Corruption costing TCIG millions, Integrity Commission makes presentation at Regional Conference

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 1, 2023 – There appears to be a high detection rate for suspected cases of corruption in the Turks and Caicos as a former director and a senior executive of a TCI statutory body, two police officers and several employers from the Department of Immigration are among the latest group of public sector workers being charged or awaiting trial for various acts of corruption.

Richard Been, Deputy Director of the Turks and Caicos Integrity Commission, made the report while giving a Country Update on the 2022-2023 period; he was speaking at the ninth staging of the Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) held in Guyana from Tuesday, April 18.

“The investigation unit under Senior Investigator Richard Mills continues with several major investigations.  A former director of a major statutory body awaits trial on the charges of corruption and financial mismanagement.  A senior executive of a TCI statutory body is under investigation for alleged acts of corruption committed over the past ten years.

Two police officers are on trial for corruption, aiding and abetting and conspiring to commit acts of corruption.  An immigration agent and two immigration officers have been charged with corruption offences, conspiring to commit misconduct in public office; this matter is awaiting trial.  Nine other long-serving immigration officers are suspended from duty in relation to these matters.”

During the brief presentation, Been said the Commission is currently investigating TCIG employees implicated in acts of corruption, people trafficking, sex trafficking and smuggling contraband.

The Deputy Director further noted that the Commission is also investigating several other TCIG employees at various levels who are allegedly involved in acts of corruption, many with national security implications.

While Been did not disclose the names, entities or locations of those being charged, awaiting trial or under investigation, he did provide an insight into the level of corruption that the commission deals with yearly.

“We’re talking about millions of dollars generated every year through corrupt activities.  Just in the Department of Immigration, a minimum of $3 to $4 million goes into the hands of people being paid $4,000 a month,” the Deputy explained while responding to a question about whether the Commission has seen any decline in corruption in the TCI through its initiatives.

Mr. Been admitted that the Integrity Commission’s job is not easy, describing the corruption landscape in the TCI as a network; however, he said they are working on changing that by trying to reach young people.

“So we’re working at trying to change the mindset of the young people of the Turks and Caicos to say ‘no; thanks but no’ because everybody knows who’s doing it [participating in corrupt activities] and everybody knows the kind of money generated from it…”

The conference was held over five days, concluding on April 22.