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Statement Delivered by The Honourable Arlington Musgrove, M.P., Minister of Immigration and Border Services at Press Conference

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Press Conference Dated February 9, 2023

 

THEME: ILLEGAL MIGRATION: BREAKING THE CHAINS OF HUMAN SMUGGLING

Good evening Turks and Caicos

Good Evening to members of the press here and online;

I am the Minister for Immigration and Border Services, the Hon. Arlington Musgrove, and for those listening on the radio or online, or for those watching who do not immediately recognize the faces before you, I am joined by a number of colleagues here today who I will shortly introduce.

The focus of this press conference is in relation to border security and our theme for this evening is Illegal Migration: Breaking the Chains of Human Smuggling.  The challenge around border security is not a one-agency issue, but it is one which impacts the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, with multiple agencies regularly joining together, working in partnership as one team, to address this wicked issue.

The support staff present here reflects that multi-agency approach and I therefore have alongside me today:

  • Althea Been, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services
  • Emilio Seymour, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry
  • (I wish to also recognize my other Deputy Secretary Pascal Bacchus unfortunately could not be with us today)
  • Victoria Farley, Change and Program Manager of the Ministry
  • Sharlene Richards, Director of Immigration
  • Chawa Williams, Collector of Customs

From Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, we have:

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police Darron Williams
  • Assistant Superintendent Everett Warrican who leads the Police Marine Branch.

And from our Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, I’m joined by:

  • Captain Francis Glinton
  • Lieutenant Earl Henry.

Additionally, I am pleased to have with me our partners from the US Homeland Security Investigations Unit:

  • Officer Brian and Officer Irving

 Now if I can begin to paint the picture…

As you are all aware, we have seen a significant increase in the number of migrant vessels coming from Haiti over the last twelve months.  This is certainly not unique to us in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the Bahamas and the United States are two countries that we work closely with – including as part of the OpBat Alliance – who are also experiencing similar trends; and you would have seen or heard in the news about the challenges our neighbors in Haiti have, and how its citizens are mass-migrating.

But we are a small country, and this increased activity, if left unchecked would undoubtedly continue to pressure our systems and our resources.

Thus far in this financial year 2022/23 alone, we have caught and stopped [2,355] migrants trying to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally, compared to [1,555] in 2021/22.  This is a 52% increased and represents 5% of our population – who would all be living here illegally in our communities had we not caught them.  Since Christmas alone, we have stopped 851 migrants from entering and disappearing into the Turks and Caicos Islands communities, and while many of us were enjoying time with our family and friends over the Christmas and New Year periods, our immigration, customs, police and Regiment officers were working on our behalf to stop a series of boats headed our way.

I am incredibly proud of the work that our immigration and customs team do throughout the year, and particularly over the periods when they could otherwise be with their loved ones. Those migrants were quickly processed, fingerprinted and repatriated, and if they come back, we will know because their fingerprints will tell us.

I wish to register here my sincere gratitude for our colleagues from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, including the Radar Station, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment. Every migrant vessel interception requires the careful and considered work of the Radar and Police Marine Branch, usually in the early hours of the morning, spotting and identifying targets of interest, bringing vessels under control and escorting them to our shores safely.  Our Regiment colleagues are a fantastic support to land and sea surveillance and they are a critical part of the team tackling illegal migration across our Islands.

It is said that no good deed goes unpunished, and while our society is already struggling with the impact of uncontrolled migration, it is also true that every vessel that we catch represents even more cost to government as there are more people to be detained, more people to be repatriated.  But there is a very human element to this horrific trade in human beings and I want us to be clear that is exactly what this is.  Humans being smuggled, usually for money, across ninety miles of ocean, in dangerous vessels, very often overloaded and rarely with any safety features at all.  Too many times we know that too many people have perished on this journey.

So how are we breaking the chains of human smuggling?

We have been, and continue to be, successful at intercepting large sloops, and we also remain successful – and fast – at processing and repatriating those who come here illegally.  But we know that we cannot continue to expect to intercept and repatriate our way out of this problem.  We need to dig deeper, and we need to target those organizing this abhorrent human trade.  Targeting the organizers will give us a far better chance at disrupting and dismantling this transnational criminality.

Human smuggling is a despicable crime and in 2022 the Turks and Caicos Islands Government recognized this by updating the Immigration Ordinance to create a new criminal offence – Aggravated Assisting Illegal Entry – an offence which takes into account these smugglers’ recklessness in gambling with people’s lives, and which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.  These are not victimless offences and convictions for these offences carry big sentences for a reason.  We take them very seriously and those involved are serious criminals who profit from the misery of others.  Since the introduction of that offence last year, 2 persons have been charged and although it is often difficult identifying the persons who should be held accountable, we continue to push our intelligence and investigations to uncover just that, more and more, and we remain confident that eventually we will see more persons charged and convicted.

Additionally, we amended the ordinance in relation to assisting illegal entry, an offence which now, carries up to seven years imprisonment.  Since those changes, 4 persons were charged and found guilty, and sentences ranged from [6 Months imprison with deportation recommended] to [36 months imprison with deportation recommended].

Parallel to this, in an attempt to dissuade migrants from coming, we have enhanced our approach to tackling illegal working.  Major operations have taken place across our islands targeting rogue employers who hire persons illegally.  These operations are on-going but so far 9 have concluded, with 1 employer successfully convicted of offences. We will not let up on these operations, because we know that this is a big pull factor for illegal migration. There are more employers suspected of employing illegals out there, and contrary to popular opinion, our focus is not simply on local businesses, our focus is on all businesses and I am encouraging all companies to get their office in order, as we will not go easy on anyone found contributing to this illegal activity.

Our local partnerships are critical in undertaking multi-agency activity and, as a further attempt at deterrence, our Immigration Taskforce continues to lead and to support multi-agency operations, across the Islands, targeting migrants who reside in the country unlawfully as well as those who employ and harbour them.  Over the financial year 2022/2023, 17 multi-agency operations were undertaken, leading to 14 arrests.

This year, we extended our relationships beyond our borders and established firm working relationships with our US counterparts.  Under ‘Operation Expanded Impact’, the US Department of Homeland Security, the Homeland Security Investigations team – ‘HSI’ for short – has a rolling secondment of a Special Agent here in Turks and Caicos Islands.  This Special Agent is embedded in our Immigration and Customs Team and works alongside our own TCI officers to bring the wealth of US investigation capabilities to our investigations here in TCI.

We have also partnered with the US on air surveillance; with a US aircraft now routinely based here in the TCI.  Daily surveillance flights are common-place, and act both as a deterrent and an early warning system to give us the best chance of intercepting an illegal vessel far from our shores.

Sticking with our enhanced US relationships, December 2022 saw the first deployment of Operation Alliance.  This is a TCI-led operation – our own officers leading, on TCI soil – a joint team of TCI officers and US Special Agents, to investigate every migrant vessel arrival as they occur, to capture and process every intelligence opportunity and to work to progress to criminal charges.  Three of those Special Agents are with us now and, whilst it would be inappropriate to set out their exact tasks, they are working alongside us to map and track the criminal networks involved in smuggling with the aim of bringing them to justice.  So perpetrators, beware, you now have officers from two jurisdictions working together to find you and bring you to justice.

As we continue our journey to transition to become a Border Force this year, our focus has shifted to rely more on intelligence to guide our activity.  80% of the work of the Immigration and Customs departments is now intelligence-led.  In many instances we have the general public to thank – you give us information and we respond to that.  Thank you, and please keep telling us what you know.

You would have seen through press release the details of arrest of a Police Officer charged with the harbouring of illegal migrants, and in a separate incident, the capture of illegal migrants on a commercial vessel. I cannot say much about this because investigations and court matters are ongoing, but I will say that this is a testament to my teams resolve to disrupt this organized criminal activity. And this is just the beginning – you will be updated as we progress this and other matters before us.

Finally,…

On the 11th January 2023 and following the deteriorating state in Haiti and a number of triggers such as;

  • The increase number of irregular migrants attempting to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) over the last year illegally and clandestinely;
  • Upsurge in violent crimes in Haiti;
  • Upsurge in violent crimes in the TCI;
  • Number of persons repatriated and deported to Haiti recently:
  • Rise in communicable and infectious diseases in Haiti (cholera etc.);
  • Hiring of illegal immigrants and persons not authorized to work in the TCI by unscrupulous employers;
  • Noticeable propensity of persons arriving in the islands who are violating the terms of their visitor’s visa by overstaying and engaging in gainful occupation;

a decision was taken by my Government to place a moratorium on visitors’ visas starting immediately and for the next six (6) months. This decision is being enforced by the Visa and Immigration Department and is yet another means by which the government continues to take strategic measures to protect the lawful population of the TCI.

I have received comments from concerned citizens that visas are still being issued, so I will remind the public that all applications prior to the 11th January 2023 would be honored and processed in the usual way. However, no new applications are being accepted by the Customer Service Department during this period which ends on 10th July 2023.

While it is regrettable that this measure had to be taken at all, I gave my assurance that my government will do all that is necessary to protect our beautiful islands. I remain committed to protecting our borders and the good people of the TCI. This moratorium will be kept under constant review and visa issuance will be restored when we are convinced that there is reduction in the risk that the above-mentioned triggers pose to our islandseconomy and our way of life.

As a final message, I wish to address the cries of my people to cut ties and trade with Haiti in the wake of the risk that they pose to our borders and our communities. I want the public to understand that we are in a very precarious position in that we depend on the diplomatic relations between the TCI and Haiti in order to repatriate illegal migrants. Should those ties be severed, we would be forced to keep all migrants entering our borders illegally from Haiti, here. That means every boat, every interception, all 2,355 migrants repatriated for 2022/2023 would remain here. This would not be sustainable and we cannot afford to lose the option of repatriation. It is better for us to continue to tackle improving interception, dismantling organized human smuggling and eliminating the pull factor of illegal employment, to cut down on illegal migration, than to take knee-jerk decisions that could cost us our very country in the long run.

With this I wish to again register my thanks to all officers and agencies who continue to work diligently and put their lives on the line to protect our beautiful by nature, Turks and Caicos Islands, and to you the general public for your support and your prayers for our government and our teams.

Government

Alpheus Smith appointed Commissioner of Labour in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services

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#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alpheus Smith to the post of Commissioner of Labour within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Mr. Smith’s distinguished career within the Turks and Caicos Government commenced on February 1, 1985, as an Immigration Officer under the guidance of the then Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Thomas Saunders. Over the years, he has exhibited exceptional dedication and expertise, serving in various capacities within the Immigration Department.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Smith has ascended through the ranks, demonstrating outstanding leadership and proficiency. In 1988, he was promoted to the role of Senior Immigration Officer, subsequently advancing to the positions of Assistant Director of Immigration and Deputy Director of Immigration.

In 2002, Mr. Smith transitioned to the Labour Department, assuming the role of Assistant Commissioner of Labour. His tenure in this capacity provided him with invaluable experience, during which he frequently acted as the Commissioner of Labour, showcasing his capabilities and commitment to public service.

Mr. Smith’s professional development has been further enriched through participation in numerous training programs, encompassing various facets of Industrial Relations, Court Procedures, Employment Laws, and management training, among others. Notably, in July 2019, while maintaining his full-time employment, he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, augmenting his educational foundation and expertise.

Commenting on his appointment Mr. Smith stated:

“I give thanks to the almighty for his continued blessings on my life. I am humbly thankful to have been selected for appointment as the new Commissioner of Labour of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I have full confidence that the experience and training that I have gained over the years has greatly prepared me for this role and I will do my best in carrying the duties that this post requires me to do.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on Mr. Smith’s appointment stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mr. Alpheus Smith on his official appointment as the new Labour Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Labour Department is one of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s most heavily focused costumer service departments. With over 30 years of combined experience in the Immigration and Labour Departments and having had the opportunity to act in this role for an extended period, Mr. Smith has demonstrated his ability to perform this role.

I wish him well on his new appointment and look forward to working with him and the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services to reform the operations of the Labour Department to better serve the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Congratulations on your promotion, Mr. Smith!”

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Government

Fresh feel for Turks & Caicos House of Assembly in return to NJS Francis Building

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – Renewed and better than ever the NJS Francis building has once again been christened as the home of the House of Assembly following a March 21 reopening ceremony.

“As we gather on this auspicious occasion I am filled with a sense of pride, duty, hope and determination. Across our islands we are proud of our resilience and our ability to navigate various challenges including natural disasters,” said Anya Williams, Acting Governor as she spoke on behalf of Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor.

Williams detailed the history of the establishment  The NJS Francis building served as the home of the House of Assembly for 11 years, from 2006 when the Legislative Council was changed to the HOA until 2017 when it sustained heavy damages during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The following year the auditorium of the HJ Robinson High School was appointed the meeting place for the House of Assembly and repairs began at the NJS Building. Those repairs have only just been completed and the members are back in the true home of the Assembly.

“I believe it is fair to say that some five years and four months later we had overstayed our welcome,” Williams said. She continued “Following significant investment it is with great pride that the  House of Assembly is now able to return to the NJS Francis building in the nation’s capital and to once again proclaim it is the official House of Assembly on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Williams urged those in the HOA to fight for justice progress and the common good.

Washington Misick, TCI Premier, raised a motion of thanks, which was seconded by Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, acknowledging those who had worked to make the building renovation a reality.

Thanked were Olympic Construction, Gordon Burton, House Speaker; Tracey Parker, the HOA Clerk, the HJ Robinson High School body, the Ministry of Physical Planning and others.

“This honourable House thanks the public for their patience during the period that the House of Assembly was away,” Misick maintained.

Stressing the importance of architecture, he said:

“I have a deep sense of pride to be back in the people’s house after five years— the authority we exercise here is given to us by the people, and we must never forget it.“

The police band was on hand to add to the festivities as Members on both sides of the house expressed excitement about the reopening.

“To my colleagues whose first time it is in this chamber, take it in, take your pictures and enjoy this moment, this is an amazing moment,” said Akierra Missick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and chair of the Commonwealth Women’s Parliament TCI Branch.

The House of Assembly has traded the warm interior walls for a fairer shade and the decision for a brighter lighting treatment in the decor appears to let the sunshine in on the people’s business.  What has returned is the classic emerald green carpeting and wood finished furnishings.  There has been an upgrade in the utilities and as is customary, photos of previous leaders and Speakers of the House adorn the hallowed walls.

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Government

Hon. Edwin A. Astwood – Response to Premier’s Absence at CARICOM Meeting

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Hon. Edwin A. Astwood

Leader of the Opposition

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2024 – Weak, ineffective, and afraid are the best words to describe Premier Washington Misick’s most recent inaction as it relates to the international crisis in Haiti that has directly impacted TCI.

With the recent escalation of violence in Haiti causing our country to assemble its national security to plan to tackle an influx of now potentially illegal armed and dangerous Haitian migrants to our shores, we have heard nothing decisive or definitive from the Premier on what his government is doing to protect our country and our people.

Additionally, with the recent announcement of HAITIAN GANGSTERS AND CRIMINALS ARRESTED IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, surely this should have catalyzed the Premier to treat with urgency the situation unfolding in Haiti.

Instead, what the public is witnessing is a complete turnover of elected powers to the British Government by this out-of-touch Premier. I dare say he has even turned the TCI power over to the Bahamian Prime Minister, as in his words he has said that the Turks and Caicos Interest was represented by the Government of the Bahamas.

It is said that adversity often reveals a person’s true character. Observe how they respond to difficult situations, setbacks, or failures. Do they take responsibility for their actions, do they give their responsibility to others, do they blame others?

We have seen Premier Misick crumble or hide over and over again when facing critical and difficult matters being faced by our people and our country.

What could be occupying this sleepy Premier time so much so that he cannot attend the high-level meeting of Caricom convened in Jamaica for the specific purpose of addressing the Haitian crisis taking place on our doorsteps and presenting a clear and present danger to our people?

Having read the embarrassment of a statement issued by the Premier, he has not stated why he did not attend in person or virtually. This is unacceptable, and he is duty-bound to explain to the public his absence from an invited meeting of the heads of Caricom. Outside of Death in the family or Sickness, there is no excuse that the Premier could give that would be acceptable.

I would go on to say that Premier Misick and his Cabinet have embarrassed the Turks and Caicos, locally, regionally, and internationally.  His absence from this meeting shows that he does not care about us, our security, our lives nor our livelihood.

With all due respect, no one in the Turks and Caicos Islands elected the Hon. Fred Mitchell to represent them. Does the Hon. Mitchell work for the Governor’s office? Is he our new Deputy Premier? Is the Hon. Mitchell a Member of the House of Assembly of the Turks & Caicos Islands?

However, I have to thank him for standing in the gap to represent the Turks & Caicos Islands, when neither the Premier nor the Governor saw it fit to be in attendance at this high-level meeting, dealing with an issue that potentially causes the Greatest danger to Turks & Caicos lives and livelihood.

I, as Leader of the Opposition, would have happily gone in his stead to represent my people and my country.

As Premier, I – Edwin A. Astwood, would have been the first person in that Caricom meeting, traveling with a team of government heads, in particular the Minister of Immigration, the Permanent Secretary responsible for National Security, and the Commissioner of Police. The Turks and Caicos concerns and experience would only be presented by us on behalf of our people, not by someone representing another country’s interest. “He who feels it- knows it”.

Such careless behavior is the modus operandi of an uninterested Premier Misick, who just can’t seem to be bothered with what matters most to our people and our country. Should he persist with this unconcerned behavior, and to save our country, the people will have to fire him before elections like how he fired Honourable EJ.

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