TCI Governor says NO TARGETTING OF AMERICANS here

Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 29, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) does not target United States (US) nationals and any statements to the contrary are without merit, according to Governor of the Island, Hon. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam.

In an interview with a US based news outlet, the Governor said the Islands’ independent justice system upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of nationality, whilst maintaining the “security and integrity of our Islands.

“Like the United States, we have constitutional separation of the executive and judicial branches. There is no remit for the Turks and Caicos Islands Executive, nor the UK (United Kingdom) to intervene or comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts,” she said.

She added that in the spirit of respect for the warm relation between the TCI and the US, she and the Hon. Premier received a US Congressional Delegation, to listen to their concerns about the five US nationals had been charged for the possession of ammunition offences.

She said the discussions were professional and respectful with a focus on clarifying the legal position and the well-being of the individuals. Noting that Law enforcement agencies apply professional standard operating procedures for processing matters through the legal system, she said they will investigate any concerns where it is felt standards were not met.

“I appreciate the Congressman is concerned for his constituent, but the situation calls for respectful dialogue that guards against misrepresentation. It is important there is respect for due process,” the Governor said.

US Congressman Guy Reschenthaler has said prison in Turks and Caicos was flagged by the UN for human rights abuses. He also claimed every third week an American is being detained wrongfully in the Turks and Caicos. The US Congressman further claimed that the TCI Government is targeting American citizens.

The Governor said a February 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission report was positive with no findings against prisoner conditions, and the “rule of law is paramount, and all are equal before the law,” and the Islands continues to welcome all visitors to “enjoy our Beautiful by Nature Islands.”