CIRCULATING MISLEADING VIDEOS
The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services and Immigration Department have become aware that several videos are being circulated related to a vessel loaded with persons.
We fully understand and appreciate the anxieties surrounding illegal vessel landings. However, please be aware that the video in question was taken on February 3, 2020 in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands and is not aligned with any activities at this time.
The Ministry would like to take this opportunity to remind the General Public of the following, in accordance with the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020,
Publication of false statements
No person shall publish or cause to be published, posted or re-posted, over any media platform inclusive of social media, any purported news or report, or purported statement of fact, knowing or have reasonable cause to suspect that the same — (a) is untrue or false; or (b) may incite public fear, panic or ethnic hatred.
Offence
Any person who contravenes these Regulations commits and offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one thousand dollars or to a term of imprisonment for three months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
The Ministry and our partners would like to assure the public of efforts being taken to protect the borders of these Islands.
The public is encouraged to call 911 if you become aware of any landing or planned landings.
The protection of our borders particularly in this critical period of the COVID - 19 pandemic is to the benefit of persons originally from these Islands and those that have made the Turks and Caicos Islands their home.
May God continue to bless us all.