INTERCEPTION – OCTOBER 12, 2020
On the 9th October 2010, at approximately 9:28 pm, an illegal Haitian migrant vessel was spotted by the Coastal Radar Unit and subsequently intercepted by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in our territorial waters just off the coast of Providenciales.
At approximately 4am, officers of the Marine branch arrived at the South Dock port, where these individuals were handed over to the Immigration Department’s Enforcement Unit and Public Health officials for immediate medical assessment and transportation to the Detention Center, Five Cays, for processing.
A total of two hundred and seven (207) individuals were on the vessel inclusive of one hundred and forty-eight (148) males, fifty-nine (59) females and two (2) minors.
All other supporting agencies including the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Tactical team, Ministry of Health’s Public Health team and Ports Authority were available to assist.
All 207 detainees were repatriated back to Haiti on Sunday, 11th September 2020.
This interception over the weekend brings the number of persons arriving on illegal migrant vessels for this Fiscal Year to 880 individuals. Also, seven (7) vessels were successfully intercepted for the April – October 2020.
Hon. Vaden D. Williams, Minister responsible for the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services, following the successful interception of the vessel and the repatriation of the illegal individuals, stated that he would like to first and foremost thank his team within the Ministry for their continued hard work and dedication they continue to display in assisting to protect the Turks and Caicos Islands borders. The Minister encourage persons living here and have information about this type of illegal activity, to please come forward and provide information that can assist in eradicating this problem as it is very costly to the Turks and Caicos Island.
The public is also requested to continue to provide the Immigration Department and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We also encourage the general public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.