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Immigration officers to get more power

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – Along with changes to residency and work permits, the Government also wants to increase the reach of Immigration Officers in the Turks and Caicos Islands with new amendments to the Immigration Ordinance; but before any changes are set in stone, residents are being invited to weigh in.

The Government has proposed that Immigration Officers will be now known as simply “Officers”, as Immigration and Customs merge into a single entity. With that upgraded title would come more power as well including:

  • Increased power to search;
  • Use of reasonable force;
  • Interrogation of evidence and;
  • Detention.

The proposed amendments follow calls from several members of parliament including Willin Belliard, Governors Appointed Member, and Opposition Leader Edwin Astwood to equip Immigration officers with weapons, even if they are non-lethal; and the revelation that the Immigration Department was quietly working on a bill to arm frontline workers.

Weapons Althea Been, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services had explained at the time, that they hoped to get the draft in by the end of 2023, to allow them to carry things like Tasers, pepper sprays, batons, and body cameras.

Continuing with the proposed amendments to the Immigration Ordinance, TCIG also says they want  to introduce a new position, ‘Director General,’ to act as the Head of both Immigration and Customs Controls.

The Bill is available to the public via the government’s Facebook page and a survey will open up on July 15th allowing residents to comment on the changes before they are made permanent in the House of Assembly.

Crime

Police Report NEW MURDER, No 44 for 2024

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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.

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Minister response to Trump deportation

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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.

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Reported Weekend Incidents

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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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