Above: TCI

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dr Bernice Fidelia, Haiti’s Minister for Haitians Living Abroad, met Thursday in Turks and Caicos with TCI Premier Dr Rufus Ewing.

The two sides discussed the issue of illegal migration of Haitian nationals to the archipelago, a continued problem that has led to increased criticism from TCI and even the brief patrol of a British warship at the end of last month.

In early April, the Turks and Caicos intercepted a boat carrying 168 illegal migrants from Haiti.

In a statement, the Turks and Caicos government called the talks “frank discussions” on how the two nations can work together to address issues of border security and illegal squatting.

They also discussed issues such as deforestation, trade and potential investment opportunities.

Fidelia reportedly gave “strong commitments” to working with the TCI government to inform Haitians living in the North Coast of Haiti of the “realities of illegal travel to Turks and Caicos and the legal approach if they desire to visit and work in the TCI.”