News
TCI Immigration Takes 8 Illegal Migrant Matters to Court
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2023 – EIGHT (8) IMMIGRATION MATTERS came before court on Monday August 28, 2023 and verdicts were delivered in each of them.
CASE #1: MARIE CLYDONNE LYCENOIS CHARLES appeared after being charged with employing two prohibited females in a restaurant located on Leeward Highway Providenciales.
Her matter was deferred after she explained that her attorney was away from two weeks.
The Hon Chief Magistrate(CM) Mr Jolyon Hatmin told the female defendant that, next time, please tell your attorney “pen to paper is free”. The judge conveyed that the defense counsel could have easily just dropped us a small email to let us know, he would be unable to appear.
The CM adjourned the matter for September, 19, 2023. The woman was granted $6,000.00 bail which was signed by her husband.
CASE #2: LUIS SENEIDA JAVIER BERAS. A Dominican woman resident in Grand Turk was sentenced to ‘time served’ given the fact she was in Immigration Department lock up since August 12, 2023.
The woman was granted leave to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on June, 26th 2022; at the time she was given one month to stay. Beras, was subsequently given three additional extensions which took her to October 26th 2022.
Having been reported by an unnamed individual in Grand Turk that she was overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the woman began making arrangements to leave however, she was arrested before she could depart the country.
Beras told the court, she had purchase her ticket and went to the Immigration office in the nation’s capital to inform that she was leaving on August 21st, but she was still arrested and charged for remaining in the islands beyond the permitted time.
The woman spent four days in Grand Turk lock-up and was then transferred to Providenciales, where she spent an additional nine days locked up before being brought to court on Monday August 28th, 2023.
The CM asked Luis Beras what she was doing from 2022 to now. The woman replied, she had a little two to three month job in a bar but when she remembered, she’s not supposed to be working, she stopped.
Beras was eventually sentenced to the ‘time served’ which means, the 12 days she did in custody between Grand Turk and Providenciales was her actual sentence.
Deportation was recommended immediately.
CASE #3: ABEELARD JEAN, a 43 year old Haitian man arrived in Turks and Caicos Islands waters without immigration approval on August 4th.
The illegal vessel was intercepted and towed into South Dock port. He was charged with unlawful entry and returning to the islands contrary to deportation order.
Evidence was adduced to the court that Jean, using fake names, had come to Turks and Caicos on five different occasions; this latest arrest was his sixth time.
The Public Prosecutor, Ms Enjaleek Dickenson who dealt with all the immigration criminal cases on that day said, the defendant came and was sent back to Haiti in 2005, 2007, 2019, 2020, 2021 and now 2023.
The Hon. CM Hatmin asked the man having pleaded guilty, “what do you have to say before I sentence you?”
The man seized the opportunity, explaining to the Chief Magistrate that “yes” this makes his sixth time to Turks and Caicos, but he has never been to court. He said he has three children in Haiti and two are under 18 years old.
The CM asked, “did you pay to come here?”
Jean said, “no, not this time.”
He was subsequently sentenced to seven months imprisonment and immediate deportation, recommended after the completion of his time.
CASE #4: MELIUS PIERRE was charged with aggravated assisting illegal entry on same August 4 voyage and returning to the islands contrary to deportation order as he is believed to be the captain of the people smuggling operation which led to 140 Haitians being intercepted with 118 males and 30 females on board.
His matter was put off until Wednesday 30th August as his charges is one for the Supreme Court.
Public Prosecutor, Ms Enjaleek Dickenson said the file needs reviewing before they can go forward.
CM Hatmin said we will come back to this case and the defendant who is allegedly the ‘captain’ of that illegal, dangerous voyage was placed on remand.
CASE #5: TONY JOSEPH, 49 entered a guilty plea to unlawful entry for the same date, August 4, 2023.
Joseph admitted to having been to the Turks and Caicos three times in the past. He is a farmer and he has two children under 18, he said. The 49 year old man from Haiti also claimed he did not pay to get to the TCI.
It was also his first court appearance as on the other breaches, he was immediately repatriated.
Joseph said, ‘I came back trying to get a better life, we lost our parents. I have five children that depends on me.’
Despite his explanation, the man was sentenced, five months in HMP.
Immediate deportation is recommended to the Minister of Immigration upon completion of the sentence.
CASE #6: PAUL JEAN ALTIDOR was another who arrived illegally on August 4 in a crammed wooden sloop in waters off Providenciales.
Like his compatriots, Altidor said he came because he wanted a better life. At just 26 years old, he says he did not pay to get into the country. 
The man was sentenced to five months in prison and deportation is recommendation after his time is served.
CASE #7: MORAMSON THEODORIS, is 23 years old and is now locked away in a TCI prison for the same offenses of the same date, having come into the country on two other occasions.
Theodoris explained that he is a taxi driver, who left his four month old baby back in Haiti with his little sister. ‘They are in the house by themselves. I don’t know why I come back, they just give me ride, so I come back,’ said THEODORIS.
Six months at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was his lot; again deportation is recommended at the end of the sentence.
CASE #8: ADELINE FRANCOIS is 35 years old and was the only female to have been charged for that illegally organized voyage on August 4th, 2023. Francois was sentenced to only three months in prison after her guilty plea. She is to be deported after that time is served.
Francois was a first timer to the Turks and Caicos. Her reason for making the illegal trip was to take care of her 11year old son; she needed the money to pay school fees. The woman also said the boy’s father died five years ago and she risked her life just to make things better for him.
The CM gave Mrs. Francois a warning; that if she returns to the Turks and Caicos illegally after being sent home, then her sentence in prison will be a much greater one.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News6 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals