#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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#TurksandCaicos, August 18, 2023 – Preparations for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s much-anticipated State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) are well underway, with the program set to take place at The Shore Club Turks & Caicos on Providenciales from October 9-13, 2023.
CTO’s business meetings and destination media briefings will precede the official conference program, which features panel discussions spanning diverse themes – from tourism investment and financing to aviation competitiveness and the burgeoning film industry. CTO’s popular Caribbean Youth Congress also makes its return this year.
Neil Walters, CTO’s Acting Secretary General, anticipates a plethora of meaningful discussions and industry networking to unfold in Turks and Caicos. “SOTIC has traditionally been the CTO’s flagship event held in the Caribbean, and with its return this year under the leadership of our newly appointed Secretary General Dona Regis-Prosper, we are confident the forum will set the stage for sharpening our industry’s collective vision to become even stronger and more effective in positioning the Caribbean as the world’s leading destination for leisure as well as business travel.”
Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands, shared her pride in hosting the return of SOTIC after a hiatus of five years, stating, “The selection of Turks and Caicos reflects our dedication to hospitality and excellence. As the first major event being held under our new destination marketing and management organization, SOTIC is a significant opportunity for us to collectively shape the narrative of our region’s growth in a post-COVID environment.”
“As Minister of Tourism and Vice Chair of the group of British Overseas countries and territories within the Caribbean Tourism Organization, your presence at SOTIC 2023 holds immense importance,” said Minister Connolly, as she extended a heartfelt invitation to delegates.
Minister Connolly looks forward to showcasing the captivating beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Territory’s dedication to sustainable tourism development. She underscored the potent impact of coordinated action and regional collaboration that conveys a strong message of unity to stakeholders within and beyond the region’s borders.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands May 12, 2023 – Mosquito Awareness Week is fast approaching, and its an important initiative which was established with the approval of CARICOM in 2014 to raise awareness about the link between mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit and to strengthen initiatives aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week will be observed this year from May 8th – 14th, 2023 under the theme “Small bite, big threat” and slogan “Beat the buzz: Prevent, Protect, Control”.
The Aedes aegyptimosquito, which is present in the Turks and Caicos Islands, can spread diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika.
During the Month of May, the Environmental Health Department will be discussing ways to control vector populations and prevent the spread of diseases. This can include using insect repellent, eliminating breeding grounds, and properly disposing of waste.
Vector Control Awareness Month in the TCI is an extension of Mosquito Awareness Week, recognizing the threat posed by mosquitoes and is a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases. Let’s work together to keep our communities healthy and safe.
For additional information, please contact the Environmental Health Department on 1649-338-2143/44.
#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2023 – Another edition of the government’s mentorship program “The Lady in Me” was held this week. This time young ladies in Providenciales were the ones being treated. The program targets at-risk adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years old.
Photos of the beautiful setup shared with our news team show branded gifts waiting for the girls as they spent the two-day event sponsored by UNICEF focusing on how to cultivate healthy physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Students from various schools arrived in uniforms immaculately pressed for the event put on by the Department of Social Services.
Acting Governor Anya Williams was in attendance and expressed faith that the initiative would cause true change.
“It was a pleasure to share with them my insight into the importance of making the right decisions in their youth, which will help to shape their futures and why they should see and value themselves as their greatest asset and to hear from them their goals, aspirations and the challenges that are currently being experienced by our younger generations,” she said.
In introducing the program the Government had said it was aiming to help participants: “examine the adolescence values, competencies, belief systems, inner feelings, motivations, critical thinking, and communication skills,” in order to “build their self-awareness and interpersonal relationships to strengthen their self-esteem— to create a sense of pride and enhance self-respect, self-worth, and self-esteem as they mature and improve personally and professionally.”
The Department said the event was expected to impact 100 girls.