The Ministry of Border Control and Labour and the RTCI Police Force have sent out a message in the strongest possible term that it will not tolerate any illegal migrants breaking the laws of the TCI as they relate to illegal entry into the country.
At approximately 5:00am, on Tuesday March 19, 2013, a boat carrying 115 Haitians was detected by the TCI Coastal Radar Station. It was subsequently intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands (RTCI) Police Marine Branch, south of Providenciales.
The passengers – comprising 86 males 29 females, including two minors –were attempting to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally and without regard for immigration laws or regulations.
The Ministry of Border Control and Labour and the RTCI Police Force are keen on sending a strong message of zero tolerance to any individual(s) attempting to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally. In that regard, any of the passengers identified as repeat offenders, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Likewise, anyone proven to be in any way involved in the facilitation of this type of human trafficking, is liable on summary conviction, to a fine of $15,000 or to a term of imprisonment of three years or both fine and imprisonment, in accordance with Section 69 (2) of the Immigration Ordinance.
It is the commitment of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to maintain protection of its borders and to unequivocally demonstrate the resolve to ensure that safe haven will not be afforded to those who attempt to circumvent normal immigration procedures.
The Ministry of Border Control and Labour says arrangements for repatriation of the individuals in question are at an advanced stage and are expected to be completed by the end of this week.
