Former Deputy Premier Sean Astwood and PDMChairman Ezra Taylor have unveiled an ambitious and comprehensive plan tostrengthen border security and tackle illegal entry in the Turks and CaicosIslands (TCI). Speaking at a press conference on November 20, 2024, Astwoodhighlighted the urgency of addressing unauthorized entries that undermine thecountry’s safety and stability. The PDM’s strategy includes modernizing theborder management system to register all individuals entering the TCI, whetherby air or sea, ensuring the government has real-time knowledge of who is withinits borders. Astwood also emphasized the need for significant investment incutting-edge surveillance technologies, such as drones, radars, and underwatersensors, as well as a fully equipped marine base to monitor and secure thecountry’s vast maritime borders around the clock.
Astwood and Taylor also emphasized theimportance of expanding on prior successes. Astwood pointed to the PDM’sintroduction of the advanced passenger information system during its last term,which allows authorities to screen travelers before they board a plane. Heproposed extending this system to maritime borders to intercept potentialillegal arrivals before they reach TCI waters. Taylor echoed these sentiments,stressing the need for larger, more durable watercraft and the reintroductionof air patrols, citing the current lack of adequate resources to safeguard theislands. “We need long-range, enduring watercraft and radar coverage across theentire country,” Taylor stated, underscoring the PDM’s commitment to ensuringTCI’s borders are monitored consistently and effectively.
The PDM leaders also addressed legalimmigration, advocating for an efficient and transparent system to encouragecompliance with established laws while meeting labor demands. They committed topublic messaging campaigns to deter illegal entry and promote legal pathwaysfor migrants. Taylor reinforced this message, noting that TCI welcomes migrantsbut must enforce its laws to protect citizens and maintain order. Both Astwoodand Taylor framed the PDM’s border security initiative as an essential step towardsafeguarding TCI’s future, ensuring not only safety but also economicstability. “We will lead on this,” Astwood declared, vowing that the PDM willtake bold action to secure the islands and create a safer, more prosperousenvironment for all.