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
Nassau, The Bahamas, October 22, 2026 — The National Computer Incident Response Team of The Bahamas (CIRT-BS) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning businesses, government institutions and other organisations about the growing threat posed by Akira ransomware, a cybercriminal operation capable of stealing sensitive information, disrupting networks and demanding ransom payments.
Active since March 2023, Akira operates through a Ransomware-as-a-Service model, with affiliates exploiting weaknesses in computer networks to gain unauthorised access.
Once inside, attackers can steal confidential data, disable recovery systems and encrypt files, preventing organisations from accessing
critical information.
Particularly concerning is Akira’s use of double extortion, threatening to publish stolen information unless victims pay. Some attacks involve data theft without encryption.
The October 22 advisory identifies vulnerabilities involving Cisco and SonicWall firewalls, VPN services, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol, Veeam backup systems and outdated Windows and Linux operating systems. VMware ESXi and Nutanix AHV environments are also potential targets.
Attackers may exploit unpatched software, stolen login credentials and inadequately secured remote-access applications, including AnyDesk and RustDesk.
Warning signs include unexpected administrator accounts, unusual remote logins, unauthorised software installations, suspicious backup activity, mass file changes and ransom notes.
CIRT-BS recommends immediate security updates, multifactor authentication, restricted remote access, stronger network monitoring and secure backups maintained separately from operational systems.
Organisations should also remove unnecessary internet exposure of remote desktop services, limit administrative privileges and regularly test backup restoration.
The advisory does not identify any confirmed Akira attack against a Bahamian organisation but highlights vulnerabilities that could expose institutions to serious financial and operational disruption.
Cybersecurity incidents can be reported to CIRT-BS at soc@cirt.bs or through its official website.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on
October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.
The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.
During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.
The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.
News
Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.
The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders,
entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.
The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.
The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:
“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”
Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.
Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments
within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.
For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.
As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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