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“Minister Of Immigration & Border Services Tours Progress of Airside Walkway Canopy Construction At The Howard Hamilton International Airport”

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) recently welcomed The Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, to the Howard Hamilton International Airport for a site walkthrough of the ongoing airside walkway canopy construction project.  The October 2nd visit aimed to review the work as it nears completion and ensure that all elements are on schedule and up to standard as the busy season approaches.  With finishing touches like plastering and painting already underway, the project is shaping up to meet its target completion by the end of October 2024.

“The contractors are progressing faster than I expected,” commented Minister Musgrove, who also brings a background in construction to his role.  “I am very pleased and look forward to seeing how the canopy accommodates passengers once it’s fully operational.”

During the visit, Minister Musgrove, who holds responsibility for aviation, emphasized TCIAA’s commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and overall experience throughout all stages of airport operations.  He noted that the addition of experienced contractors on-site adds another layer of responsibility, making safety measures even more critical.  “To see everyone in their hard hats, high-visibility vests, and additional safety gear gives me confidence that TCIAA is doing its best to uphold safety standards,” he remarked.

The purpose of the new airside walkway canopy is to optimize operational efficiency and aircraft turnaround times, while simultaneously enhancing the passenger experience.  The walkway’s structure not only provides inviting shade but also offers a breezy, cooler environment for travelers—something the Minister experienced firsthand.  “The project is starting to look very nice,” he added.  “The constant, cool breeze during my visit stood out.  I feel travelers will be much more comfortable during their journey from the aircraft to the terminal, even on hot summer days, and especially when if in the rare circumstance, having to queue outside of the main passenger terminal due to congestion.”

Passengers passing through Howard Hamilton International Airport can already see these improvements taking shape. “These upgrades are not just for international travelers; they’re also for locals,” continued Honourable Musgrove.  “From alleviating congestion to enhancing air conditioning in the international arrivals area, TCIAA has been making tremendous strides.”

The airside canopy project, being complete by Garnet Jolly of JAG Construction, is valued at $1,582,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of October, 2024. Key features will include state-of-the-art surveillance systems to ensure passenger safety, integrated wall and ceiling lighting, isolated concrete columns and beams, interior block and concrete walls, and a timber roof structure fitted with a weather-resistant peel and seal membrane.

With these upgrades, the Howard Hamilton International Airport is setting a new standard for passenger comfort and safety, ensuring that every traveler has a cool, comfortable welcome as they arrive in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Crime

Police Report NEW MURDER, No 44 for 2024

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Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.

Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.

RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body.  The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.

The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

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Minister response to Trump deportation

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Statement from the Minister of Immigration

Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands

 

 

 

Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.

Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds with international norms and legal standards.

We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.

We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.

Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.

To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.

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Reported Weekend Incidents

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Turks and Caicos,  December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.

Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station

Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,

struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.

Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery

On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.

Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property

On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.

We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.

Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.

Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.

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