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‘Leave NOW while you still have the chance’ says MUSGROVE 

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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

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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!”

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Government

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS HOSTS FIRST STATE OF PREPAREDNESS MEETING AHEAD OF 2025 HURRICANE SEASON

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 7th May 2025 – In a proactive step toward strengthening national resilience, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams and Premier and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Charles Washington Misick, who joined virtually, chaired the Turks and Caicos Islands first State of Preparedness Meeting in anticipation of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1.

The high-level meeting was convened to assess the country’s readiness and reinforce inter-agency coordination in the face of potential tropical threats.

The meeting brought together key members of Cabinet, senior government officials, and representatives from critical service and emergency response sectors.

Attendees included:  Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove; Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the Honourable Rachel Taylor; Minister of Health and Human Services, the Honourable Kyle Knowles; and Minister of Tourism and the Environment, the Honourable Zhavago Jolly.

Also present were Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, District Commissioners, the Acting Director of the Department of Disaster Management Ms. Kevaun Lucas and Emergencies (DDME), the Director of Meteorology Dr. Holly Hamilton, as well as representatives from the TCI Regiment, telecommunications provider Flow TCI, Provo Water Company, Fortis TCI, Rubis TCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, InterHealth Canada, and other relevant partners and stakeholders.

The session began with an in-depth presentation by Dr. Holly Hamilton, who shared forecasts and projections for the upcoming hurricane season. Her briefing included insights from regional and international meteorological bodies, highlighting an expected increase in storm activity due to above-average sea surface temperatures and other climatic conditions.

Participants engaged in extensive discussions on key preparedness pillars, including the status and capacity of emergency shelters across the islands, strengthening telecommunications and utility infrastructure, logistics for relief distribution, public health readiness, and inter-agency coordination protocols. Emphasis was placed on community engagement, public education, and early warning systems to ensure the population is adequately informed and equipped ahead of any storm event.

Acting Governor Williams commended the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved and underscored the importance of preparedness, particularly in light of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change. She stressed that national resilience is a shared responsibility and encouraged all sectors to finalise and test their contingency plans in the weeks leading up to the season’s start.

This meeting marked the beginning of a series of preparedness activities scheduled to take place across the country, including simulation exercises, shelter inspections, and community outreach initiatives aimed at enhancing overall disaster readiness.

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Government

Cabinet Agrees on Changes to Car Import Regulations

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Turks and Caicos, May 9, 2025 – Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 5th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday April 2, 2025, at the Hon Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales. All members of Cabinet were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Noted the outcome or performance of the cost of living relief programme.
  • Approved the new administrative mechanism for the collection of payment of share transfer duty/tax.
  • Approved the development agreement for the construction of a resort and staff housing development for the Palace Company TCI Ltd. Hadley Investment III Ltd.
  • Agreed to the terms of a settlement of legal proceedings.
  • Endorsed the draft UK-OT biodiversity strategy.
  • Agreed in principle for TCIG to enter into an agreement regarding financial assurances in relation to airlift to South Caicos.
  • Noted the findings of the recent queen conch study and agreed to the proposed plan of action.
  • Approved the appointment of the following persons to the Sports Commission Board effective April 1, 2025:
    • Two-Year Period-
      • Mrs. Desiree Adams-Robinson, Deputy Chair
      • Mr. Thomas Ewing, Member
      • Ms. Pekeira Brooks, Member
    • One-Year Period-
      • Mrs. Tamara Bassett, Member
  • Approved legislative changes to the Magistrate’s Court Act and the Firearms Act.
  • Approved the appointment of the following persons to boards within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services:
    • Work Permit Board Zone 1, April 1, 2025-March 31, 2028
      • Mr. Marciano Williams, Chairman
    • Work Permit Board Zone 1, April 1, 2025-March 31, 2027
      • Hon. Emily Saunders, Member (South Caicos Representative)
      • Mr. Benmore Kennedy, Member
    • Work Permit Board Zone 2, April 1, 2025-March 31, 2027
      • Mr. Addison A. Gardiner, Member
      • Mr. Marcusson Lightbourne, Member
    • Immigration Appeal Tribunal, April 1, 2025-March 31, 2027
      • Mr. Robert Fulford, Member
      • Mrs. Desmona Belliard, Member
  • Approved amendments to the Road Traffic Act 2021 and Customs Act for further submission to Parliament to remove the requirement for permits for the importation of vehicles and to restrict the importation of a criteria of Japanese vehicles over 5 years.
  • Noted a report from the World Bank Group Global Digital Summit.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

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