Government
‘Leave NOW while you still have the chance’ says MUSGROVE
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 23, 2023 – In a National press conference described as critical, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government revealed it is stepping up efforts to combat illegal migration with a new multi agency framework dubbed OPERATION PURSUIT; at the forefront of the announcement was Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services.
Minister Musgrove brought the statistics for residents, revealing that the number of migrants in the first five months of this year have already eclipsed the total migrants from 2021.
- In 2021 there were 1426 irregular migrants repatriated from 23 vessels at a cost over of 3 million
- In 2022 there were 2132 irregular migrants repatriated from 28 vessels at a cost of over 4 million
- In 2023 (with only five months passed) there were 1921 irregular migrants repatriated from 17 vessels with total cost pending.
“If we continue on this trend we are looking at an estimated 4494 persons to be repatriated from an estimated 36 boats. This is unprecedented and it has serious social impact, financial pressure and implications for our livelihoods and our country,” Musgrove said.
The minister also revealed a concerning trend; pleasure boats are now being stolen and being funnelled into the illegal migration trade. As for the islanders who were helping the migrants get in Musgrove said: “As custodians of this land some of us are directly contributing to this problem and we must stop it. It is distracting, frustrating, dangerous and a downright embarrassment to this country.”
He warned residents to be thankful to the international partners who stepped up to help the TCI in partnerships rather than speaking against them and maintained that the government would crush the pull factors that kept the migrants coming.
“I’m putting you my people on notice that we will not be entertaining any requests for leniency because when the government is not active you call for activity but when the government is active you cry that it is inhumane or an infringement on human rights or that you need the people though you have not taken measures to regularise their status here. We are not doing it.” he promised.
He reiterated his commitment to justice firmly:
“If you are organising illegal migration, stop it. If you are harbouring irregular migrants stop it. If you are employing migrants illegally please for God sakes stop it. We have no desire to see our people brought before the court or even behind bars but if you insist on selling our birthright or our children’s future– we will aggressively pursue you and you will be dealt with.”
He ended his speech with a strict warning to those living illegally in the country no matter if they had come by air or sea.
“Operation Pursuit will commence immediately and those who are here illegally and unlawfully are advised to leave NOW or risk being detained, repatriated or deported and put on the stop list from returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Government
Paula Virgil-Stubbs Appointed Executive Administrator in The Office of The Deputy Governor
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.
Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales-clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.
As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor’s Office.
This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor’s diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism. In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, “As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service.
Welcome to our team, and congratulations on your new appointment, Paula!”
Government
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