News
UK-Rwanda Asylum plan going forward
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.
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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