TCI News
Police confirm illegal landings, two boats turned back in onslaught of Haitian sloops bound for Turks and Caicos
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, March 16, 2018 – In the last week, the Turks and Caicos Islands have recorded five illegal Haitian sloop landings in Providenciales and two boats were turned back when spotted – at sea – by the United States Coast Guard. Acting Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting addressed media in an urgent, specially called press conference on Friday and his main focus was to quell concerns linked to inflated figures on how many illegal boats were actually confirmed in the Turks and Caicos.
“So the ninth of March, there was a confirmed landing at South Dock; on the 11th of March – partners from the US Coast Guard, intercepted two sloops and they were turned back to Haiti so they did not actually land; on 12th March there was a confirmed landing at Chalk Sound and on the 15th of March there was a confirmed landing near the Amanyara Resort. In the early hours of this morning, there was a confirmed landing, again, near the Amanyara Resort.”
The acting Commissioner said operations are active in the hunt for illegal migrants and in the latest landing, there were a reported four arrests. Most significant for the Police said Botting, was the capture of some who are believed to be more than simple passengers of an illegal voyage from Haiti.
“Most significantly for us there has been arrest of people who may well be facilitating illegal people entering the TCI.”
The press conference was called with media late today and was aired live on National Radio after a frantic outcry by the public on social media, where in addition to interesting ideas and legitimate concerns, there has been worrying comments threatening vigilante activity and incorrect information.
AC Botting said the Police do understand the fear, “We really accept the public concern about this… there is a lot of proactive activity linked to illegal migration and illegal people in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The nation was informed that the Turks and Caicos Marine Branch has been on 24-hour patrol in an ongoing surveillance operation aimed at thwarting illegal boats from Haiti; but Botting admits the massive coastline of the Turks and Caicos proves challenging.
“They can’t see everything and they can’t be everywhere. There is a very clear patrol strategy which is reviewed regularly to make sure that we are working on the best intelligence so we try to put the boats in the right place at the right time.”
Botting went on to share what the Police believe is happening with the inundation of illegal landings originating out of nearby Haiti; he cited that it is far more organized and that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police is, “throwing everything in the can at them” in order to seize these operations and operators who are making lots of money in the human trafficking operations.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address
unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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