Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
More police, more money and more collaboration is what Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader says it will take to help increase protection from illegal immigration and he’s calling for a collaborative meeting with the Premier to discuss the issue.
In an open letter shared with the public on March 8 Astwood made his case.
“In my capacity as leader of the opposition, I respectfully request an urgent meeting involving the government, the governor, the opposition, and the leadership team of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force. This meeting is crucial for strategizing on how best to prevent the potential spillover of the unstable situation in Haiti onto our shores,” he said.
The letter also listed a myriad of suggestions that Astwood said would help to prepare the country to protect its borders including:
- Temporary suspension of all active leave for members of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force, TCI Regiment, immigration, and customs officers until further notice. Astwood encouraged TCIG to use relevant budget allocations to pay the officers for their overtime.
- An immediate increase in the weapons and combat equipment stockpiles of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force.
- Additional sea vessels capable of detecting, catching, and subduing other fast-moving sea vessels, ‘as the mode of illegal trafficking has changed.’
- Redirection of the $9 million, recently appropriated for land acquisition in the recent Supplementary Appropriations 2024 Bill, to fund the suggested and required National Security efforts.
Astwood also had demands for the British.
“We propose inviting the British government to consider the deployment of military personnel and equipment to strategic locations across our nation,” he said.
The Opposition Leader maintained that with a ‘civil war’ next door the Turks and Caicos could not afford to be complacent.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens must be a top priority, and proactive measures need to be taken swiftly to prevent any adverse impact on our beloved nation, our lives, and our livelihood.Let us address this clear and present danger with a unified front, being proactive rather than reactive.”
No official response from TCIG has been shared publicly.
