BEGINS
PRESS RELEASE
PREMIER SPEAKS TO RETURNING RESIDENTS AND REPATRIATION FLIGHT
I regret yesterday’s experience for Turks and Caicos Islanders and returning residents who were unfortunately not allowed to travel on a flight home from Florida.
While I was unaware of the scheduled flight, I note that there has been no such previous experience having had a number of these flights arranged from multiple destinations already. This of course has prompted my full attention and I immediately called for a full inquiry as to what has led to this rather unfortunate experience. Even ahead of a full report, it appears that there has been a serious breakdown in communication above anything else.
In addition to the request for information surrounding what transpired, I have also requested the relevant agencies to reach out to all those affected and to enquire of their needs.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has also moved to identify a flight to repatriate these individuals, and as soon as the Ministry of Health is in a position to approve, we will assist in bringing everyone home. My Government has established clear protocols and will ensure that all are reacquainted with those protocols so that we are able to keep us all safe.
I want to assure everyone that this matter is being addressed with the urgency it deserves at this very moment.
In this crisis, and always, we shall never abandon our people. Our policy decision was always clear – bring our people home.
END