country.”
The territory’s leader expressed his gratitude to the men and women in uniform who are working tirelessly to protect the country. "I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication and selfless sacrifice in defending our country,” he said.
"Your service is the backbone of our security, and we stand with you as you tirelessly safeguard our freedoms and our way of life.”
Misick concluded his address by urging the TCI people to remain calm and not to let fear divide them. "We will not let fear divide us or erode the values that define us as a nation,” he said, adding that the public could expect “regular updates and transparent communication from our government as we navigate through this situation together.”
As a co-chair of the National Security Council, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam also strongly condemned the recent threats made against TCI airports and schools.
In a joint statement on Monday, May 6, via the National Security Council, the governor said: "We have zero tolerance for these disruptions and the alarm that they cause.
Echoing similar sentiments, the governor stressed to travellers and parents that all appropriate measures are being taken to address these threats and all required security protocols are being followed.
"The Airports Authority and the Ministry of Education, with school principals are collaborating with the [Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force] RTCIPF investigations.”
The public was urged to be extra vigilant against phishing and malicious emails and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. ~ Turks and Caicos Weekly News ~
