TCI Premier gives Joe Public ‘3H’ opportunity to help curb human trafficking; Stop Hiring, Housing and Harbouring

Providenciales, #TurksandCaicosIslands – March 16, 2018 – It can be surmised and proven that illegal people are finding success when they arrive in the Turks and Caicos Islands because illegal migrant round-up operations, aka ‘Operation Guardian’, arrests also include Haitians and others who are found employed without work permits.

Premier Sharlene Robinson called an emergency press conference on Friday after as many as five illegal boats managed to make landfall in Providenciales in one week; the events ignited a firestorm of concern about safety and security.  Rightly so said the country’s leader who channeled some of her comments at those who exacerbate the problem by hiring individuals despite knowing they are undocumented or illegally in the islands.  

“It is important that Turks and Caicos Islanders and people living in the Turks and Caicos Islands do their part… stop hiring and housing and harbouring these undocumented persons.  You are now a part of the problem and I can say to you, that if we are able to get to court which we will go… to make sure that people understand the seriousness of this.  The violations that continue to occur with people breaching our borders is a  serious, serious issued and it is nothing short of an attack on sovereignty but also it becomes a serious national security issue when you do not know who is in your country.”

Premier Robinson explained that residents must see the bigger picture.

One of the bigger considerations of having potentially unknown people within one’s country, is the looming and international concerns of terrorism factions and threats.  Recently Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement foiled a terrorist plot which was planned to unravel during its 2018 Carnival events.

It is now widely reported that terrorist cells are creeping into the Caribbean; undoubtedly times have changed.  It is likely why the British is taking this unprecedented invasion from nearby Haiti into the Turks and Caicos so much more seriously.

“I am pleased, very, very pleased that yes the Minister Lord Ahmad and I have spoken just a few short moments ago, and an official letter has been sent from my office requesting the assistance… Mounts Bay, it is a UK ship, will be helping to patrol the waters and we are also looking at other means of assistance.  Boots on the ground which will include intelligence and expertise and we are grateful for the operational support that we are receiving from the UK.”

The Attorney General, Rhondalee Knowles was a part of the press conference and confirmed that just recently, laws to discourage hiring, harbouring or housing illegal migrants have been strengthened.  The amended legislation levies a substantial fine of $20,000 at offenders.

The Premier also asked residents to not politicize the inundation of the illegal sloops from Haiti, to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious and she discouraged vigilante activity.

“…to not to begin to engage in law enforcement activities.  These are organized landings, the Commissioner has said there have been arrests that have been made,  investigations are ongoing, we do not want you to be interfering with the investigations that are ongoing.  This is not the regular sloop landings of times past, this is organized crime and it is best that we allow those who are trained in law enforcement to address these issues,” said Premier Sharlene Robinson.  

It was reported that five illegal boats made landing between March 9-16, 2018 and two vessels, while at sea, were turned around on Sunday March 11 by the United States Coast Guard.