TCI News
Deportation Orders not ready, former inmates held unconstitutionally and expensively for months while waiting
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday September 6, 2018 – Public money is being wasted and constitutional rights being infringed upon every time a prison inmate who is ordered to be deported once his or her time is served has to be held at the detention center when the required documents are not ready. 
The delay in Deportation Orders is a nagging and recurring problem in the Turks and Caicos Islands, which is forcing prisoners who have completed incarceration at Her Majesty’s Prison to be held – unconstitutionally – for months at the South Dock facility.
A Dominican man has been locked up at the South Dock Road detention center for two months now, according to his mother; a 19-year resident of Providenciales who just wants her son to be released to return to his homeland of the Dominican Republic.
Pedro Luis Flores has served a nine-month prison term after being convicted of theft. Now, with his time having been completed, Flores is forced to languish in the dank detention center where he is waiting for a deportation order from the Governor, which has to be signed by the Border Control Minister.
The young man, who has reported getting sick at the Detention Center, which has a history of scabies, is just one of many cases where released prisoners are held for inordinate lengths of time.
Pedro Luis Flores and his mother; photo provided by mother
Magnetic Media is informed that some ex-inmates are kept locked up at the Detention Center for as long as three months because the deportation documents are not ready.
The holding of these former prisoners who have completed their times in jail is expensive, requiring security guards, utilities, medical care and food – all at the expense of the public purse.
The cost of repatriation of migrants has doubled this fiscal year to over $2 million in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is unclear what percentage of the resources is devoted to migrants who are awaiting repatriation upon release from prison.
Amnesty International advocates that: “Under international human rights law, no one can be detained without a legitimate reason and, anyone accused of a crime has the right to a fair trial.”
In the Turks and Caicos, these former prison inmates who have completed their sentences and have been ordered to be deported by a judge as a part of that sentence have rights too. Under the section on Protection from arbitrary arrest or detention, it is explained in section five of the TCI Constitution Order that every person has a right to 
liberty.
The TCI Constitution lists eight distinct ways and reasons one loses that right and none of them apply to the foreigners who are detained after prison time is done.
Also under this section of the constitution it is explained that “Any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained by any other person shall be entitled to compensation in respect of it from that other person.”
Our media house reached out to authorities by email; there has been no reply.
Flores’ mother says she will continue to appeal to authorities for help in getting her son released and returned to the Dominican Republic; she told Magnetic Media she has also offered to pay for his ticket home.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 8th May 2024: A case of malaria has been identified in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The individual is presently stable and receiving treatment. The Public Health team is currently conducting further investigations, however, initial findings indicate the case may be imported. The Ministry of Health and Human Services is working closely with its stakeholders to respond to this finding.
Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. It is preventable and curable. However, without prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, a case of uncomplicated malaria can progress to a severe form of the disease, which is often fatal without treatment.
There are five species of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat. Not all Anopheles mosquitoes have malaria, but if they bite a person with malaria, they can become infectious.
Symptoms
Malaria symptoms range from very mild illness to severe disease and even death. The first symptoms of malaria usually begin within 10–15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Early symptoms can include:
- Fever and flu-like illness
- Chills
- Headache, muscle aches, and tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur
If not treated quickly, the infection can become severe. If Plasmodium falciparum malaria is not treated within 24 hours, the infection can progress to severe illness and death.
Severe symptoms can include:
- kidney failure
- seizures
- mental confusion
- coma
See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if:
- you are experiencing any of the symptoms of malaria, and
- you have traveled in the last year to or from an area where malaria occurs
Only a healthcare provider can diagnose malaria. A lab test via microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) will confirm malaria using a small sample of your blood.
Prescription drugs can treat and cure malaria.
Prevention
Persons traveling to countries where malaria is endemic should take precautions to prevent infection including taking chemoprophylaxis (use of medications to prevent infection).
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page onhttps://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
News
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL STATEMENT REGARDING RECENT THREATS MADE AGAINST TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS AIRPORTS AND SCHOOLS
May 6th, 2024 – As co-chairs of the National Security Council, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier condemn strongly recent threats made against Turks and Caicos Islands airports and schools.
We have zero tolerance for these disruptions and the alarm that they cause. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) continues to work closely with partner agencies and will keep the public updated as we manage the situation.
The National Security Council wishes to reassure residents, travellers and parents that the safety and security of our Islands is its highest priority.
All appropriate measures are being taken to address these threats and all required security protocols are being followed.
The Airports Authority and the Ministry of Education, with school principals are collaborating with the RTCIPF investigations.
We encourage the public to be extra vigilant against phishing and malicious emails and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
We appreciate the understanding of the public as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our airports, schools and communities.
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