Immigration Department ends First Quarter with Major Convictions

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 4 August 2023: Harold Boy, suspected captain of an illegal sloop (Desizyo) that entered the Turks & Caicos Islands carrying 159 Haitian Migrants has been found GUILTY of all charges.

Through a multi-agency collaboration of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), the Office of Public Prosecution and the TCI Immigration Department, Mr. Boy was charged and found guilty.

On 23^rd April 2023, Mr. Boy was sentenced to the following:

1. Eight (8) Years imprisonment for the offence of AGGRAVATING ASSISTING UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
2. Three (3) years imprisonment for Entering the Turks & Caicos Islands while being on the country’s Stop List.
3. Three (3) years imprisonment for Unlawful Entry to the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The law enforcement units of the Turks & Caicos Islands remain fully committed to undermining the criminal organisations that insist on challenging the security of our borders.

This is no longer an isolated security risk, and we have recognised the need for International and regional support. This support has been and continues to be instrumental in the success of border protection in the TCI.

The department is sending a strong message to those considering illegal immigration: offenders will be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The consequences of illegal entry into any country are severe and can jeopardise the safety and well-being of our communities.

The Minister of Immigration and Border Services Honourable Arlington Musgrove emphasised the significance of this case stating, “We will not tolerate illegal immigration and those who engage in activities that compromise the security of our borders. This case exemplifies our unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our immigration system.”

Sharlene Richards,  Director of the Immigration Department stated that “The success of this case is a testament to the exceptional cooperation between the Immigration Department and RTCIPF. We commend the dedication and professionalism of our officers and partners in ensuring the enforcement of immigration laws and protection of the TCI borders”.

We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information regarding illegal immigration by emailing the Immigration Department at TCIIntel@gov.tc or contacting the US ICE hotline at  1-866-DHS-2-ICE or https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form