UK increases support for Turks and Caicos Islands following Haiti violence
The Foreign Secretary announces a new security package to support UK Overseas Territory amid Haiti violence.
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 David Cameron 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 £4.25 million this year and a further £3 million next year.
Following a call yesterday between Minister for the Overseas Territories David Rutley, TCI Premier Washington Misick and Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the support agreed includes:
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police equipment to combat serious crime, including new capabilities on forensics, body-worn cameras and CCTV
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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
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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.
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