News
The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services Introduces a New Era in Border Security with the Launch of Border Force
#TurksandCaicos, November 11, 2023 – The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services takes a bold step forward in enhancing border security with the launch of the first phase of Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Border Force will see the transformation of our legacy Customs Department, Immigration Department, and Work Permit Unit, with all areas brought together to form one dynamic, responsive and flexible approach to managing TCI’s border protection. The threats to our borders have grown significantly in recent years – and we’re transforming the way we operate to put us in a better position to be able to respond to those who attempt to break our rules and to deliver an enhanced service to our law-abiding, valued visitors and residents.
Leading the charge is the newly appointed Director General, Emilio Seymour, who will oversee the suite of changes being made over the next six months, and beyond. An evidence-based, redesigned structure will allow better targeting and flexing of resources, alongside a clear focus on customer service delivery, with three main operational areas; inland operations, port operations and a separate ‘services’ function – all underpinned and supported by a new Intelligence Unit.
Our future Border Force delivers border protection services, and enforces our laws, across four of our Islands, so the new organisation will roll out in phases.
Phase 1: 30th October 2023
Phase 1 of Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force officially launched on 30th October 2023, integrating Customs and Immigration operations at airports and seaports into one team. This development is a culmination of significant investments in restructuring, process changes, rebranding and upskilling of officers at airports and seaports in Providenciales over the past year.
Changes by Phase 1 already include:
The transition of formerly separate immigration and customs teams into one border security operation at our ports of entry – one structure, simplified for staff and travellers;
A clear vision to safeguard our borders and our nation’s prosperity, supported by six key values – professionalism, service excellence, integrity, accountability, empowerment and leadership;
Intelligence-led operations, with streamlined processes, building on the existing frictionless customs experience and using data and detection techniques to target our effort;
New, security- and customer-focused operational guidance for all staff working at the border, providing a supportive framework for accountable decision-making;
New, unified branding; designed by our staff to help maintain pride in our operations and the services we deliver to the public;
Enhancing our criminal investigations through partnership working; working with US and Canadian colleagues, based in-country, undertaking together painstaking investigations to prepare cases to bring those suspected of organised immigration criminality before the court and securing their conviction.
Launch Ceremony Highlights
The official launch of Phase 1 was marked with a prestigious opening ceremony on 30th October 2023 at the Howard Hamilton International Airport. Attending this momentous occasion were distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable C. Washington Misick; Premier, Her Excellency Anya Williams; Deputy Governor, Members of Parliament and Permanent Secretaries from various ministries within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, along with other key stakeholders.
Commenting on the launch of Border Force Hon. Arlington Musgrove stated “As we launch Border Force in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we take a monumental step towards enhancing the security and efficiency of our ports of entry. This transformation signifies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our borders, protecting our people, and ensuring a seamless experience for our visitors and residents. The dedication and professionalism of our Border Force Officers are at the core of this transition and their adaptability is a testament to the spirit of service that defines our islands.”
What to Expect in Phase 2: From 2024
Phase 2, scheduled to come online in 2024, will see the launch of all other units of Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. As this transition progresses, the inland element of our Border Force will be brought to life, delivering all customs and immigration enforcement, alongside the establishment of one combined services function. This new function will strive for a new approach to customer service, bringing the consideration and delivery of all applications in one place to allow us to more easily monitor response times and better flex to demands.
Later in 2024, Border Force plans to introduce digital borders, including automation for low-risk travellers, biometrics to drive security and, for the first time, one end-to-end system containing the details of all known non-citizens in our Islands, further solidifying our commitment to leveraging intelligence and technology for the benefit of our nation’s security.
Our transformation into a Border Force demonstrates our forward-looking and responsive dedication to protecting the integrity of our borders, and the Government’s commitment and support to border security. We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive impact Border Force will have on our community, economy, and the overall well-being of our beloved islands. Together, we stand united in our mission to preserve the natural beauty and harmony of the Turks and Caicos Islands for generations to come.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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