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RBDF Intercepts Migrants in Turks and Caicos Islands

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Defence Headquarters, 11 MAR. ‘24 (RBDF) One hundred and forty (140) Haitian migrants were intercepted by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on March 11, 2024, in waters off Turks and Caicos Islands.

While on routine patrol, HMBS Bahamas under the command of Commander Alexis Brown was diverted by RBDF Operations Command Center to investigate a report of a Haitian Sailing Vessel leaving Haiti in route to Turks and Caicos Islands shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024.   

Shortly after noon on Monday, March 11, 2024, the vessel was located a blue and red wooden sailing vessel at position 241 degrees White Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands.

A routine search of the vessel uncovered 121 males and 19 females. The occupants were apprehended and transported to South Dock Providenciales where they will be turned over to Immigration Officials for further processing and investigation. 

In 2021, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos solidified their collaboration by signing a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement, coupled with the Shiprider initiative, serves to establish a robust framework for joint efforts in border control, intelligence sharing, training, coordinated operations, and harmonized strategies to combat various illegal activities, including irregular migrant movements, human trafficking, IUU fishing, narcotic drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking. This collective effort operates within the bounds of international law and optimizes law enforcement resources and priorities.

The effectiveness of this strategic partnership was vividly demonstrated through a significant joint operation. In July 2023, resulting in the interception of a 40ft HSV carrying approximately 189 Haitian Nationals near the Turks and Caicos Islands. Subsequently, in August 2023, another successful operation led to the apprehension of an additional 145 Haitian migrants. These achievements underscore the tangible outcomes and efficacy of the Shiprider agreement in enhancing maritime security and combatting illicit activities within the region.

This latest interdiction of 140 Haitian Migrants, highlights the effectiveness of the MOU between The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. This success underscores the MOU’s role in enhancing regional cooperation and maritime security.

Amidst the ongoing turmoil in Haiti, Commodore Raymond King has taken decisive action by announcing the implementation of a southern Bahamas blockade. This strategic initiative involves deploying six surface vessels, one aircraft, and 120 highly skilled RBDF personnel. Patrol operations will concentrate on key areas, including the northern coast of Haiti, the Old Bahama Channel, and the Windward Passage, aiming to thwart any unauthorized entry attempts and uphold maritime security in the region.

 The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas by maintaining a continued presence in keeping our borders secured through partnerships with local and international agencies.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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