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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
TURKS & CAICOS - A sloop carrying 82 would be illegal immigrants was intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and brought safely to port at South Dock, Providenciales at 10.00am today, Monday, 1 September 2014.
The vessel was captured following a report passed to the police by immigration staff at the government’s coastal radar station.
The 60 males and 22 females were handed over to immigration officials at the detention centre. After processing they will be repatriated to Haiti in the next few days.
Two of the group were sent to the Cheshire Hall Medical Facility for treatment due to extreme fatigue and another for a laceration to their leg sustained when they tried to jump overboard and escape the authorities.
“I urge the Haitian authorities to stop these attempts at illegal migration from their shores to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said the Hon. Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister for Border Control and Labour. “Not only is it extremely dangerous for those concerned - this vessel was taking on water when we caught it - but, it is a disproportionate burden on the resources of this country. It must stop.
“I commend all of our responders and agencies for their hard work and commitment to duty.”
The communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraged to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals.
The Police can be contacted anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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