5 People are going through jail sentences of as much as 12 years within the Turks and Caicos Islands, which has brought on a lot concern amongst vacationers. The People are being held on costs as they illegally carried ammunition to the upscale vacationer vacation spot within the Caribbean.
This has led to a lot outcry right here in the US with quite a few social media campaigns like “cancel Turks and Caicos” and “free Ryan Watson” in addition to pleas for mercy for distinguished figures just like the governors of Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Following an uptick in gun violence and weapons trafficking Turks and Caicos considerably tightened its gun legal guidelines in 2022. The island has been a hotspot for American vacationers who’re searching for luxurious resorts, retailers, and eating places in addition to pristine scuba-diving websites.
Whereas the People could not face the total 12 years, the rise of restrictive legal guidelines makes it arduous for them to have the ability to pay a superb and return house.
Extra about every arrest is beneath.
The official warning got here solely from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau (The Bahamas)
Following these arrests, the one official warning got here from the U.S. Embassy in Nassau (The Bahamas). Issued on April 24, an alert for American Residents says: “CHECK YOUR BAGS! DO NOT BRING AMMUNITION/FIREARMS TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS”.
“Firearms, ammunition (together with stray bullets), and different weapons usually are not permitted within the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). The penalty for touring to TCI with a firearm, ammunition, or different weapon can lead to a minimal custodial sentence of twelve (12) years.” continues the warning.
Particulars in regards to the arrests
Ryan Tyler Watson and his spouse from Oklahoma had been heading house in April after visiting the island for a birthday. Authorities discovered ammunition in his duffel bag which was unknowingly left after a looking journey. Whereas Watson’s spouse was launched and returned house, Ryan made bail and stays on the island awaiting a listening to in June.
Michael Lee Evans from Texas pleaded responsible to possessing seven 9mm rounds of ammunition, whereas Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania pleaded responsible to possessing 20 rounds of rifle ammunition. Tyler Scott Wenrich, a 31-year-old from Virginia was arrested on April 20, 2024, after customs authorities discovered two bullets in his backpack.
Sharitta Shanise Grier from Orlando, Florida is due again in court docket in July after she was charged with one depend of possession of ammunition.
Official U.S. Journey Advisory for Turks and Caicos stays un-updated
The U.S. Division of State’s latest Travel Advisory for Turks and Caicos Islands noticed them categorized as Stage 2: Train Elevated Warning. In response to the web site, “The overwhelming majority of crime happens in Providenciales. Native medical care and prison investigative capabilities are restricted.”
