Second US tourist shooting sparks unease in Turks and Caicos

Thursday, 01 Aug, 2017 0

Tourism leaders in the Turks and Caicos have urged visiting tourists not to be alarmed after the second shooting of an American tourist in just over a month.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said 57-year old Maryland attorney Mike Jones was shot during a home invasion at his vacation villa in Leeward, Providenciales.

While the gunshot wound is not thought to be life threatening, he was medically evacuated to the US.

Two assailants overpowered a security guard before entering the property and fled with a laptop computer.

The ministry of tourism said despite the two incidents in recent weeks, it remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.

"It is with regret, that we report any situation involving the safety or well-being of residents or guests to our country. While our country remains safe, any acts of crime against residents or tourists are unacceptable," the tourism ministry said in a statement.

In June Alabama resident Kevin Newman was robbed at gunpoint and shot in the Grace Bay of Providenciales.

He was also medevaced to the US but in a more serious condition.

"The effort to deal with violent crime is ongoing. More resources are being dedicated to security needs and more will be available in the future. And all of us with responsibilities for security are committed to seeing the task through," Turks and Caicos Islands Gov. John Freeman said.

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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