One of the overcrowded Haitian boats which was detained on Wednesday. Photo courtesy Royal TCI Police Force.
~ Some 380 detained ~
COCKBURN TOWN, Turks and Caicos--After a 190-mile journey over the Caribbean Sea from Haiti, two wooden sloops overcrowded with men and women were intercepted in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) waters on Wednesday, April 14.
The Coastal Radar Station detected the two boats at 5:20am and 7:13am near West Harbour Bluff, allowing the Royal TCI Police Force’s marine officers to quickly intercept them.
Both boats were towed to South Dock Port, Providenciales, where the 380 migrants were met by police officers, Ministry of Health staff, customs and immigration officers.
The first blue and red 44-foot boat held 176 people – 132 men and 44 women, while the second blue and red 44-foot boat held 204 people – 152 men and 52 women.
All of the boats’ passengers were detained at the Detention Centre and at time of press repatriation was set to begin shortly. Police searched the boats but found nothing of interest.
Minister of Immigration Arlington Musgrove issued a warning to people smugglers in a statement later that day.
“To the masterminds, we will catch and prosecute you as the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands are closed to illegal migration and related activities.
“So please do not waste your money attempting to enter these islands illegally. You will be sent back.”
The minister thanked everyone who assisted in the successful apprehension of the two boats, which he said was a “testament to our teamwork”.
He gave special thanks to the coastal radar staff for their early detection and praised the rapid response of the Marine Police officers, the Enforcement Unit and personnel from the Ministry of Health.
In a police press release that day, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said the protection of the TCI border remains a high priority for the police force and its partners.
“I wish to acknowledge the professional work of my Marine Branch team, who successfully and safely intercepted the vessels and brought them and the persons on board to safety,” he said.
“These are challenging operations in a dangerous environment, and no matter the reason for those persons being on the sloops, their safety is paramount in our consideration.”
Just two days earlier on Monday, April 12, an illegal Haitian boat made landfall at a beach close to the Sailrock Resort on South Caicos. It was found abandoned.
A press release from the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services said the number of people who were onboard has not been determined.
Searches of the island by police officers, immigration officers, the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources and the Environmental Health Department have been ongoing.
Officers are also monitoring both the sea and airport.
In the press release, Musgrove said maritime smuggling operations are dangerous and too frequently end in tragedy and death at sea.
“There are many different reasons that migrants attempt such unsafe voyages at sea, but none of them are worth the risk of life.
“The landing on South Caicos is a further indication of the abuse of our borders by persons and this is something that we will not entertain.”
It is an offence to harbour or assist illegal migrants and anyone found guilty may be fined up to US $20,000 or face four years in prison or both, according to the Immigration Ordinance 2018.
Anyone with information on the South Caicos landing or any other migration or people-smuggling issues can call 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish to www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crimestoppers tips are received in the USA. ~ Turks and Caicos Weekly News ~
