On Thursday, the Dominican Navy indicated, that as part of operation "Costa Segura", it had intercepted 59 Haitians near Cap San Rafael (Boca de Yuma), afer having arrested the eve 15 other Haitian [14 men and one woman] on the beach "Arena Gorda" of Higüey.

In addition, on Tuesday, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Marine Branch (RTIC), intercepted a boat coming from Haiti, with 115 migrants on board [86 men and 29 women], who tried to enter the territory of the Turks and Caicos islands "illegally and without regard for immigration laws or regulations," authorities said in a statement.

"The Ministry of Border Control and Labour and the RTCI Police Force are keen on sending a strong message of zero tolerance to any individuals attempting to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands illegally [...] In that regard, any of the above mentioned passengers identified as repeat offenders, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," advised the Ministry which adds that all those involved in human trafficking would be liable on summary conviction, to a fine of $15,000 or a three-year prison term "It is the commitment of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to maintain protection of its borders and to unequivocally demonstrate the resolve to ensure that safe haven will not be afforded to those who attempt to circumvent normal immigration procedures."

The Government of the Turks and Caicos has advised that arrangements to repatriate the 114 migrants are "at an advanced stage" and should be completed by the end of this week.

HL/ HaitiLibre