Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam has addressed the exclusive NBC News report that the incoming Donald Trump Administration is planning to dump deportees to countries including the Turks and Caicos Islands in the event their home jurisdictions refused to take them.
The following is the statement from the governor:
As Governor, I want to address recent media reports suggesting the Turks and Caicos Islands might be considered by the incoming administration of the United States of America (US) as a destination for deportees whose home countries have refused their return.
I confirm that neither the Turks and Caicos Islands Government nor the United Kingdom (UK) Government have received any formal request from the US Government or the President Elect’s transition team regarding this matter, nor is it a matter that has been raised with the Governor’s Office in any discussions with US or UK counterparts.
Our position, as outlined by the Minister of Immigration, is unequivocal – the Turks and Caicos Islands will not accept deportees from the US or any other nation unless they are our citizens.
This clear position is rooted in our sovereignty, the protection of our borders and the welfare of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Any suggestion to the contrary is unfounded. The Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to prioritise the interests and security of our nation above all else.
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