Over 400 illegal migrants arrived on boats in January

The Turks and Caicos Islands has seen a whopping 418 illegal migrants arrive on four illegal vessels thus far for the year.

The latest illegal migrant vessel to be intercepted in TCI waters, transported some 130 persons who were detained by the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

“Yet another attempt by migrants to enter the Turks and Caicos illegally was stopped by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (Marine Branch) last night (January 21st).

“The illegal migrants, believed to be Haitian nationals, were detained around 10.20 pm following information received from the Coastal Radar Station”, Police spokeswoman Denyse Renne said in a statement on Sunday, January 22.

The Haitian migrant vessel, approximately 38ft in length and powered by two outboard engines, was intercepted south of West Bluff, Providenciales.

The sloop was subsequently safely towed to South Dock, where a total of 130 migrants (109 males has been lodged with the Royal TCI Police Force, either by school officials, the child or parents. As such, the RTCIPF never conducted any interview with any official of the school last week.”

Commenting on residents’ claims that the police never acted on a report made, thereby allowing a suspect to abscond, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “At 11:40 am today (January 23), the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit became aware of a WhatsApp circulation containing serious allegations involving a school girl and a male teacher.”

He said an email was sent by an SPPU officer at 11:53 am to the Director of Education, requesting information as to the allegations being circulated via WhatsApp.

The commissioner said the SPPU received an email response from the Director of Education indicating that the Department of Education had received notice of the matter.

“The Director, via his email, recounted, he had spoken with a senior representative from the Department of Social Development on Friday, January 20. Later that day, according to the Director’s account, the teacher submitted a resignation letter informing the Department of Education of his immediate resignation.”

Commissioner Botting reiterated that this is the only time the police were informed of the matter.

“I wish to express my concern that neither the RTCIPF nor the

SPPU were notified when the allegations were first raised. The RTCIPF only became aware of the alleged incident via social media and through the correspondence with the Director today.” and 21 females) were handed over to the Immigration Task Force.

An investigation was immediately launched into the allegations.

Parents, guardians and other persons responsible for the care of underage children are being strongly advised to immediately report all allegations of sexual or other assault of minors to the police.

Reports can be made at the nearest police station, contact the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232-6696, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at 338-4013, the Department of Social Development at 338-4008 or call 911.

The Commissioner said it is mandatory that all reports be made to the police.

The vessel was handed over to customs officials.

Briefly commenting on this latest interception, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams stressed that the entry of illegal migrants continues to “put the TCI at risk”.

He said: “Our Marine Branch along with other law enforcement partners have been doing a stellar job protecting our borders. Despite this, we still need the continued assistance of the public. I wish to remind any member of the public who engages in harbouring illegal migrants and participating in this activity to assist in their movement to desist. You are putting the population at risk.

“Boatmen who want to transact this illegal business, you are breaking the law by crossing the borders and harbouring illegal migrants.

“We will be taking the necessary actions within the confines of the law, with respect to persons engaged in this activity.”

The public is being advised to