GOOD EVENING!
THIS EVENING, I stand before you to address one of the most pressing issues facing our country: border security. As our nation’s Premier, it is my solemn duty to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen within our borders. The situations are not of our own making but these challenges we must face together.
According to the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, the Governor/ British Government is responsible for national security.
I am obliged to work with the Governor on national security as we are co-chairs of the National Security Council.
Last week the National Security Council declared a National Emergency in response to the deteriorating situation in Haiti, which has had a consequential impact on the security of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In the face of evolving threats and challenges at our borders, the government has adopted a proactive and comprehensive approach to ensure the security and integrity of our borders.
Central to this strategy is a multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths and expertise of various government departments and agencies.
This Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG), chaired by Acting Commissioner Chris Eyre, has been established to ensure the precise coordination of a cohesive national security operational strategy to secure our borders, defend life and protect property.
This group has been meeting regularly to ensure that our enforcement agencies are taking all necessary measures to protect our communities, maintain the integrity of TCI’s borders, and address the issue of illegal migration, gun and organized crime including human trafficking.
My Government continues to strengthen its partnership with regional intelligence and security agencies. This collaboration enables them to identify and prevent potential illegal movements and better understand the threats and risks posed by the deteriorating situation in Haiti.
Operational Response
• We have intensified our presence in the Outer Islands, with border force officers working day and night to bolster vigilance and capacity. Patrols along the shorelines of South Caicos, Salt Cay, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk have been increased to minimize vulnerabilities. Additionally, we have embedded Border Force officers into the Regiment in Providenciales to augment our operations, including shoreline patrols, Vehicle Checkpoints (VCPs), and marina surveillance.
• Operation SeaMIC has been activated to scrutinise high-risk vessels entering Providenciales and Grand Turk, ports of entry for Regional Cargo Vessels. This operation ensures thorough inspections of cargo vessels before docking to prevent human smuggling activities. Moreover, Operation Verify has been enhanced to scrutinize entry documents of individuals arriving via regional and international flights, identifying multiple offenders.
• To maintain the integrity of our detention centres, we are reviewing security mechanisms in collaboration with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands’ Police Force. Additional holding facilities have been identified as temporary detention centres across the TCI if the need arises for detaining migrants.
• The Government has strengthened its air surveillance partnerships to monitor the waters between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Haiti. Additionally, they have established a coordinated maritime intervention capability to track and intercept vessels before they reach our shores. As part of this effort, maritime police officers have been dispatched to the sea to track and intercept vessels as quickly as possible.
• Over the past week, both offshore and onshore interventions have resulted in the detention of over 200 migrants. The Border Force is currently processing those arrested for repatriation back to Haiti.
• I can confirm there has been:
o 3 interceptions
o 18 persons have been arrested within the last two weeks
o 16 individuals on Providenciales have been identified with gun and gang-related activities.
o 10 individuals on Grand Turk have been identified with gun and gang-related activities.
o Royal Turks and Caicos Police continues to receive daily and weekly reporting on illegal activities including gun and organised crime.
UK Assistance
We have been in constant contact with the UK Government which has announced a more detailed package of support including:
• Policing equipment to support the RTCIPF in combating serious crime, including new capabilities in forensics, body-worn cameras, and CCTV.
• Border security upgrades to the TCI’s drone surveillance capability, portable scanners, new engines for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources vessels, and support for implementing electronic borders.
• A comprehensive new package of support to radically upgrade the TCI’s maritime domain awareness with the rollout of advanced coastal sensors through the support of the UK’s Joint Maritime Security Centre.
• The arrival of the Reconnaissance Mission and I will meet with them tomorrow at 8 AM.
Additionally, I appeal to individuals within the Haitian community, or any other community residing in these islands, to come forward if they have any information or involvement related to human trafficking and illegal migration. The full force of the law will be brought to bear if any such involvement is discovered.
I urge the public to refrain from politicizing the matter of border security and crime. To safeguard our nation, we must remain united.
I want to express my gratitude to all the dedicated members of our law enforcement agencies who work tirelessly day and night to protect and defend our borders. Your unwavering commitment to this duty is the ultimate act of patriotism, and my government and I fully support you.
We are proud of the work you are doing and will do everything in our power to ensure your safety and well-being. Your hard work and sacrifice do not go unnoticed, and we understand that you are the ones on the front line to keep our country safe while many of us are asleep.
Thank you for your service to our country and reminding you that we cannot face this challenge alone, but we can overcome it together. Turks and Caicos, let us continue to work hand in hand to ensure the safety and security of our nation. May God continue to bless these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands
Thank you.
