Nat’l Update, Joint Statement from Governor & Premier on Operational Response Measures

#TurksandCaicos, September 11, 2023 – The National Security Council (NSC) met on 1 and 5 September. We want to keep you informed of the measures we are taking to support the multi-agency response to tackle the threats to the safety of our islands.

• The RTCIPF is spearheading Operation Reclaim III with continued enhanced patrols and active investigations. Officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force arrived yesterday for active deployment in support of the RTCIPF’s operations to disrupt and dismantle gang related crime.
• The Turks and Caicos Islands is continuing to collaborate with international partners such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In supporting marine domain awareness, CBP assets are providing important aerial surveillance to help safeguard our waters. This assistance is part funded by the UK.
• The National Security Council, through a multi-agency approach, will be undertaking a medium to long-term strategic assessment of threats and required measures to tackle the challenges of transnational crime and gang related activity affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Strengthened multiagency cooperation is showing success. A joint operation involving RTCIPF Marine Unit officers, the Customs Department and the TCI Regiment resulted in the seizure of marijuana (found on board an illegal migrant vessel) with an estimated street value of $500,000.
• The Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) is at an advanced stage in its assessment of Informal Settlements across the TCI. To date, forty-five (45) informal settlements have been identified, comprising of over 500 acres and 700 parcels of crown and private land, primarily on Providenciales and Grand Turk. The ISU is developing a 90-day operational plan to commence with the issuance of notices and several reclamation activities. The ISU will be partnering with and supporting private landowners in this initiative.
• The Ministry of Immigration and Border Force, as part of multi-agency efforts, continue with their enforcement activity of irregular migrant interceptions, repatriations and prosecutions. Members of Immigration and Customs are currently undergoing enhanced training as part of wider efforts to strengthen border security.

The National Security Council will continue to assess threats and keep you informed of our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

To assist our police investigations, we kindly ask for your cooperation. If you possess any information, regardless of its significance, please speak to someone you trust or contact TCI Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously and with confidence, for the safety of all.