The escalating issue of illegal migrationinto the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has reached alarming levels, with ninesloops intercepted in just two months, including one rare landfall on SouthCaicos where all aboard reportedly escaped undetected. The arrival of over 600migrants in a single week not only imposes a severe financial burden on thenation but also poses significant health risks during an already deadlypandemic. The PDM urges the current government to adopt a robust,well-resourced, and modernized approach to address this crisis, emphasizing theimportance of building upon strategies and groundwork laid during theiradministration.

Under the PDM government (2016-2021),initiatives such as Operation Guardian saw historic success inrepatriating undocumented migrants, with 1,335 persons removed in 2017 comparedto 419 in 2016. This land-based operation, combined with investments incritical national security infrastructure, was instrumental in combating illegalmigration. The PDM also initiated steps toward establishing a BorderProtection Agency and created the TCI Regiment to strengthenmaritime defenses. Further, the modernization of the radar system, investmentin marine and aerial assets, and the first-ever bilateral MOU discussions withThe Bahamas Defense Force highlighted their commitment to safeguarding TCI'sborders through strategic, collaborative efforts.

The PDM stresses the urgent need for thecurrent government to continue advancing these critical programs, particularlythe establishment of a Border Force Agency, radar system upgrades, andenhanced inter-agency coordination led by the Permanent Secretary of NationalSecurity. These initiatives, coupled with robust enforcement under lawsaddressing informal settlements and migration policies, are essential for protectingTCI’s sovereignty. The PDM believes that a return to proactive, unified, andstrategic border management is vital to stem the tide of illegal migration andsecure a safe and stable future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.