TCI News
TCI Immigration Minister questions role of Haitian Consul and promises greater stringency on work permits
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 6, 2020 — Two-hundred and twenty-five Haitian migrants were deported over the weekend from the Turks and Caicos Islands after a string of illegal boats from Haiti breached TCI waters; some of them intercepted and many others making landfall.
Airports for both countries have been closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic , but on Sunday those airports were opened. From the Turks and Caicos multiple flights to Cap Haitien and in cell phone video shared on social media, the men and women are seen disembarking chartered flights and mounting chartered buses or Tap Taps (as they are called in Haiti) to be returned to their villages.
Earlier in the week, the US Coast Guard via OpBAT helped the TCI Police Marine Branch turn back a boat with some 300 illegal migrants, trying to break-out of impoverished Haiti. People Traffickers are obviously aiming to take advantage of these precarious times brought on by the contagion which has sickened over 1.3 million people worldwide.
But law enforcers in TCI stand ready. Minister of Immigration, Delroy Williams said this in a media release:“Soon you will hear of measures being put into place to protect these islands and its people. Measures such as but not limited to:- time limits on work permits; the closing down of first time work permits; enforcement operations and raids crafted to rid these island of illegal migrants”.
The Minister also pointed to the current Haitian consul office and questioned its practicality in the territory.
“The time has come when we must ask if certain Consuls are welcome here! I have had enough of this illegal problem and vessels landings and I am sure the people as well. So note if anyone found with illegal immigrants whether at their residence, personal vehicles or place of work, shall be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law and those who are on work permits or other permits, recommendations shall be made for these status to be revoked.”
The Minister reiterated the law; that anyone found with illegal migrants will feel the full weight of of the hefty fines up to $20,000 and jail time of up to four years or both. Minister Williams asked residents to remain calm and to report sightings of migrants.
Images of inside the temporary detention center, overwhelmed by the 170 illegal migrants caught on Saturday proved the onslaught was too much to handle and the flights were arranged with interCaribbean and Caicos Express airline companies, both based in the TCI.
By the end of the day on Sunday, all 225 illegal Haitian migrants were repatriated.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.
The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction. 
Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.
Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.
This remains an active investigation.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.
Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 2024.
There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the
Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.
Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.
“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”
The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in
their time of need.
Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.
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