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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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