The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) hasexpressed deep concern about the increasing arrival of illegal sloops on Turksand Caicos Islands (TCI) shores, urging the Progressive National Party (PNP)government to continue implementing the strategic measures developed by the PDMduring its tenure. Within just two months of the new government’s term, ninesloops carrying over 600 migrants have been intercepted or made landfall,including a rare incident on South Caicos where migrants escaped undetected. Highlightingthe financial and health risks posed by the influx, especially amidst theongoing pandemic, the PDM stressed the need for a well-resourced, modern, andsustainable approach to border security.

The PDM recalled its achievements under the12-point Law Enforcement Plan, which emphasized modernization, collaboration,and regional partnerships. This included launching Operation Guardian in2017, which significantly increased repatriations, and initiating bilateraltalks with The Bahamas for shared resources, including the Bahamas DefenseForce. The PDM also spearheaded the creation of the Secretariat for NationalSecurity, recruitment of specialized immigration and task force personnel,investments in equipment such as drones, boats, and radar systems, and advancedthe establishment of a Border Force Agency and TCI Regiment. The partyunderscored the importance of continued investment in these efforts and calledfor the restoration of land-based operations like Operation Guardian tomanage undocumented migrants and strengthen border defenses.

The PDM also emphasized three criticalinitiatives developed during its administration that should not bediscontinued: (1) the establishment of the Border Force Agency with UK support,(2) the expansion of radar satellite stations funded jointly by the UK andTCIG, and (3) the continued buildup of the TCI Regiment to assist in nationalsecurity. Additionally, the party urged the PNP government to reintroducepolicies and laws aimed at dismantling informal settlements, which often harborundocumented migrants. The PDM expressed confidence that the continuation ofthese initiatives would lead to meaningful progress in border control andnational security, ensuring a more secure future for the Turks and CaicosIslands.