| 10 Haitians drown trying to enter TCI illegally | | Print | |
| Thursday, 15 September 2011 08:35 | |||
|
Officials are investigating the drowning deaths of 10 illegal Haitian immigrants who were trying to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands near West Caicos Sept. 10. Four men and six women drowned when they were being transferred from a commercial vessel to shore by a smaller boat, the government said in a press statement. The bodies were recovered Sept. 11 in a coordinated effort between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Police Marine Branch. In a possibly related case, officers from customs, immigration and police on Providenciales have a number of people in custody after “a significant quantity” of suspected cannabis and contraband was found Sept. 10 on a vessel docked at the South Dock port. Police are asking the public to come forward with any information they have. Contact police at 911, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or www.crimestoppers.tc. “These tragic events show just how dangerous it is to seek to enter the TCI illegally by boat,” the government said. “Turks and Caicos Islands government, supported by Crimestoppers and the U.S. Coast Guard, wants to send a clear message to would-be illegal migrants from neighbouring countries not to dice with death in this way.” The Ministry of Border Control and Labour works with the police, disaster management, health, social development and other agencies, including the Red Cross, to respond to attempted landings. Director of Immigration Larry Mills says that any would-be migrant coming to the TCI in this way is treated humanely, but also questioned closely and returned home swiftly in accordance with TCI law. A new coastal radar that would aid authorities in intercepting illegal vessels, as well as in search and rescue and detecting poaching fishing vessels, has been delayed for years. It was supposed to be up and running months ago, but a lack of funding has stopped the project cold. The government said an expert from Bermuda will be in TCI this month to assist with the radar project. As part of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour’s current change programme, a Border Control and Enforcement command is being set up under the leadership of the Director of Immigration. This command will work in closer partnership with the police, customs and other key agencies to strengthen TCI’s borders and enforce the law effectively. Immigration officers will be deployed according to priorities, and provided with more training, to maximise the effectiveness of the department, the government said. With funding from the U.K., Simon Excell of the U.K. Border Agency arrived in TCI this month to oversee the changes, along with a U.K. immigration adviser, and a policy and casework change manager located on Grand Turk.
|
Related Articles
Entertainment: Your Island Guide
|
Top things to do in April Top things to do in April 1. From Golfing to More... |
|
Valentine’s Day Cup 2013 model sailboat races The Middle Caicos Sailboat Association will once again present the annual model sailboat races at More... |
|
Lime and Tourist Board announce weekly Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board & LIME partner with Cultural Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist More... |
|
Turks & Caicos Reef Fun to host dazzling evening The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund will host its 2nd Annual Cocktail Party Reception on Jan. 26 at the More... |
|
Fashion Glam at Regent Palms The Regent Palms is inviting everyone to an evening of fashion and glamour at their event being More... |
Latest Community News
|
Cholera Clinical Management Training Held in the TCI Healthcare professionals from the TCI Health Services were trained in the Clinical Management of More... |
|
Illegal Haitian immigrants Intercepted Illegal Haitian Immigrants Intercepted, to the Repatriated According to the Ministry of Border More... |
|
Ministry of Health Reminding public about sanitation Health surveillance teams attached to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) have More... |
|
Scholarship applications now being accepted The Ministry of Education has announced that they are now accepting applications for scholarships More... |
|
History and traditions stay alive at the 13th annual boat races in Middle Caicos The 2013 Valentines Day Cup welcomed many fun loving residents and tourists to Middle Caicos’ More... |