In the early hours of Sunday, July 27, 2025, a tragic mass shooting unfolded at the Islands Hookah and Cigar Lounge, a popular nightspot on Providenciales, the most populous island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The incident marked the first mass shooting in recent memory within this British Overseas Territory, leaving three young men dead and 10 others wounded.
Police Commissioner Fitz Albert Bailey described the event as "deeply disturbing," emphasizing its profound impact on families and the wider community. The victims who lost their lives were identified as Yeiscol Rhinel Rodriguez Florestino, 25; Erlin Dorastin, 27; and Keell Silver, 39. They were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured were transported to a local hospital. As of July 28, two of the injured had been discharged, though one remained in critical condition, highlighting the severity of the attack.
The shooting occurred at approximately 2:57 a.m. at the lounge situated on Leeward Highway, the main thoroughfare in Providenciales. Authorities have confirmed that at least four suspects were involved, wielding high-powered weapons, according to closed-circuit television footage. Despite the gravity of the crime, no arrests have been made so far, and the police continue to investigate several theories to determine a clear motive.
Commissioner Bailey noted that prior to this event, the Turks and Caicos Islands had experienced a 30% reduction in its murder rate, with current figures standing at 22 murders compared to 25 during the same period last year. However, this mass shooting, alongside other violent incidents such as the murder of two brothers, has significantly challenged efforts to maintain public safety.
Premier Charles Washington Misick addressed the public during a press conference, linking the shooting to escalating gang violence concentrated within the Haitian communities on the islands. He stated, "We are now having a gangland-type slaying, and a lot of this gang violence seems to be concentrated in our Haitian communities." Misick urged Haitian nationals and community leaders to cooperate with law enforcement and take responsibility for helping to keep the islands safe.
He appealed to the Haitian community, saying, "The government stands behind those persons who are law-abiding, legally resident in this country, who wish the best for their families and the other citizens of these islands. And we want a dialogue with you." However, the premier's comments have stirred tensions in the community of less than 50,000 people, especially since they were made without presenting concrete evidence linking the Haitian population to the violence.
The Turks and Caicos Islands, located about 600 miles southeast of Miami, have faced increasing challenges with crime and violence in recent years. The archipelago recorded 48 murders as of December 19, 2024, nearly doubling the 24 deaths registered in 2022. Most of these homicides involved local residents, with violence attributed to gang and drug smuggling networks involving Haitians, Jamaicans, and native Turks Islanders, known locally as "Belongers."
Law enforcement agencies on the islands have struggled with limited resources and technology, prompting the British governor to seek additional support from neighboring Jamaica and The Bahamas. Local lawmakers have also passed stricter firearm laws, including mandatory minimum sentences, which led to the arrest of several U.S. citizens in 2024 after ammunition was discovered in their luggage.
The shooting incident comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal immigration in the Turks and Caicos Islands. An estimated 10,900 Haitians live in the territory, representing roughly one-third of the population. About 80% of Haitians reside in Providenciales, while 20% have permanent residency status, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Turks and Caicos Islands in March 2025, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime, particularly in Providenciales. The advisory advises visitors to avoid walking alone or at night, not to answer doors unless expecting someone, and to refrain from physically resisting robbery attempts. It also notes that local police may have limited investigatory resources, underscoring the challenges of maintaining safety in the territory.
Following the mass shooting, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification and capture of those responsible. Authorities are working closely with local and international partners to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore a sense of security to the community.
This tragic event has cast a spotlight on the growing violence and complex social issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands. As officials continue their investigation, the community grapples with the shock of a new level of violence that many residents had never witnessed before.
