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

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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.

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International Community must address conflict between Israel and Iran

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.

According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians. 

How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that  the international community should  take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.

It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.

HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.

According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.

Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.

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CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference Presents Dynamic Study Tours to Promote Sustainable Practices

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The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2024), slated for April 22-24, 2024 in Grenada, will feature a series of exclusive study tours aligned with the conference theme, The 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership. These tours have been thoughtfully curated to offer participants an enriching and unique opportunity to delve into innovative sustainability practices and glean insights intended to catalyze transformative action for a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean.

STC 2024 is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, through the Grenada Tourism Authority, and will welcome a wide range of participants, including government officials, tourism professionals, environmentalists, members of the media and researchers.

This valuable addition to the conference will allow participants to visit various sites and interact with local communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of best practices in sustainable tourism management, conservation efforts, and community engagement. 

Study Tour Options:

  • The Underwater Sculpture Park/Grand Anse Artificial Reef Tour: Led by Aquanauts Grenada, guests dive into the intricate ecosystem of the Underwater Sculpture Park and Grand Anse Artificial Reef and learn about sustainable practices aimed at protecting and preserving these vital marine habitats.
  • Grand Etang Nature Tour: Dr. Guido Marcelle, an esteemed botanist, guides participants through the lush rainforests surrounding Grand Etang Lake to explore Grenada’s rich biodiversity and gain valuable insights into rainforest conservation efforts.
  • The Rasta Roots Expedition: Immersive Journey into Rastafari Culture and Lands: Led by Ras Ginga, an elder of the Nyahbinghi Tribe, guests experience the Rastafari culture firsthand, learning about organic living practices and farming practices of Grenada’s Rastafari community, complete with a taste of local culinary delights.
  • Mt. Parnassus Plantation and Cocoa Pod Botanicals: Experts Michael Jessamy and Tricia Simon guide participants through the cocoa and spice plantation, uncovering innovative applications of these crops in cosmetics and health products.

The conference’s diverse program, comprising presentations, panel discussions, workshops, study tours and networking opportunities, aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing to advance sustainable tourism in the Caribbean region.

Event sponsors and partners include interCaribbean Airways; Royal Caribbean International; Silversands Grenada; Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s newest resort; and LINK Strategic Partners, an international strategic communications and community engagement consulting firm with offices across the U.S. and in Manchester, England.

 Visit caribbeanstc.com for further information about the conference and registration details. To learn more about the Grenada Tourism Authority, visit puregrenada.com.

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RTCIPF Observes World Down Syndrome Day

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On March 21st, 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force joined the international, regional and local communities in observing World Down Syndrome Day. 

Officers showed their support by wearing brightly coloured and mismatched socks to raise awareness. 

The head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grantley Williams, Training Manager Mrs Odessa Forbes and Media Relations Officer Denyse Renne visited the SNAP Centre and interacted with the students.

In a message to the TCI community, the RTCIPF noted that stereotypes perpetuate stigma and hinder inclusion, preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. 

Instead, the RTCIPF calls for individuals to foster an environment of acceptance and support where everyone is valued for who they are. 

By breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with Down Syndrome are empowered to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and, by extension, the TCI. 

As law enforcement officers, we must protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their abilities. 

Let’s work together to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are upheld.

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