JOINT STATEMENT FROM HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR AND THE
HONOURABLE PREMIER ON OPERATIONAL RESPONSE MEASURES
The National Security Council (NSC) met on 1 and 5 September. We want to keep you
informed of the measures we are taking to support the multi-agency response to tackle
the threats to the safety of our islands.
The RTCIPF is spearheading Operation Reclaim III with continued enhanced
patrols and active investigations. Officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force
arrived yesterday for active deployment in support of the RTCIPF’s operations
to disrupt and dismantle gang-related crime.
The Turks and Caicos Islands is continuing to collaborate with international
partners such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the US Customs and
Border Protection (CBP). In supporting marine domain awareness, CBP assets
are providing important aerial surveillance to help safeguard our waters. This
assistance is partly funded by the UK.
The National Security Council, through a multi-agency approach, will be
undertaking a medium to long-term strategic assessment of threats and
required measures to tackle the challenges of transnational crime and gang-related activity affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Strengthened multi-
agency cooperation is showing success. A joint operation involving RTCIPF
Marine Unit officers, the Customs Department, and the TCI Regiment resulted
in the seizure of marijuana (found on board an illegal migrant vessel) with an
estimated street value of $500,000.
The Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) is at an advanced stage in its assessment
of Informal Settlements across the TCI. To date, forty-five (45) informal
settlements have been identified, comprising over 500 acres and 700 parcels
of crown and private land, primarily on Providenciales and Grand Turk. The ISU
is developing a 90-day operational plan to commence with the issuance of
notices and several reclamation activities. The ISU will be partnering with and
supporting private landowners in this initiative.
The Ministry of Immigration and Border Force, as part of multi-agency efforts,
continues with their enforcement activity of irregular migrant interceptions,
repatriations, and prosecutions. Members of Immigration and Customs are
currently undergoing enhanced training as part of wider efforts to strengthen
border security.
The National Security Council will continue to assess threats and keep you informed
of our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our communities. To assist our police
investigations, we kindly ask for your cooperation. If you possess any information,
regardless of its significance, please speak to someone you trust or contact TCI Crime
Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously and with confidence, for
the safety of all.
