TCI: Landings and Escapees at Detention Centre – May 15, 2019

#Providenciales, May 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – An illegal vessel from Haiti landed within the Ship Yard Area of Providenciales on the night of May 14, 2019.

The Enforcement Unit of Division B of the Immigration Department responded to a call from the 911 Centre at 10:57 p.m along with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force attended the area.

Currently eighteen (18) males and one (1) female were apprehended from the vessel landing and are being processed at the Detention centre. One gentleman had to be hospitalized for medical attention. Further searches will continue as others are feared still at large from the vessel.  

During the operations two (2) lifeless male bodies were recovered from the water in the mentioned area.

The predominately light blue vessel carrying the illegal immigrants is approximately 28 -30 feet in length and was propelled by two outboard engines.

Also during the early morning of May 15, 2018 information was received that five (5) male detainees at the Detention Centre, Providenciales had escaped custody and were at large.

The Border Control Detention Centre is the sole immigration holding facility and at the time of the incident, sixty four (64) persons were being detained at the facility.

Investigations on this matter is ongoing.

The Enforcement agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands are again asking anyone with information pertaining to the escapees and planned and landed arrival of other vessels, poachers and any suspicious movements of persons to contact the Police anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.

The public is also reminded that it is an offence to harbour or assist illegal persons and that persons found guilty of harbouring are liable to a fine of US$20,000 or a term of imprisonment of four years, or both in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance 2018 or any law.

The public is also requested to provide the Police with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. Tips can be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

Press Release: Immigration Department

May 15, 2019