#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 4, 2020 — The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services continues the battle of illegal migrants breaching the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This week, thus far, shows multiple landings and interceptions of illegal migrant vessels mostly within the Northwest area of Providenciales.
During the past week, we had
the US Coast Guard assistance in turning back a vessel with approximately 300
hundred persons onboard; the Haiti Coast Guard reporting of another vessel with
large amounts being returned to Haiti and plus we have had a few illegal
drop-offs by speedboats in the vicinity of Northwest Point. However, on the
night of April 03rd, 2020, the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and
Caicos Islands Police Force intercepted a vessel and brought it to shore with a
total of 152 individuals on board. Shortly after this landing, Officers of the
Enforcement Unit, Immigration Department, responded to reports received from
911 and the public of another illegal vessel with an undetermined amount of
persons landing in the Northwest section of Providenciales. From this landing,
so far, Officers apprehended 18 persons so far and are continuing to work
diligently with 911 and Police to capture many more.
Those captured and other
detainees are being held at the Gustavus Lightbourne Auditorium which are
presently being used as a temporary Detention Centre as of 30th
March 2020. At this site the illegals processed by the Medical Team and the
Immigration Department. Arrangements are being advanced for their repatriation
to their homeland. The total so far at the Gustavus Lightbourne Building
is 170 persons.
Delroy Williams, TCI Minister of Immigration
The Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and
Employment Services states: “I wish to thank all of the various agencies,
especially the Immigration Department, for their prompt and active responses to
this very challenging period. I also want to ensure the public, that my
Government is doing all within our powers to stem this flow of illegal
migration especially as we are going through this COVID-19 pandemic. Hon.
Williams, also thanked the public and encouraged them to remain alert and to
report any suspicious activities to authorities. He went on to say that he will
be introducing measures shortly for persons involved in this illegal behaviour.
The Enforcement Agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands are again asking
anyone with information concerning planned and landed arrivals 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 TIPS.
Information or 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.
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In addition, the public is also reminded that it is an offence to harbour
or assist illegal persons and that persons found guilty engaging in such
activities 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 Revised.
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Nelson Mandela showed us the extraordinary difference one person can make in building a better world.
And as the theme of this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day reminds us – combatting poverty and inequality is in our hands.
Our world is unequal and divided.
Hunger and poverty are rife.
The richest one per cent are responsible for the same quantity of planet-wrecking greenhouse gases as two-thirds of humanity.
These are not natural facts. They are the result of humanity’s choices. And we can decide to do things differently.
We can choose to eradicate poverty.
We can choose to end inequality.
We can choose to transform the international economic and financial system in the name of equity.
We can choose to fight racism, respect human rights, combat climate change, and create a world that works for all humanity.
Every one of us can contribute – through actions large and small.
I join the Nelson Mandela Foundation in urging everyone to perform 67 minutes of public service on Nelson Mandela International Day – one minute for each year he fought for justice.
Together, let’s honour Madiba’s legacy and turn our hands towards building a better world for all.
Speakers at ACTIF will include global superstars Viola Davis, Serena Williams, Didier Drogba and African and CARICOM Heads of States
Nassau, Bridgetown, Georgetown, May 28, 2024 – Excitement mounts as The Bahamas prepares to host the Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) and the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) from 12 – 14 June 2024 in The Bahamas. Themed “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” ACTIF2024 is set to forge significant pathways for economic prosperity between Africa and the Caribbean.
Other distinguished speakers will include Heads of State from seven CARICOM countries, former Prime Ministers, Ministers of Trade, Economic Development and Finance, Dr. Roger W Ferguson, Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, USA, Prof. Andreas Klasen, Professor of International Business and Director of the Institute for Trade and Innovation at Offenburg, and many more.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank, said: “We are witnessing shifts in the global economic landscape and the trade strategies of major economies, making it imperative for African and Caribbean nations to unite for mutual prosperity. The Afreximbank Annual Meetings and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in The Bahamas will serve as a strategic platform to enhance our economic bonds. These events indicate a vibrant assertion of our shared destiny. We are poised to harness the dynamic economic growth within our regions, enhancing our collective resilience and prosperity.”
The event promises to be a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on economic development and regional integration.
Building on the successes of the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum held in Barbados in 2022 and the gathering last year in Guyana, this year’s Forum in The Bahamas will further elevate and expand upon the discussions and initiatives previously set in motion. ACTIF2023, which focused on strengthening economic bonds and creating new investment opportunities, sets a precedent for meaningful collaboration between Africa and the CARICOM nations.
Afreximbank invites industry leaders, trade organisations and other stakeholders in the CARICOM region to participate and attend.
With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.
According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians.
“How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that the international community should take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.
It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.
HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.
According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.
Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.