News
Illegal Migration to TCI-The Risk of Open Borders
#TurksandCaicos, August 2, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands is at a breaking point with the influx of illegal immigration. There are rising public demands for more vigorous border enforcement and rightfully so.
Over the past 7 years and beyond, thousands of illegal immigrants desperately and deliberately violated our nation’s laws by unlawfully embarking on our shores in TCI.
Countless number of illegal sloops have been intercepted, with some falling under the radar and making landfall. Albeit, like a number of other developed countries, we are not alone in this fight.
It seriously calls into question whether the British government is putting forward their best efforts to help protect
our borders.
With border protection falling squarely under the purview of our appointed Governors, it’s pretty evident they haven’t done everything within their powers and using every available resource at their disposal.
Many welcome the fact this new Governor has placed illegal immigration concerns front and center, and as one of her top priorities to address.
With TCI having such porous borders and limited resources, this makes it much more challenging to control.
The recent meeting held by our politicians with the British MP responsible for our territory, was a positive step in the right direction. Nevertheless, are we prepared to hold their feet to the fire and demand follow through and accountability?
The question many concerned citizens are still grappling with is, whether or not the politicians are ramping up enough pressure on the UK, which will force them to push the boundaries.
In my opinion, we are losing the battle in part, due to the failure and lack of cohesiveness of both political parties to come to terms on an immigration policy that works for all concerned.
Let’s be very clear, this is not a PDM, PNP or PDA issue. It’s a Turks and Caicos Islands issue. As we can see from successive governments, the battle is still raging on.
It’s fair to say, all parties wants what’s best for the country. So, how do we get commonly held ideas and beliefs on immigration to align without politicizing it? If anyone thinks it can be solved independently, it’s naive realism.
With the Dominican Republic having a housing deficit and Haiti becoming more and more unstable, we are facing a true emergency situation here and our national security could be in jeopardy.
It’s hard to imagine anymore illegal or undocumented migrants embarking on our shores. With that in mind, there is absolutely no time to waste.
The TCI way of life and the future of our natural environment and resources are also at risk.
It will largely depend on our ability to restore the proper balance between our own needs and the unlimited demands of poachers on our fishing banks and those that are on the move to our shores.
The relentless stream of Haitian vessels, depict the gritty realities of human suffering and the deep complexity of our own immigration policies.
I’m afraid, other countries facing similar political and economic instability, will use Haiti as a gateway to get to TCI, as we have seen with the Sri Lankan refugees.
As a British dependent overseas territory, can they do more to assist us? I applaud the former Governor, Nigel Dakin and the administration for their efforts with taking on the initiative to put in place a local regiment. This initiative provided that additional layer of external protection which the country could certainly benefit from.
Nevertheless, I question whether or not we have been able to effectively mobilized this unit from a strategic standpoint in the best interest of the country?
In times like these, how can we capitalize on the training and strength of the TCI regiment to help better protect our borders?
Although this is not exactly what this unit was designed for, as they continue to build those capabilities, I see it as a way forward in terms of responding to what is in fact a shifting and very dynamic landscape threat, be it on land or at sea.
Why not call into action the TCI regiment, and set up a self-sufficient camp on the beaches or in the marsh areas with revolving overnight shifts?
This will put them in a better position and readiness to round up migrants who are able to evade the radar system, making landfall and trying to escape authorities.
Utilizing cost effective methods like drone surveillance should also be deployed if we haven’t done so already. In an
island cluster like TCI, implementing the proper intervention would have a direct impact.
If we take the time to analyze the frequency and trend of when and where these illegal sloops are making landfall, for the most part the islands and geographical location remains relatively unchanged.
Ideally, in addition to the joint operation task force recently formed between the Bahamian and TCI government, it would make sense for the UK to deploy a decommissioned British navy vessel in the region more frequently and for a longer period of time.
This will provide the much needed assistance and more extensive capabilities for faster interception of these sloops before they even enter our waters.
It’s time we stop playing defense and ramp up our offense strategy. As we are well aware, detection of these vessels is only the first step in the overall prevention strategy.
Once these sloops enters our waters or make landfall, consequently, it opens the doors to all sorts of illegal operations, trafficking and security fears. The frequency of repatriation in itself, is also draining on our country’s limited financial resources.
Make no mistake about it, we welcome immigrants, because we know many are only seeking a better way of life or fleeing violence. I also agree, more can and should be done both regionally and internationally to assist migrants in their home country which will help to reduce the need of them risking their lives.
Nevertheless, our country is governed by a rule of law and there is a process in place that needs to be adhered too.
Based on the trajectory and the booming construction economy, I’m inclined to believe migration to TCI will not cease anytime soon.
It’s imperative that the powers to be have more engaging and compelling conversations along with the appropriate action around this issue.
The failure to control our borders, will continue to drastically change the conditions of labor supply and demand. In turn, it can have profound consequences especially on a small developing nation like TCI.
Ed Forbes
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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