TCI News
TCI: Haitian Gov’t called on to ‘do your job’, group says want to be seen as ‘humans’ and proud Haitians
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – Friday May 18, 2018 – Haitian Flag day is a huge celebration for the people of Haiti, wherever they are in the world, but in the Turks and Caicos this year, things are markedly different due to stricter immigration laws and enforcement. Border Control protocols in the TCI are amped-up because Haitians continue to illegally breach the borders between the two countries.
Haitians resident legally in Turks and Caicos assembled at the Haitian Consulate on Flag Day in a peaceful but potent protest to send a resounding message; that the government of Haiti needs to step-up efforts to control the outflow.
Udley Malcolm, Haitian resident and demonstrator said, “We all know this is Haitian Flag Day and usually in TCI we have a big celebration. As a Haitian origin, I am very proud. I love my brothers and sisters. Haiti is where I get my education, I have spent a lot of time in Haiti. We have nothing against our brothers and sisters but they are disturbing those who are here legally.”
The dozen Haitians taking part in the demonstration just yards away from the official Haitian office in Provo, have lived in these islands for years and say it is insensitive and senseless, in their minds, to celebrate while so many in Haiti are still suffering, even dying in their desperate attempts to break free of the poverty.
“Why would we celebrate this day if you are not happy with what is going on, how your brothers and sisters have been dying at the sea. How you gonna celebrate? We place the President and the Haitian parliament to do the job, to control the border, to help us…” Udley Malcolm, continued with, “… do the job so that we can be proud wherever we go, so that we can be proud as Haitians. But if they are not doing it, we are not going to celebrate. This is a call, do you job, do what you’re supposed to do so that when we come to Turks and Caicos, they can look at us as humans.”
Turks and Caicos Islanders are unapologetically frustrated at the cost to the country to capture, charge, detain and return home the Haitian people who mainly arrive by boat. The cost is quickly mounting to $5m in five years for the Turks and Caicos for repatriation of illegals, most of whom are Haitians. In the last week, there have been four illegal boats in five days. It is reported that Haitians sell everything to make the voyage and pay as much as $3,000USD per person and sometimes even bring on the potentially treacherous voyage infants and young children to escape the abject poverty which is depressing parts of Haiti.
Still, there was a warning for Haitians considering the trip.
“It is not looking good for yourself because when you are coming here, you are coming on the sloop most times we have a lot of incidents on the sea. A lot of people – brother and sisters – are out there dying. Some of them are selling their goods and whatever they have, they are seeking a better life, I understand that… When you come into Turks and Caicos illegally, there is a big chance you are going to get arrested and you are going to lose your money. The Turks and Caicos Islands community is not going to look at you as a person because you are disturbing the peace. Because it is their money that they are supposed to be investing in roads and education, they are investing in repatriation and they are not happy about it and that is the bottom line.”
In the last 12 months, at least four western hemispheric nations have clamped down hard on illegal migrants: The Bahamas, Canada, the Turks and Caicos and the United States.
Protest organizer, John Phillip-Fontaine was passionately vocal about the reason for the protest.
“We don’t want to celebrate, we just want to send a message to the Haitian Government to tell them take up their responsibility. We are tired of the illegal sloop. You need to control your borders so that we can have some respect in Turks and Caicos.”
Phillip-Fontaine spoke to the acrimony the illegal landings are causing between Haitians and Turks and Caicos Islanders, “We feel bad. We really feel bad. But for us to do something about it, we have to get the Haitian government to control the borders. They have people who have been here for years but they are suffering because of what is going on… so we are sending a message strong to the Haitian Government through the Haitian Consulate because we believe they are here to represent the Haitian government.”
The protestors explained that the Consulate is aware of the feelings of legal Haitians resident in the Turks and Caicos, but John Phillip-Fontaine said that it appears the sloop surge is getting worse. About a dozen boats from Haiti to TCI between March and May.
The Haitian Consulate office was today closed due to the Haitian public holiday of Flag Day; but the men say they are hoping their message goes out over media and gets back to the home country leaders to stem the flow of illegal migrants.
The demonstrators also want to see that living conditions are finally improved for the millions of Haitians subject to the unbearable conditions that make them sell all and risk all in the hope of a better life in someone else’s country.
“Our flag is losing its value, and to keep the value of the flag we have to sit down today, especially a day like today – May 18… We are not happy and we are telling the Turks and Caicos government to bear with us, give us some time… we will slow this thing down. We know human trafficking is a big business all over the world but we don’t need this to spoil our children’s future.”
The group said they were referring to both the children of the Turks and Caicos and their own.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department 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 followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals