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TCI Budget to double spending on illegal migration, over $2m projected

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File Photo: (Centre) Derek Been, Immigration Director

#Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday June 27, 2018 – The new Budget proposal for the Turks and Caicos Islands has doubled spending for the handling of illegal migrants, which takes projected costs for expenses like detention and repatriation to $2 million.  

The boost is in response to the escalation in illegal sloops to the country and supports a more vigorous approach to enforcement of illegal residency by the Ministry of Border Control and Employment.

File photo

Director of Immigration, Derek Been was reporting to the Appropriations Committee at the House of Assembly on Monday about the supersized budget linked to illegal migration; a vexing issue for islanders and one which has given rise to special operations where some 400 illegals have been arrested since March.

Mr. Been said there have been eight official round-ups under the banner of Operation Guardian which is staffed by Turks and Caicos law enforcers from Immigration, Labour and Police.  However, the special-ops have also welcomed law enforcers from the Cayman Islands, Interpol, the UK and the US with ongoing dialogue activated with The Bahamas.

The latest tally up to this past Sunday put repatriated illegal migrants at 1,261.

There were probing questions about the need for such a sharp spike from last year’s projected $1.4 million, which was not spent in full according to Appropriations Committee member, Hon Ruth Blackman.  The South Caicos MP questioned the need to allot over $2 million for the upcoming financial year.

“It’s a direct correlation in terms of what we are seeing in trends.  Last year in terms of costs, we repatriated 1,335 persons from the Turks and Caicos Islands and as of yesterday, we repatriated 1,261 persons back to their homelands so far (for 2018). We are anticipating at least a 100% increase in that area and that is not only due to anticipated vessel landings, but increased compliance as well.”

Mr. Been referenced an earlier statement by the Permanent Secretary, Susan Malcolm, who at the start of the inquiries into Border Control and Employment’s $11m budget allocation for 2018-2019 informed the nation that ‘ccompliance and enforcement are the new drivers for the Ministry, no longer revenue generation’.

“The anticipated $2 million in expenditure for repatriation somewhat synchs with what we envision happening in this financial  year,” explained Mr. Been who also provided a breakdown of spending for housing and repatriating illegal migrants, as requested by Committee Charmian, Hon Doug Parnell.

 

For the 2017-2018 Budget Year:

Airfare                                       11,083.99

Charters                                  332,687.24

Other Tickets                          17,980.00

Scabies Outbreak                 16,000.00

Vehicle Rentals                      43,727.00

Meals                                       292,643.27

Other                                         20,177.19

Supplies                                    23,000.00

Security service                    372,949.00

Water                                           4,258.00

TOTAL                                   1,134,507.13

The sum shared with the Appropriations Committee on Monday June 25, 2018 by the Director puts average spending per arrested immigrant at $850USD per person.

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Statistics Authority Highlights Trade Data as Turks & Caicos Records $227M in Imports for Q4 2025  

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Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority is highlighting the importance of reliable economic data following the release of its latest Trade Statistics Bulletin, which shows the country recorded approximately $227 million in imports during the fourth quarter of 2025.

The detailed report provides a clear breakdown of where goods entering the Turks and Caicos Islands are coming from, the types of products being imported, and the revenue generated from trade-related activity. The figures offer valuable insight into the level of economic activity across the country and the continued demand driven by tourism, construction, and consumer spending.

According to the bulletin, the United States remained by far the largest supplier of goods, accounting for more than $200 million in imports during the quarter. This represents the majority of all goods entering the Turks and Caicos Islands and reflects the territory’s long-standing dependence on U.S. markets for food, fuel, machinery, building materials, and consumer products.

The Dominican Republic was the second largest source of imports, supplying just over $4.1 million in goods, while The Bahamas ranked third, with approximately $1.8 million in imports recorded for the period. The report also noted increasing trade with countries such as China, Panama, Switzerland, Poland, and India, showing that businesses continue to expand their supply networks beyond traditional partners.

In terms of the types of goods being imported, the bulletin shows strong activity in categories such as food and live animals, mineral fuels, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals, all of which are essential to supporting the tourism industry, infrastructure development, and everyday life in the islands.

The report also tracks revenue collected from international trade, including fuel tax, customs processing fees, and motor vehicle licensing, providing another measure of economic performance during the quarter.

Officials say the quarterly Trade Statistics Bulletin is an important tool for government, businesses, and the public, offering accurate information presented through clear tables, charts, and graphics that make complex data easier to understand.

For a small, import-dependent economy like the Turks and Caicos Islands, access to reliable statistics remains critical. By continuing to publish detailed trade reports, the Statistics Authority helps ensure that decisions about growth, investment, and development are based on sound information.

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Department of Tourism Regulations Achieves 90% Compliance in Accommodation Enforcement Initiative  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 18 March 2026: With enforcement initiatives ongoing for 2026, the Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to report that 90% of tourism accommodation properties were registered in 2025.  Using data from AirDNA, approximately 1,300 properties were identified across Turks and Caicos, with over 1,200 now accounted for in the Department’s licensing system.

The initiative was led by Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Skippings and Regulations Specialist Sasha Arthur, who coordinated the preparation and distribution of enforcement letters nationwide and managed the inspection schedule for Accommodation Controllers Kevin Lightbourne, Claudenise Jean, and Patral Handfield. The team carried out the enforcement drive while maintaining their regular responsibilities for licensing tourism accommodation properties.

The Department first notified the public of the Enforcement Letter Initiative in July 2025, as part of its mandate to uphold tourism standards and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with the Tourism Regulations Ordinance 2023. The initiative has resulted in a significant increase in registered properties, rising from 50% compliance the previous year to 90% in 2025.

Tourism Accommodation Inspectors and Controllers are trained to assess factors that enhance the guest experience in line with international tourism quality standards. The inspection process ensures that properties meet key safety and service criteria, helping to prevent situations where a visitor’s experience could be compromised due to missing or inadequate amenities. For example, proper pool safety signage helps reduce the risk of guest injuries. Compliance also contributes to the broader development of Turks and Caicos, as fees collected support infrastructure development and the maintenance of government assets.

By partnering with the Department of Tourism Regulations, property owners help strengthen the tourism product and reinforce the reputation of Turks and Caicos as a trusted destination, giving stakeholders confidence when welcoming visitors and assuring them that their properties meet the standards approved by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

Director Avi Adams, commenting on the success of the initiative, stated: “I commend the responsiveness of those who have received letters and taken the necessary steps to become licensed. Your cooperation is vital in safeguarding our tourism industry and preserving it for future generations. Enforcement continues in 2026; we encourage property owners and managers to renew their licenses promptly to avoid fines or legal action. We look forward to seeing even stronger compliance numbers in the year ahead.”

“Achieving 90% compliance in accommodation registration is a significant milestone for the Turks and Caicos Islands and is a clear indication that our enforcement efforts are working and that accountability is strengthening across the sector. We will continue to take a firm but fair approach to enforcement, as maintaining standards is essential to protecting the integrity and global reputation of the Turks and Caicos tourism industry.”

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Ad Hoc Judge call issued as Turks & Caicos Supreme Court handles busy caseload

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Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – A recent call for applications for Ad Hoc Judges by the Judicial Service Commission of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court comes as the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court prepares to hear a busy slate of criminal, civil and constitutional matters, according to the latest court list published for the week of March 16–20, 2026.

The vacancy notice, published March 4, invites suitably qualified attorneys to apply to be placed on a roster of Ad Hoc Judges who may be appointed to perform the duties of a Supreme Court Judge for specific cases or limited periods. The appointments are made under section 77(5) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, which allows for temporary judicial appointments when required.

While the notice does not state the reason for the recruitment, the current court schedule reflects a demanding caseload, including a multi-day criminal trial, several sentencing hearings, and a constitutional motion involving the Attorney General.

Among the matters listed for hearing this week is a trial involving three defendants, John Smith, Kenneth Abrams and Robert Koenig, scheduled to run over several days before Justice Selochan.  Multi-day trials are typically reserved for complex matters involving multiple charges or extensive evidence.

The court list also includes a constitutional motion filed by Turks and Caicos Realty Limited and others against the Attorney General. The case is scheduled for a status hearing later in the week. Constitutional motions are generally used to challenge the legality of government actions or laws, although details of the claim were not disclosed in the court listing.

Additional matters before the court include several criminal sentencing hearings, civil proceedings, and the admission of a new attorney to practice before the Supreme Court.

Ad Hoc Judges are appointed when necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the court, particularly in cases where additional judicial capacity is required, or where a judge must be recused due to a conflict of interest.

The weekly court list is subject to change, but the current schedule suggests an active period for the Supreme Court as a range of significant matters move forward.

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

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