The Office of the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands has issued a statement on the death of the American Tourist - Kent Carter - who was cutdown in a hail of bullets after gunmen attacked a vehicle in which he was returning from a watersports excursion in the Long Bay area of Providenciales, Sunday.
The following is the statement from the premier's office:
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) regrets the unfortunate incident involving the death of a visitor to our islands on 2nd October 2022. The incident which occurred was accidental and not one in which the victim was targeted.
While the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police force (RTCIPF) continues their investigations, we wish to reassure the public (citizens, resident and visitors alike) that the safety and security of all, is our top priority.
The TCI has long established itself as a safe destination for visitors from around the world. Evidence of this can be seen in the countless awards the destination has won, most recently at the World Travel Awards. Our commitment to providing safety to residents and visitors is unwavering.
The government will continue to work with local authorities including the RTCIPF and our partners in the international community to protect residents and visitors alike.
The incident which occurred on the date mentioned above is one that is rare and does not reflect who we are as a people. On behalf of the government and people of these islands, we extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
As this matter is now an on-going police investigation, further statements will be referred to RTCIPF.
The TCI remains a safe destination and the government is working assiduously for it to remain as such.