Cockburn Town, Grand Turk: Last evening around 8:00 pm, the Immigration Department received a report from 911 about a possible illegal vessel landing in the North West Point area of Providienciales. Our team immediately contacted the other law enforcement agencies to make them aware of the situation for mobilization. Shortly thereafter, another member of our enforcement team received another call form 911 confirming the landing of an illegal vessel.
Upon arriving on the scene, the Immigration Enforcement team was met by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the TCI Regiment. Joint searches were subsequently carried out in the North West Point Area which resulted in the apprehension of two (2) female individuals who were taken to the Detention Center for further questioning/investigation, and will be held until they are repatriated to Haiti.
The Department recognizes and commend the vigilance of our partners the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the TCI Regiment for their joint efforts last evening.
The Ministry is cognizant that spending in relation to repatriation continues to be a tremendous financial and social burden to the country, particularly at this time. This spending has to compete with other critical Ministry and National priorities.
Hon. Akierra Missick, the acting Minister for Immigration and Border Services stated “‘We are asking Residents in these Islands to discourage any friends and or family members who may be seeking to enter these Islands unlawfully. We know these are not passengers just seeking a better life but a form of Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking. Significant changes are being rolled to the structure and scope of the Immigration Task Force and ancillary agencies and we’ll be launching a streamlined and fully integrated Border Protection system from our airports, seaports and historic unlawful entry landing sites. This is a strong plea for those who are operating within this sphere to cease and desist.’
The public is remained that a person who is found to be in contravention of the Immigration Ordinance and commits an offence of harbouring is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000.00 or to imprisonment for a term of four years, or to both.
The public is also being urged to provide the Police or Immigration Officials with tips, or any information related to this or any other illegal landing or persons residing and or working illegally.
We encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA on 1-800-84477.