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TCI, Bahamas & US Coast Guard statement on illegal migration

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – April 22, 2020 — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and in particular, the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, join with the United States Coast Guard, to express serious concerns surrounding ongoing illicit maritime migration efforts and strongly warn against such dangerous travel.

As we continue to join efforts to combat COVID-19, we are concerned by the increase in unsafe, illicit maritime voyages and smuggling operations in which individuals risk their lives and that of their families. 

Maritime smuggling operations are dangerous and too frequently end in tragedy and death at sea.  While there are many different reasons that migrants attempt such unsafe voyages at sea, none of them are worth the risk of life.

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The dangers of migrant ventures at sea are multi-faceted. The vessels intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Marine Branch of the TCI, and its partners, are often severely overloaded, of poor quality and lack safety equipment. 

These vessels are often operated by smugglers, who have demonstrated little to no regard for the lives of Haitians nationals, in their pursuit for profit. Smugglers have been even known to throw passengers overboard, or abandon their vessels.  

In some cases, smugglers are actually human traffickers, who exploit migrants through some form of servitude, sexual exploitation, or other criminal activities.

Numerous U.S. agencies and their international partners are working full-time to deter and stop these unsafe voyages to mitigate against tragedy. 

(Feb. 6) – The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Northland pulls into Gtmo Bay, Cuba Naval Station. USCG photo by RESSLER, ROBIN PA2.

We urge all to remember that these dangerous voyages are very risky, not worth the loss of life, and are occurring at a time when the Haitian and other governments, including the TCI and Bahamas, are working hard to combat the spread of COVID-19.

As a longtime partner and friend of Haiti, the United States, like the Turks and Caicos Islands shares Haiti’s desire for a better future for its people, and join in urging anyone against undertaking these voyages.   

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Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 11 DECEMBER 2024

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Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
  • Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the TCI Airports Authority.
  • Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
  • Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
  • Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
  • Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
  • Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
  • Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
  • Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
  1. PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
  2. PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
  • PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
  1. PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
  2. TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

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Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 4TH DECEMBER 2024

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Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024.  All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
  • Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
  • Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
  • Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
  • Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
  • Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
  • Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
  • Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

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News

Collaborative Operational Training for RT&CIPF Officers

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Turks and Caicos, 20th January, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have recently bolstered their strategic partnership through a specialized initiative to enhance operational capabilities in combating criminal activity across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

As part of this collaboration, RTCIPF Tactical Unit officers underwent advanced helicopter tactical rescue specialist training in the Bahamas. Delivered by DEA agents and their Tactical Helicopter Section, the training equipped officers with critical skills to deploy rapidly from helicopters, addressing challenges in TCI’s remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Following the intensive four-day program, Superintendent Jason James, head of the RTCIPF Tactical Unit, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The helicopter fast rope specialist training has enabled our officers to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal threats, no matter where they arise across the TCI.

“The partnership with the DEA under Op BAT underscores our shared dedication to preventing and detecting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime. This effort strengthens the RTCIPF’s operational capacity and contributes to a robust, multi-agency approach to professional law enforcement.”

DEA representatives commended the RTCIPF’s proactive measures: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are a vital partner in the fight against transnational crime. Through this joint effort, we are enhancing the capability of local forces to protect their citizens and disrupt criminal networks.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Mat Newton also acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships: “As a Force, we remain dedicated to employing innovative strategies and fostering global alliances to ensure the islands’ safety. This is the first wave of training with the DEA and represents a key element of our fight against organized crime. Many thanks to the DEA for this opportunity.”

The strengthened partnership between the RTCIPF and the DEA marks a significant step in enhancing the TCI’s capacity to combat complex criminal activities and maintain public safety.

#PartnershipsMatter #safertci

 

Courtesy of RTCIPF Facebook

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