Cockburn Town, Grand Turk: Yesterday evening, 6 March 2021, at approximately 9:20 pm, the Immigration Department received a report from 911 that there was an illegal landing in the Long Bay area. The Immigration Department along with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force responded by undertaking checks in the areas of interest.
A total of twenty-four (24) persons were apprehended and taken to the Detention Centre in relation to the landing, this includes sixteen (16) males and eight (8) females.
The Immigration Department is working to have all detainees repatriated as soon as possible once all processes are completed.
Information was also received of a possible speedboat landing in the area of Lil Bluff, Providenciales. Enforcement units, including Police and Immigration as well as Health officials were dispatched to the seen but saw no one.
The Immigration Department recognizes the vigilance of our partners the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and roles of others play in this matter and continue to solicit the support and feedback from the public on any suspicious movements of persons and vehicles at this time in the Long Bay or nearby areas in particular.
In commenting on this illegal landing Hon. Arlington Musgrove said, “we know that there are persons living among us here in the TCI, who are aiding an abetting in this area of illegal Immigration. Let me be clear, we will find you and we will prosecute all members of this criminal ring, to the fullest extent of the law.
In addition, we are currently reviewing our laws to impose stiffer penalties for persons engaged in illegal practices, here in the TCI.
Lastly, this increase in illegal activities from our neighbors to the south, including illegal poaching and immigration, has forced us to take a serious look at the presence of the consular offices, to determine if their presence here is hindering or hurting us?
If it is proven the latter, we will take the necessary steps to enhance the National Security of our people, residents and visitors alike, here in the TCI.
The public is reminded to continue to provide tips or any information related to this or any other illegal landing. We encourage the public to submit information or tips anonymously in English, French or Spanish to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Kindly note that Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
