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Approximately eighteen months ago there was significant public commentary and proposed solutions by the current government and their self-proclaimed sheriff to stopping illegal migration and human trafficking, particularly the infamous sloops.

As I write this article, a press release has been issued stating that an illegal vessel has been intercepted with 137 persons onboard. Ironically, this has become the status quo with this administration, send a release and keep talking tough. Transitioning to present day, the self-proclaimed sheriff seems not to be able to proverbially speaking, shoot straight with an effective strategy or policy.

However, I must make mention of the increase in penalties for human smuggling and other immigration offences amendments was an encouraging approach, with support from the opposition in the House of Parliament, otherwise the current government has not established an effective national strategy to this vexing problem.

As Turks and Caicos Islanders, we all know of the negative externalities of human smuggling and the illegal entry of sloops to our shores, such as gun smuggling, narcotics smuggling and the public health and security risk to our communities nationwide. By extension, the illegal migration tentacles dont stop at our borders. They reach deep into our scarce natural resources, with the development of unsafe housing and squatter villages, which can be a breeding ground for criminality and unsavory behaviors.

This occurs while our very own Turks and Caicos Islander cannot get access to their own land to build the life they desire in their own country. This is one primary reason to act with haste in developing a national strategy with a focus on curbing this trade.

During this government's tenure thus far, the Turks and Caicos Islands has been inundated with illegal sloops breaching our borders. To be more precise, in 2021 there were 15 sloops intercepted, carrying over 1,400 persons and 8 confirmed landings of illegal vessels that were not intercepted with an unknown number of persons that the government is aware of, as shared in public releases and forums.

I commend the law enforcement agencies associated with the interceptions. In 2022, thus far 8 sloops carrying approximately 860 illegal migrants have been intercepted and approximately 9 landed with an unknown number of persons and cargo. More boats landed in this country this year than were intercepted.

To be plain speaking, this is overwhelming on our immigration personnel, marine branch, our tax dollars and a serious threat to our national security. If we do a simple conservative estimated calculation of $250.00 per illegal migrant, excluding detention cost, security and food, the numbers add up. So what will the Sheriff do?

Many would ask what did the previous administration do to combat this national security concern? Well, here is a summary of what they accomplished during their governance as it relates to illegal migration and national security. The question will also be asked, was it enough?

Comparatively they may have a superior case.

Implemented an MOU with The Bahamas to Patrol TCI waters. Allocated financing for additional Coastal Radar Coverage Established the first Permanent Secretary of National Security Office Established the National Security strategy to implement strategy on illegal Migration, Security and Crime Advance Passenger Information Systems New marine police vessels Establishment of the TCI Regiment. (Lets compare and contrast the above with what this current administration has accomplished as it related to illegal migration and national security, roughly halfway through their term); Increased penalties for illegal migration Increased personnel for the Task Force (ongoing) Outside of the above-mentioned accomplishments, that I am aware of, the sheriff has been proverbially shooting blanks to combat illegal migration and human smuggling operations into the Turks and Caicos Islands, and I state this from an open and objective prospective.

In the area of national security, the people of these islands want an effective approach to curbing this illicit trade, not just tough talk, but tough action and transformative ideas. To transform the ways in which we combat the vexing illegal trade, we must give our best and brightest law enforcement minds an opportunity to brainstorm and contribute to this national security threat.

Having worked in the field for over twenty years, I know that the best ideas does not always originate at the top. Speaking of transformation, I will share several suggestions that the sheriff may want to consider.

Procure two cutters to patrol our territorial waters on 24hr basis. This will allow for a return at sea process, heighten our enforcement and patrol capabilities. Construct a modern detention center for migrant processing and detention to improve health, safety, and security of our officers. Establish an immigration court to swiftly deal with immigration matters, persons charged with immigration offences remain in the TCI on bail too long and continue to be a national security threat. Reduce the pull factors by not processing work permit applications for persons who enter the TCI illegally. Cease issuing work permits to persons seeking employment through TC Islanders who themselves dont have gainful employment, introduce a means test process for TC Islanders applying for work permits. Increase radar coverage for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands archipelago. Train and arm the Immigration Task Force to combat the threats they encounter and enhance intelligence gathering capabilities.

Whilst these recommendations may not be a cure all, we must change our current land and sea strategies on this issue. The cost of heightening our national security is worth ever expense, or we can continue with the antiquated methods we are currently using, which we have seen the negative results. The choice is clear; act or be outnumbered in our own country. Therefore, the overarching question is, can the sheriff and his deputies stop the sloops, or not?

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What will the Sheriff do about The Sloops? - Turks and Caicos Sun