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United Nations Call On Regional Governments Is Reckless; Illegal Migrants Will Be Repatriated

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#TurksandCaicos, June 6, 2022 – The Minister of Immigration and Border Services in the Misick-led Progressive National Party Government, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, is calling out the United Nations on their recent statement regarding the situation in Haiti and the unconscionable expectation of Caribbean Nations, as being “reckless” and “misguided.”

In a May 27, 2022 statement, a spokesperson for the refugee agency UNHCR urged regional Governments to do more to assist persons fleeing their homeland, Haiti. This came as the situation continues to worsen in the neighboring failed Republic, where there is escalating deterioration in security and rising gang violence.

The Minister, Hon. Musgrove, in response to the UN and in light of the recent illegal migrant activity in the TCI stated, “I am appalled at the United Nations. Their unrealistic call for regional Governments to do more is nothing short of reckless and misguided. Haiti has a population of 11.6 million people. How could any small developing state like the Turks and Caicos Islands assist that number of people or even the smallest fraction of them?

“We have a population of some 47 thousand persons, and our health care, education and other social systems remain fragile and could never withstand an influx of refugees. This would be a risk to our very own livelihood.

“I do sympathize with the Haitian people. There is a real crisis in Haiti, one which the UN peacekeeping mission itself retreated from in 2019, and it has gotten progressively worse since then, but here is not the place for them. We cannot accommodate them in the TCI.”

Over the last four days alone, and following the call of the UN, there were three successful at-sea interceptions by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and one go-fast boat landing in the community of Five Cays. A total of 390 illegal migrants are currently being repatriated from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Additionally, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Operations Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) continue to cooperate on matters of illegal migration and the policing of the waters around the Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and the United States, and there have been successful diversions of other would-be dangerous crossing attempts before they could enter our waters.

The Minister continued, “I wish to recognize the work of our partner agencies, US Coast Guard, OPBAT, and the Marine Police, who continue to ensure that these large vessels do not make clandestine landfall, and that of my own team in the departments of Immigration and Customs, who continue to respond to the unceasing pressures of illegal migration.

“I further call on my own people, Turks and Caicos Islanders, and any person who has chosen to live among us, who dares to be involved in this ring of people smuggling. This is a crime and there are persons who know who are involved in it and refuse to inform the authorities. We are our own worst enemy. We are helping to destroy our own country and that cannot be ok. It will not be ok.

“We will continue to work at unraveling and interrupting this organization and we will take whatever measures necessary to bring an end to this horrendous situation.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands has faced unrelenting challenges with illegal migration over the years and in recent times has expensed in excess of $3 million dollars year on year on the repatriation and other costs associated with detention of illegal migrants.

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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