Caribbean News
Haiti is not our Enemy, says TCI Governor
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, December 11, 2021 – Even as he rolls out a multi-faceted plan to stop illegal migration, Governor Nigel Dakin wants Turks and Caicos Islanders to know that Haiti is not our enemy.
Dakin was speaking at a press conference yesterday evening where he unveiled new border defense plans. He told islanders that Haiti has and always will be a neighbor to the TCI, and that the two countries were bound together for the rest of time, for better or for worse.
He maintained that the new initiatives were not a campaign against Haiti but that himself and the Premier had been meeting regularly with the former Haitian President and had hoped to organize a visit this year. In his absence the Governor was hoping to meet with the interim Foreign Minister this week.
“We are bound together, for better or for worse, for the rest of time. As a result I was speaking regularly to the then Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs – Claude Joseph – including when he was Prime Minister – and myself and the Premier had hoped for a visit from him next year. He is no longer in office and so I hope to speak to the interim Foreign Minister this week. ”
He lauded the Haitian Consulate for their work and said that the returning of irregular Haitian migrants to their home had been a joint effort between the two countries.
“The new Haitian Consul, who is a professional serious diplomat, and who I have been impressed by since her arrival – has been instrumental in helping build this relationship and the Haitian Government and Haitian Consul works with us collaboratively on repatriation – and for that I am grateful in that not all countries – including the United States – had such a straightforward arrangement with Haiti, during the height of the pandemic, as we did. They were accepting flights from us when they were not accepting flights from others.”
While he acknowledged that the situation in Haiti was not ideal and would probably continue into the foreseeable future he said the TCI could not just be victims of the trade.
“Despite the deteriorating situation in Haiti – and despite the complications that slowed us down during the pandemic – we are in a much stronger place today than we were in 2019. We are now building from a position of increasing strength. There have been many significant successes. Many sloops are now turned around at sea before they reach our waters and for that we can thank our allies with whom we are now in much closer communication. Over the last two years this has genuinely started to become, if you like, a team sport.”
He warned TCI islanders against any sort of discrimination against the Haitian Community on the islands, but also charged the legal Haitian community in the Turks and Caicos to refuse to take part in the illegal trade, asking them to protect the Islands that they now call home.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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