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UK-Rwanda Asylum plan going forward

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

#UnitedKingdom, March 23, 2023 – To the chagrin of human rights activists, the UK is moving doggedly ahead with its plan to send refugees to Rwanda and is increasing the scope of the initiative following an introduction of the Immigration Bill in Parliament and a recent visit to the African nation by Suella Braverman, UK Home Secretary. 

The plan now applies to ‘all categories of people who pass through safe countries and make illegal and dangerous journeys to the UK’ it will mean that anyone who comes to the UK illegally – who cannot be returned to their home country – will be relocated to Rwanda according to a Government debrief.

The UK has repeatedly described Rwanda as “safe” over the course of this deal. 

It is an about face from several years prior, where the United Kingdom rated Rwanda poorly on its human rights record.   Posted to the official government website is a July 2021 statement from Ambassador Rita French criticising Rwanda for ignoring recommendations by the UK to conduct transparent, credible and independent investigations into allegations of human rights violations and to screen, identify and provide support to trafficking victims, including those held in Government transit centres. 

Yet months later this plan, announced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is endorsed.

Home Secretary Braverman said in a recent statement posted to the same website: “Rwanda is a progressive, rapidly growing economy at the forefront of innovation – I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing first-hand the rich opportunities this country can provide to relocated people through our partnership.”

Braverman met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta, last weekend (March 18 to 19) to discuss and expand the plans which have already cost the UK 140 million pounds.  It will now ship desperate migrants to Rwanda; a country repeatedly condemned for its human rights violations with the possibility of cultural and language barriers to boot.  

Rwanda, which is being paid for its part in this plan, will be able to take as many refugees as they like as the program is uncapped and the country is promising it can fit thousands there.  It is said the deal will net them hundreds of millions of pounds from the UK. 

The plan is the UK’s solution to its illegal migration challenges.  Only time will tell if it will work to dissuade migrants who will find themselves relocated to Rwanda “where they will be supported to rebuild their lives.”

While the atrocities of the 1994 genocide of over half a million people remains an unresolved stain on the reputation of Rwanda; the country has worked hard to re-invent itself.  Now, considered one of the safest in Sub Saharan Africa, with a mixed economy.  Still, the landlocked country sitting in the centre of Africa, is ranked as among the lowest for standard of living and quality of life on the continent.

The US describes Rwanda as a country operating with extreme restrictions on free speech, politically motivated killings, politically motivated threats, harassments and surveillance and sustained allegations of torture. 

The UK court must now consider these factors and decide whether the plan is legal and humane.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit 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 formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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