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TCIG: Ministry of Border Control First Quarter Report 2018 on Enforcement Activities

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#TurksandCaicos, April 24, 2018 – Providenciales – On July 26, 2017, I delivered a Ministerial Statement to the House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands on actions to be taken in the short to medium term to address the matter of illegal immigration.

Key points included in that speech were:

  1. With immediate effect, all persons who remained in the TCI on expired visas or permits were given 14 days to voluntarily leave our country and persons found illegally residing and/or working here after August 15th would be charged, deported, and added to the Stop List of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
  2. Any person, foreign or otherwise, found aiding and/or harbouring illegal migrants would be arrested, charged, and prosecuted under the law and their status reconsidered where necessary.
  3.  I reminded companies that if they are employing illegal migrants, they should discontinue such practices to avoid being charged or their business disrupted.
  4. Public Servants, especially those charged with the protection of our people and our borders, were warned, that if found to be engaging in human smuggling they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
  5.  Finally, that from August 7th until 30th September 2018, there would be a cease on the processing of visas, work permits, and other methods of entry for select nationalities while specific steps were taken to clean up our country and enforce our laws.

Much time has passed since that statement and while much work has been done, illegal immigration is a vexing problem which your government continues to address.

Here is a snapshot of our performance since July 2017 regarding our enforcement activities, including more recent challenges and outcomes. I cannot advance my report without stating the unfortunate experience of two significant hurricanes in 2017 and the impact of these Hurricanes on national priorities, including my planned immigration initiatives.

After the hurricanes, operations ceased for a period of time for humanitarian reasons. The resumption of both apprehension and repatriation exercises were critical elements in the Government’s comprehensive immigration policy.

Despite reduced operations and apprehension due to nature, 1,335 persons were repatriated in 2017 compared to 491 persons repatriated in 2016.

During the first quarter of 2018, 432 persons have been repatriated to several countries in the region and elsewhere.

I will now give a summary of recent activities:

 

January 2018

During the Month of January, a total of four (4) sloops landed in Providenciales from Haiti, one in Five Cays area and three (3) in the North West Point Area.

During the Month of January 2018, the Immigration Enforcement Unit and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police (RTCIPF) apprehended seventy (70) persons and repatriated sixty-six (66).

 

February 2018

During the Month of February 2018, one sloop was apprehended by the Marine Branch while attempting to enter the TCI illegally.  This incident resulted in eighty-three (83) males and fifteen (15) females being repatriated to Haiti.

Persons repatriated age ranged from 17 years to 43 years.

Noteworthy is that, Operation Guardian began on February 5, 2018.  This joint operation included the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Labour Officers, Planning, Business License, Environmental Health and the Immigration Department.  Almost ten (10) business establishments were visited and inspections of employees undertaken.  These actions resulted in several employees being removed from jobs as their working was contrary to the conditions on their status in the country.

In addition, District Inspections were conducted in the Five Cays Area, Blue Hills Area, Leeward Area, and Downtown Providenciales.  These operations resulted in thirty-three (33) apprehension of persons residing in the Islands illegally.

During the month of February 2018, nine (9) persons were placed before the courts on charges such as unlawful entry, remaining in Islands beyond the permitted time, employing persons contrary to Immigration Ordinance and failing to comply with directions contrary to the Immigration Ordinance.

During February 2018, seven (7) persons were apprehended on Grand Turk and one (1) on North Caicos. They were all repatriated.

 

March 2018

March was an unusual and challenging month in several ways. During the first two weeks of the month, there were five (5) illegal vessel landings. The high level of illegal vessel landing resulted in the Island receiving maritime assistance at the request of the Premier from the United Kingdom with the arrival of The Royal Navy ship, RFA Mounts Bay.

I would like to thank the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for their assistance in this regard.

Operations in March 2018 were conducted with the RTCIPF in various areas of Providenciales included; Dock Yard, (Kew Town) Freddy Yard, (Leeward Highway) Snake Hill, (Blue Hills) Darka Yard, (Blue Hills) New Sub Division (Five Cays), main areas of Five Cays, Leeward Gates and job sites in the Leeward Area.

To mitigate against the number of undetected landings, special night patrols were conducted by Immigration and Police Officers.

During the Month of March 2018, the Immigration Enforcement Unit apprehended 343 persons and repatriated three hundred and two (302) persons to six (6) countries.

 

April 2018

Operation Guardian continues and during the month of April two (2) significant operations were conducted. As a result, seventy-seven (77) persons have been apprehended and are being processed.

 

Humanitarian Perspective

The laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands mandate that persons holding Work Permits must always be in possession of the same. Citizens are encouraged to carry, where possible, a Government issued identification as is done in many developed countries as there may be occasions when operations extend to the highway or transport systems.

 

Other Operations

Operation Libertad was conducted during the period April 3 – 9, 2018.  This operation was an INTERPOL initiative led by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and comprised a team from the Immigration Department.  Contrary to reports, at no time was the operation led by a person or persons from INTERPOL.

Like any operation, intelligence gathering, and surveillance was undertaken in advance and proper search warrants were obtained.

We are all aware that persons are invariably attracted to these Islands because of an attractive earning currency, stable economy, and several other factors. However, intelligence also suggest that some migrants may be exploited sexually, domestically and through low paying jobs.

The objective of such operations is not only to bring the offenders to justice, but to also restore the dignity of the victim. It is intended that such operations will discourage persons involved in the activity of human trafficking and serve as a warning to those who have the desire to involve themselves in such activities.

Because of this special operation twenty-seven (27) persons were apprehended, detained for interviews and eventually twenty-five (25) persons were repatriated.

Operations, such as Libertad, have strategic benefit to the Turks and Caicos Islands as they aim to mitigate against national reputational fallout as it relates to human trafficking and from a humanitarian perspective to ensure protection of victims of human trafficking in accordance with the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

 

Inspections/Harbouring

The Department of Immigration, Labour and Business Licensing have stepped up its “silent raids”, reviewing the files of businesses suspected of hiring illegal immigrant workers and conducting worksite inspections. Enforcement officers can also be seen at construction sites. This type of operations will be intensified, and companies found in violation of the law will be sanctioned.

I again remind the private sector to cease the employment of any illegal person and regularize the category of employees (where necessary) to avoid being prosecuted. We must be a country that abide by the rule of law.

In a press statement on January 30, 2017, I reminded the public that it is an offence to assist or shelter illegal migrants and that the fine for such is $20,000 on summary conviction or a term of imprisonment. Some persons have heeded the warning while others continued to engage in such activities have felt the effects of their actions.

Persons who are here illegally are in contravention of the laws of Turks and Caicos Islands, and are advised to return to their country of origin or be subject to apprehension and deportation.

 

Going Forward

I again implore all migrant workers to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are working or operating within the confines of the laws that govern immigration and labour. Whilst our Officers are expected to be fair and firm, the onus rest with you to ensure that you hold legal status within these Islands.

The onus is on you to have the relevant documents to verify your status, ensure that Work Permits renewals are submitted at least 90 days in advance of expiration, that you who are granted Visas and Temporary Work Permits operate within the stated terms of your visit privileges and time frames and that those who have agreed to provide surety and bond for visitors, that you undertake your obligations seriously and act upon accordingly.

Staff and Partners

I would like to register my thanks and appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and staff of the Ministry of Border Control and Employment and its Departments that I have been charged to lead.

My profound thanks and gratitude go to frontline staff in the fight on illegal immigration. I recognize your dedication and commitment to the challenging tasks that you undertake each day. I am aware that your role places you to the fore front and in the public’s eye. I implore you to be fair, transparent and diligent, but humane in the carrying out of your responsibilities.

We know your tasks are not easy and we are appreciative and thankful.

Special thanks to our constant partners, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Your support makes our efforts easier, and we are appreciative for such.

 

January 2018

Nationality Apprehension Sex Repatriated sex
Haitian 55 44M 11F 62 43M 11F
Dominican 7 5M 2F 2 2M
Venezuelan 2 2F 1 1F
Jamaican 5 5M 1 1M
Indian 1 1M

 

February 2018

During the Month of February 2018, Immigration Enforcement Unit apprehended 30 persons and repatriated 26 persons.

Nationality Apprehension Sex Repatriated Sex
Haitian 14 11male  3 Females 15 12 Males 3Females
Dominican 9 7males 2 females 8 7males 1female
Vietnamese  4 4males 1 1male
Colombian 1 1Female 1 1 Female
Napoleon 2 2 males 1 1male

 

 

Business Places inspected by Immigration and Labour Commission.

  • Somewhere café
  • Provo stevedoring
  • Delicious Dishes
  • Proverce Restaurant
  • Shay Café
  • Danny Bouys
  • Business Design Image
  • Genderly’s Salon

 

March 2018

Nationality Apprehension Sex Repatriation sex
Haitian 317 269 males 75 females 282 216 males 66 female
Dominican 19 14 male 5 females 16 11 male 5 female
Jamaican 3 2 male 1 female 1 1 female
Pilipino 1 1 male
Bulgarian 1 1 male 1 1 male
Iranian 2 2 male 2 2 male

 

 

April 2018

Nationality Apprehension Sex* Repatriation* Sex*
Haitian 69
Dominican 6
Jamaican 2

*Data not available at time of Press Release

 

Release: TCIG

 

 

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Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Vacancy Announcements

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), the premier institution for higher education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands, invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the following positions.

Join a dynamic team committed to educational excellence, innovation, and national development.

  • Student Support Officer – SSO/25

 Job Summary

The Student Support Officer is responsible for delivering comprehensive assistance to students throughout their academic journey. This role includes providing guidance on academic and personal development matters, coordinating support services, and ensuring that students have timely access to the resources, interventions, and referrals necessary for their success. The officer plays a key role in fostering a supportive, student-centered environment that promotes engagement, wellbeing, and academic achievement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Public Administration or a related discipline from a recognised and accredited institution.

Experience

3-5 years relevant work experience interacting with clients/students from diverse backgrounds.

Location:                   –           Providenciales

Annual Salary:        –           USD45,992.00 – USD53,336.00

Annual Allowances:  –            Telephone USD1,200.00 and Transport USD1,200.00

 

  • Information Technology Manager  -ITMgnr/25

Job Summary

The IT Manager is responsible for the effective operation of the total Management Information System of the College, maintains an effective and up-to-date system by reviewing the technological environment, giving advice and making appropriate recommendations to leadership to facilitate optimum maintenance of the equipment and further development of the system.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in progressively responsible IT leadership roles, preferably within the higher education or tertiary institution sector.

Location:                   –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:         –          USD75,363.00 – USD87,395.00

Annual Allowance:      –        Telephone Allowance USD1,200.00

 

  • Lecturer IIB 

Job Summary

This role involves preparing and delivering engaging face-to-face and online lectures, developing course materials in alignment with curriculum guidelines, assessing student performance, and providing academic support. The Lecturer contributes to a dynamic learning environment by fostering critical thinking, enhancing student understanding, and supporting their academic and professional development..

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law, politics or equivalent subject area from an accredited and recognised institution Teacher’s certification

Experience

3-5 years post qualification experience

Location:                   –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:        –           USD58,873.00 – USD63,400.00

 

  • Admissions and Records Officer – ADMRO/25.3

Job Summary

The Records and Admissions Officer is responsible for overseeing the student admissions process and maintaining accurate academic records. This role enhances the overall efficiency of the Registrar’s Office by organizing, retrieving, and managing both physical and digital student records.

Minimum qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited and recognised institution

EXPERIENCE

  1. Minimum of 3 years experience in academic records or admissions administration.
  2. Familiarity with student information systems.

Location:                  –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:        –           USD45,992.00 – USD53,336.00

______________________________________________________________________________

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by:

  • a Cover Letter
  • two reference letters (one preferably from the most recent employer)
  • copies of educational certificates, and
  • a copy of the applicant’s passport photo page and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Card (where applicable).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a police record.

Overseas recruits are eligible for a Housing Allowance of USD7,800.00 per annum, Grand Turk and USD10,200.00 per annum, Providenciales. A settling-in loan and 10% gratuity upon successful completion of the contract of engagement.

Applications should be addressed to:

THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

41 PRINCESS DRIVE, GRACE BAY

PROVIDENCIALES

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

 

WE MAY ALSO APPLY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE BELOW:

Hand delivered applications must be marked with the Job Title including the reference number.

Applications submitted without supporting documents will not be processed.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:         19 December 2025

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TCI Hosts Strategic Defence Summit as Overseas Territories Regiments Strengthen Security Partnerships

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Turks and Caicos, December 4, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands this week became the centre of regional security cooperation as senior defence leaders from across the British Overseas Territories gathered in Providenciales for the 4th Annual Overseas Territories Commanding Officers Conference — a three-day summit focused on strengthening capability, maritime readiness, and inter-territorial partnerships.

Acting Governor Anya Williams and Premier Charles Washington Misick, OBE, on December 1, welcomed Lord Lancaster, a key figure in the establishment of the TCI Regiment and the current Honorary Colonel of the Cayman Islands Regiment, for a courtesy call and high-level briefing session. Lord Lancaster joined Permanent Secretary for National Security Tito Lightbourne, TCI Regiment Commanding Officer Colonel Ennis Grant, and Commanding Officers from Bermuda, Cayman, Montserrat, the Falkland Islands, and UK defence representatives.

The visit, along with the wider conference agenda, signals a meaningful step forward for the rapidly evolving TCI Regiment, which has grown into a crucial national asset for disaster response, coastal security, joint operations, and resilience planning. Lord Lancaster’s presence carries additional significance: he was instrumental in shaping the Regiment’s formation in 2020 and remains a vocal advocate for expanding the capabilities of small-territory defence units within the UK network.

At the conference’s opening ceremony, Acting Governor Williams emphasised the importance of “collaboration and strategic leadership across the Overseas Territories,” noting that shared challenges — from climate shocks to transnational crime — demand a unified approach. The Permanent Secretary echoed this, highlighting increased maritime coordination and training pathways as areas where the TCI is seeking deeper integration with its regional counterparts.

Throughout the week, Commanding Officers participated in strategic discussions, intelligence and security briefings, resilience planning sessions, and on-site engagements showcasing the TCI’s developing operational infrastructure. The agenda also focused on improving interoperability — ensuring that Overseas Territories regiments can operate seamlessly together during disaster deployments, search and rescue missions, and joint maritime operations.

For the TCI Regiment, hosting the conference marks a milestone: it positions the young force as an active contributor in shaping the region’s security future rather than merely a participant. Leaders left no doubt that the momentum is intentional — and that the Turks and Caicos Islands are strengthening their role within a broader, coordinated defence framework designed to safeguard shared interests.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Michael Misick Rejects Government’s 60/40 Shift as Business Licensing Debate Reignites

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Turks and Caicos, December 4, 2025 – For the first time in his long political career, former Premier Michael Misick appeared on Drexwell Seymour’s “Financially Speaking” radio programme this week — and he used the platform to forcefully reject the Government’s new 60/40 business-ownership model, arguing that Turks and Caicos Islanders are once again being positioned to lose ground in their own country.

The interview came at a pivotal moment: the Washington Misick Administration has just issued a detailed press statement confirming that the controversial 100% Islander-only ownership requirement — praised by some as overdue protectionism and criticised by others as unconstitutional and discriminatory — was never Cabinet’s intended position. A “drafting error,” the Government now says, caused the blanket 100% clause to appear in the Business Licensing (Amendment) Bill, prompting a pause in Parliament and a full review.

This week, Cabinet reaffirmed its balanced 60/40 framework, arguing that meaningful majority control for Turks and Caicos Islanders must coexist with access to external capital, expertise, and investment partnerships. The Government cited international models, financing constraints for local entrepreneurs, and the need to avoid “harsh outcomes” that could unintentionally weaken local businesses or violate constitutional safeguards. It further pledged strengthened anti-fronting mechanisms, tighter oversight, and mandatory protections for local shareholders.

But Michael Misick isn’t convinced.

During the wide-ranging RTC interview, the former Premier dismissed the 60/40 model as inadequate and accused successive governments of diluting the rights and economic standing of heritage Turks and Caicos Islanders. He argued that fronting has flourished under the existing 51% rule, and that only full, uncompromised Islander ownership in certain industries can prevent locals from being reduced to symbolic partners with no real power. Misick described the Business Licensing Board’s disappearance, the rise of unchecked approvals, and the growing dominance of expatriate capital as evidence that the country is “losing itself, bit by bit, every sunrise.”

Seymour, a CPA and economic commentator, echoed concerns about fronting and asked whether the territory’s leaders were “afraid” to implement robust protections. Misick went further, accusing modern politicians of lacking political courage and failing to defend the long-term interests of heritage Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“Every time legislation comes to empower our people, there is resistance,” Misick said.
“When it’s something that penalises our people, no one objects.”

The Government’s clarification attempts to neutralize that narrative, insisting Cabinet did not “retreat” under pressure but merely corrected an error to restore policy integrity. Still, the timing — after months of public debate, stakeholder pushback, and ongoing reference to the Grant Thornton economic impact report — has only deepened suspicion among critics who say the Administration is wavering.

What is clear is this:
The Business Licensing reform has cracked open the deepest unresolved question in the Turks and Caicos Islands — how to protect a small population from economic displacement while maintaining an investment climate that supports national development.

With Parliament scheduled to revisit the Bill this month, the clash between political philosophy and economic pragmatism is now on full display. And as Misick made clear on RTC, this debate will define not just policy, but identity.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.  

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