The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force marked a proud milestone on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with a combined celebration of its One-Year Inauguration Journey and the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025, held at the Salvation Army Hall in Providenciales. The event honored a year of dedicated service since the Border Force’s official launch and welcomed a new cohort of officers committed to vigilance, national pride, and public service.
The ceremony brought together Government leaders, national security partners, officers, and families to honor Border Force’s achievements and reaffirm its mission of safeguarding the Turks and Caicos Islands. Among those in attendance were Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; the Hon. Premier, Charles Washington Misick; the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams; and the Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Border Force, Hon. Jamell Robinson, along with members of Cabinet and Parliament. Their presence underscored the Government’s continued commitment to national security, good governance, and the prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In his One-Year Reflection Address, Director General Emilio Seymour described the anniversary as a moment of “resilience, unity, and purpose,” noting that the Border Force has transitioned from a vision into a thriving national institution. He commended the dedication of officers who have transformed the organization into a modern, intelligence-driven agency unified under one mission. “Today,” he said, “the Border Force stands tall, no longer emerging, but established; no longer transitioning, but thriving. We remain steadfast in our mission of safeguarding our border and our nation’s prosperity.”
The Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Border Force, Hon. Jamell Robinson, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government, lauding the agency’s progress and the determination of its officers. “Getting to where we are, and all that we have accomplished as a Ministry with the Border Force, is by no stretch of the imagination an easy feat,” he said. “Every milestone, every achievement, and every win, no matter how small, motivates us to push past obstacles in fulfilling our mission of safeguarding our border and our nation’s prosperity.”
Minister Robinson praised the leadership of Director General Seymour and the entire team for their commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and the integration of new technologies. He reaffirmed the Government’s continued support for a Border Force that is agile, data-driven, and people-centered, adding, “With enhanced capabilities, continuous training, and modernized systems, the TCI Border Force is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, shaping a future where border security is not just a function, but a force for national stability.”
The keynote address was delivered by National Security Advisor, Mr. John W. Priddy, who commended the professionalism and progress of the Border Force during its first year. Addressing the graduates, he said, “From this day forward, you are both guardians of the border and guardians of the brand of Turks and Caicos. Professionalism is not a uniform you put on; it is a habit you live.”
The ceremony also featured the presentation of badges and insignia to the graduating officers by Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, and Director General Seymour. Each new officer was reminded that their insignia represents the public’s trust and the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and service. A special tribute was paid to retirees Dawn M. Smith, Diana I. Wilson, Karyn D. Forbes, June Harry, Brenda Higgs, Wayne Ingham, and Lyndon Jennings, who were honored for their decades of service and invaluable contribution to the establishment and success of the Border Force.
Established in 2024 through the merger of the former Customs and Immigration Departments, the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force serves as the unified border management agency responsible for facilitating legitimate trade and travel, protecting national revenue, and ensuring the security and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As he concluded his address, Director General Emilio Seymour reaffirmed the organization’s vision for the future: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force is no longer a vision; it is a reality, defined by professionalism, strengthened by partnership, and sustained by the spirit of those who serve.”
