#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 10, 2020 – Approved and widely supported in the House of Assembly is the historic establishment of a Turks and Caicos Islands regiment.

The Defence Bill made a whirlwind trek through House of Assembly proceedings with first, second and third readings of the Bill completed and the measure passed into law within one day; that day was Tuesday December 8, 2020.

“Thank you very much honourable Attorney General, QC, for yet another piece of landmark legislation; a Defence Bill, for your preamble in committing it to the floor for debate,” said Hon Dwayne Taylor, Speaker of the House.

Premier Sharlene Robinson informed that a compelling report turned over the British outlined the serious national security concerns of the Turks and Caicos, including details on the surge in illegal migration and possible people, drug and gun trafficking happening in and around the islands via the illegal sloops.  The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office responded with a Security Needs Assessment and several key visits from a Border Team and the UK Ministry of Defence.

“I want to thank the Governor who in the last year or so, with his national security background, would have helped to push a lot of these initiatives that were slowing moving along with a little more speed.  We stand with a strengthened arm, another initiative in the protection of our borders,” said the premier in her contribution to the Defence Bill, which was laid by the Attorney General.

It is the first time modern Turks and Caicos will have its own military branch of law enforcement which as the Governor’s appointed member, John Phillips pointed out gives opportunity for elevation.

 “I think it is a great thing for the islands.  I think it is wonderful that we’ve matured to this stage where we will have our own border security force and we will have somewhere for the cadets to look forward to going,” said Phillips in his comments.

The TCI Cadet Corps will come under the command of the new unit where all recruits will have to undergo military training before joining and that training continues annually. 

The TCI Regiment is charged with marine border security and its first staff members have already been hired including its commanding officer, Lt Col. Ennis Grant.

The bill also enjoys the support of the Opposition PNP, with one glaring caution expressed as a need to ensure there is equity in the recruitment or hiring of who staffs the regiment. 

Opposition member and shadow minister for Youth, Akierra Misick said:  “I have one little concern there; the ‘and British citizen’.  So the reason why I have that concern there Mr. Speaker is not that I dod not appreciate the support we get from England and Wales and the United Kingdom, what I hope does not happen is that when we are recruiting these 40, as the attorney general has indicated, that a big old plane come from somewhere up the road lands at the Providenciales International Airport with 39 people on it from a certain place. I want to see a lot more people that look like you and I Mr. Speaker,” aid the Member for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon Akierra Missick.

 The regiment will allow individuals currently employed to join, between the ages of 18 and 50 years old.

“I think it is also important that we as a community provide the regiment with support and respect.  As employers, we should encourage those employees who wish to join.  I look forward to the time when membership on the regiment is seen as a positive on any job application and I hope that in the future the regiment can attract some of our young men and perhaps provide an alternative to the gang activities that some get caught up in,” shared Josephine Connolly in her comments on the bill.

Originally published in the Magnate; our brand new E-newspaper. Want it every morning? Contact Deandrea Hamilton: 649-231-9261. We are the News Leader.