The UK Government is today increasing support for the Turks and
Caicos Islands (TCI) to secure their borders in response to
worsening violence in neighbouring Haiti.
TCI is a British Overseas Territory located less than 200 miles
from the coast of Haiti. Together with the local government, the
UK has a responsibility for the safety and security of its
people.
Additional support agreed by the Foreign Secretary includes
equipment for the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force,
border security upgrades and coastal sensors.
A reconnaissance team from the Ministry of Defence and Home
Office, made up of UK Border Force and International Policing
Assistance advisors, has also been urgently dispatched to assess
what further support the TCI requires.
This builds upon existing assistance provided by the UK to
respond to the risk of gang violence and illegal migration from
Haiti spilling over into the wider Caribbean. The TCI has been
experiencing a surge in violent crime in recent years.
Foreign Secretary said:
The safety and security of people in the Turks and Caicos Islands
is vital following the terrible escalation of violence we have
seen in Haiti.
In addition to our existing support, these measures will help the
brave officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force
to tackle the threat of illegal migration and gang violence.
In this fast-moving situation, the UK continues to support
regional efforts to restore stability and security for the people
of Haiti.
Last month, the UK Government dispatched extra specialist
firearms and investigative police officers to TCI, in addition to
the serious crime team already deployed since November 2022. It
is also providing equipment and border security worth
£4.25million this year and a further £3million next.
Following a call yesterday between Minister for the Overseas
Territories , TCI Premier Washington Misick
and Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the support agreed
includes:
-
Police equipment to combat serious crime, including new
capabilities on forensics, body-worn cameras and
CCTV.
-
Border security upgrades to the TCI’s drone surveillance
capability, portable scanners, new engines for patrol
vessels, and support for the implementation of electronic
borders to tackle illegal migration.
-
Advanced coastal sensors as part of a comprehensive package
to upgrade maritime security capability, with the
support of the UK’s Joint Maritime Security
Centre.
Additionally, the UK is sourcing marine patrol craft to send to
the TCI and is working with the Governor’s Office on a further
package of assistance.
The UK remains committed to supporting a Haitian-led political
solution to the escalating violence in the country and the
efforts of Caribbean partners to agree a return to security
and stability.
The Government assists Haiti through its financial contributions
to UN Agencies and the World Bank.
