Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: Address to the Nation by Deputy Premier on Illegal Migration

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, May 30, 2018 – Providenciales – Apprehension of Illegal Migrants and Urgent Ongoing Efforts.

Good evening my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, as the Ministry with responsibility for Border Control and Employment, I wish to acknowledge the frustration of our citizens in regards to the continued landings of illegal sloops and speed boats on our shores. We have seen videos and have heard voice recordings of private citizens who have apprehended illegal immigrants.

However, I must caution you that you should not put yourself in any compromising or dangerous situation that may result in you being harmed in any way.  Law Enforcement Officers are trained in this work, and they are the ones who should be on the front lines.

Your Government recognizes that attacking this challenge of illegal migration must be a multifaceted approach and not only demands the action of the government, but those of our citizens as well. We continue to outline ways that you can help: do not harbour or employ undocumented individuals, report any information you have to 911, the Task Force or the Police depending on the nature of the offense.

Over the last two weeks, we had a Team in the Turks and Caicos, from the United Kingdom Border Enforcement Agency.  This visit and further work was a spin off from the initiatives ignited by the Premier during the month of March when recognising our limited resources in the face of the unprecedented upsurge in sloop arrivals. She made a request to the UK for assistance. The immediate response was the helicopter and the RF Mount Bay which gave aerial and sea coverage for a period of time.

The Premier has outlined our strategy to the UK Minister and had requested the UK send a highly skilled Team of 5 for the past two weeks to assess the needs and to ascertain what else can be done between both Governments.  The Team from the UK not only assisted our Officers in the finalization of their own strategy, but also identified available resources for us, such as training, equipment and other valuable connections. The Team left on Thursday past and the Premier received a report of their findings and recommendations which she welcomed.

Investigations continue into those who mastermind this reckless and irresponsible trade and who make a living out of the decimation of our country. There are also those who know the individuals behind this activity and you are encouraged to give information (anonymously if need be) so that these perpetrators may be caught and brought to justice.

The Ministry of Border Control and Employment would also like to caution persons on the hiring of illegal immigrants. This is a crime and our Enforcement Unit will seek to prosecute anyone found engaging in this act.  In addition, the Ministry reiterates its caution issued to those in Turks and Caicos Islands that might be inclined to harbor illegal migrants.  The penalties for harboring illegal migrants were increased, and such person now face a fine of $20,000 on summary conviction or to a term of imprisonment of four years, or both. In addition, persons convicted of such offence, face the possibility of having their status in the Islands revoked, making them liable to deportation.

We hear and continue to weigh the many suggestions being put forward by persons within the community and on social media. Over the next few days and weeks we intend to:

1. Meet with the Former Leaders of this country, all members of the House of Assembly, and representatives of the Clergy. In addition we are grateful for the many residents who have scheduled appointments with myself and the Premier to offer ideas, which were well received.

2. Impress upon the UK the urgency of granting approval to accept the generous offer made by the Bahamas to assist with patrolling our waters, even though the Bahamas are also experiencing the unprecedented increase in sloop arrivals. We believe it is critical to accept

their offer.

3. Cease the extension of visas and temporary work permits with immediate effect.

4. Review trade with Haiti.

5. Write officially to Haiti’s President to advise of new steps taken.

6. Strengthen and continue our enforcement activities under Operation Guardian.

The issue of illegal immigration requires partnership with you, the people, and our regional and international partners. We see it as a matter of national security and as such our immediate and urgent attention and work will continue in this area.

May God continue to bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Published

on

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

Continue Reading

News

THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

Published

on

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

Continue Reading

News

Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

Published

on

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING