News
Desperate mother takes RISK; charged HUGE FINE $12,000 for smuggling Child to TCI
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
Today, the woman is released as she awaits an appeal’s court hearing later this year. Her son, in custody of Immigration Department, may have already been deported despite gut wrenching outcry by the mother who says he has no one in the embattled Republic to take care of him.
This case, stems back to December of last year.
The matter is one of a desperate mother who risked her child’s life and paid for his illegal passage to Providenciales, but was caught. She was fined $12,000 or nine months imprisonment for Assisting an Illegal Entry.
The woman was caught just before Christmas, on December 22nd, 2022; hit with a serious charge for facilitating and making arrangements for him to travel along with an adult male to the Turks and Caicos Islands(TCI), on an illegal Haitian sloop.
The Hon Chief Magistrate (CM) Mr. Jolyon Hatmin was so appalled with the mother as he described the audacity of this mother taking such serious chance through the black seas, wide open dangerous ocean putting her 15-year old son’s life at risk on a deadly voyage that could have resulted in her never seeing or hearing from her child ever again.
VIVIANE FRANCOIS, 42 is a mother of two boys, she explained. The oldest born in Haiti and the youngest born here in the TCI.
On August 22nd, 2023, the factual evidence that was told the CM in court was that the boy’s father was moving to another country out of Haiti and he could not carry the boy with him. He told this to the accused mother who said, she had no choice but to try get him here. She said, through her attorney Jamal Missick, that the father didn’t give her much notice and she spent $1,500.00 and made the necessary arrangements to try get her son to the Turks and Caicos on an illegal Haitian sloop heading to the TCI. The boat made land fall successfully in the Northwest Point/Blue Hills area and the mother and her now husband, a Haitian man and the father of her youngest son travelled from Five Cays to pick up her son after receiving a call from the adult male that they arrived safely.
They collected the son but on their way home was stopped by the authorities, as a result the mother alone was arrested and charged with Assisting Illegal entry. The CM told the mother who had pleaded guilty months before her sentencing, that “on your own admission this country provided a safe haven for you from abuse in Haiti, you are here on a work permit, have lived here for years. You know quite well the economic strain illegal migration have on this country, you still knowingly facilitated in illegal entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The sentence of this court is a fine of $12,000 to be paid in 21 days or serve nine months at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR).
The CM explained to Francois that she had five days to appeal his decision if unsatisfied and he recommended deportation after the date of the payment for the fine has expired or the completion of her prison sentence.
Appearing for the office of the DPP in this matter was Ms. Enjaleek Dickenson.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
