TCI Premier Sharlene Robinson to address the Nation on RTC now, illegal sloops landing in focus

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – March 16, 2018 – At least five illegal sloops, believed to have all originated in Haiti, have landed successfully on Turks and Caicos shores in the past week and residents are livid and demanding action to curtail the expensive problem.

Premier Sharlene Robinson is expected to address the country today in a media press conference to be aired live over government-owned, national radio – RTC.

The inundation of illegal sloops is fueled by reports that the Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar is damaged since the hurricanes of September 2017.  While the severity of the damages have been kept ‘hushed’ for months for obvious reasons, recent boat landings right under the nose of the radar have signaled to those trying to escape poverty in Haiti or smuggle contraband into the Turks and Caicos, that border protection is gravely compromised.

National Security is the responsibility of the British and residents are now, more than ever, demanding better service from the UK as Haitians and illicit goods are making landfall in unknown numbers and likely exacerbating the crime and illegal migrant problems of the British overseas territory.

The broadcast featuring Premier Sharlene Robinson is expected to air any moment now, as it was originally scheduled for airing at 2:30 p.m.

Today, Turks and Caicos Islands Police reported capturing four illegal Haitians after another boat successfully breached TCI borders, landing on shores in the north western end of Providenciales overnight. 

The Turks and Caicos has spent over $1.4m on illegal repatriation, exceeding the budgeted amount by $600,000 according to a House of Assembly presentation by the Deputy Premier in February 2018.