Cockburn Town, Grand Turk: On Sunday 25th July 2021 around 8:30 p.m. the Immigration Department was informed of possible illegal vessel landings. This triggered a standby notice for the Department Enforcement Unit.
The Unit was later informed by 911 operator that a vessel had landed in the North West Point Areas of Providenciales and that migrants were seen walking the beach and nearby road.
Nine Officer responded for debriefing and dispatch to the named area. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police also responded to 911.
After several hours of inspection in the area, one male person was apprehended from the vessel. Further checks were conducted in the areas on the morning of July 26, 2021.
This recent landing takes the total number of successful landing for this Financial Year 2021/22 to 4 which is identical to that of the same period last year. In addition, the spending for the period remains a concern as the number of persons repatriated from vessel landing for the first four months of this Fiscal Year total 724 or 59 percent of the total for last year that was 1230 persons.
US$2,446,420.00 has been appropriated for Repatriation and Expenses in the 2021/22 Budget. As at July 27, 2021, US$952,909.34 has been spent. Spending include airfares, rations, security etc.
The Ministry and Department continue to solicit the support of the public is 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 also 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.