Over 140 Haitian Migrants Detained By Turks and Caicos Islands

One hundred and forty Haitian migrants were intercepted amidst their attempt to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands early on Monday morning, the migrants included men, women and children.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) released a statement through Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton who said “The illegal sloop carried 121 males and 19 females. The irregular migrants were brought ashore to Providenciales for processing by the Immigration Task Force.”

Of those detained, a total of four minors were involved, two males and two females. "The RTCIPF remains committed to working alongside our regional and international partners to dismantle these operations run by unscrupulous individuals. I am grateful to the crew for their diligence and professionalism in executing yesterday’s interception as we continue to partner in protecting our territorial waters and Border.”

The RTCIPF took to Facebook for a media release on the issue in which they stated “The TCI-Bahamas Shiprider Agreement allows the TCI and Bahamian ship riders to board each other’s law enforcement vessels or aircraft. The ship rider can grant authority to enforce TCI law relating to people trafficking, illegal migration, narcotics or firearms trafficking, or unregulated fishing.”

Due to regional proximity, Haitian refugees have often sought asylum at the TCI. Recent developments in Haiti have escalated violence and disharmony in the nation, namely in the capital of Port-Au-Prince where a coalition of gangs has essentially put the capital under siege, the situation has shown no real signs of de-escalation and it has been reported that Haitians are fleeing for their peace and livelihoods.

Alongside other collaborative international organizations, CARICOM has been hosting high-importance meetings in the region to tackle the crisis in Haiti with one taking place as recently as Monday in Jamaica.

In recognition of this crisis, the Governor and Premier Of The Turks & Caicos Islands, Washington Misick, shared an open letter about the diminishing conditions in Haiti, in which Premiere Misick wrote “We propose inviting the British government to consider the deployment of military personnel and equipment to strategic locations across our nation.”

He goes on to say “With a civil war just 317 kilometres away from our shores in Haiti, coupled with the escaping of thousands of dangerous prisoners, and the mass exodus of persons towards our coastline, it is clear that we cannot afford to be complacent. The safety and well-being of our citizens must be a top priority, and proactive measures need to be taken swiftly to prevent any adverse impact on our beloved nation, our lives, and our livelihood.”