The British Government announced this Thursday that it will increase support for its overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands to protect its borders in the face of the deteriorating situation in neighboring Haiti.
The British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, has authorized the sending of new equipment to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, improvements in border security and coastal detectors.
A reconnaissance team from the Ministry of Defense and the Home Office, made up of members of the British Border Force and international police assistance, has also traveled to the territory to assess needs on the ground.
The announcement comes two days after the police of the islands, located about 300 kilometers from Haiti, reported that 140 Haitian immigrants, including 119 men, 17 women and four minors, were intercepted on Monday in the waters of the archipelago. in the midst of a political crisis and in the midst of increasing gang-dominated violence in Haiti.
The UK fears that the outbreak of violence and illegal immigration could spread in the Caribbean and affect Turks and Caicos, which has already seen a rise in crime in recent years.
“The safety of people in Turks and Caicos is vital following the horrific escalation of violence we have seen in Haiti. In addition to our existing support, these measures will help the brave officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force to address the threat of illegal immigration and gang violence,” Cameron said, according to a statement.
Members of the National Guard in Florida (File)
Leaders of the Haitian community in Florida and local congressmen asked the United States authorities this Thursday for a “compassionate response” to the crisis facing the Caribbean nation, instead of a “militarization” of the border.
The Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and the Family Action Network Movement (FANM) noted in a statement that “Haiti is currently facing a terrible situation marked by constant political instability,” a scenario accentuated after the recent resignation of the first “unelected” minister, Ariel Henry, due to international pressure.
The Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, announced this Tuesday that he will resign as soon as there is a transitional presidential council, which has opened a new door in Haiti’s difficult path to try to overcome the acute crisis it is going through and the high levels of violence, increased even more in recent days.
The organizations, as well as state Congresswoman Dotie Joseph, of Haitian origin, expressed their “deep concern” about the response of the state governor, Ron DeSantis, in the face of the escalation of the crisis that is plaguing the Caribbean nation, a response that, they said , “prioritizes militarization over humanitarian aid.”
On Wednesday, DeSantis announced the deployment of 250 members of state agencies to South Florida and the Keys, in the far south, in anticipation of the arrival of a “potential flow of illegal immigration from Haiti.”
“We cannot allow illegal aliens to come to Florida,” DeSantis, a former presidential candidate, said in a statement released by his office.
Organizations based in South Florida, which is home to the largest Haitian community in the United States, today called the governor’s response “shortsighted and counterproductive.”
Focusing only on security measures “neglects the moral imperative of offering refuge to those fleeing everyday situations of violence and persecution in life and death,” they said.
They urge the governor to reconsider “his approach” and explore “alternatives based on real solutions that respect US and international asylum laws.”
They also alluded to the claim of the United Nations, which recently indicated that the situation in Haiti is “more than unsustainable”, with more than 1,190 people murdered since the beginning of 2024.
In fact, on Wednesday this body asked the Dominican Republic, as well as any other country, to “respect the human rights of Haitians who seek to improve their lives in other places” and avoid “forced deportations.”
The organizations asked DeSantis and federal authorities to work together to stop the trafficking of weapons from Florida to Haiti, devices that later fall into the hands of the gangs that are causing unrest in that country.
FLIC executive director Tessa Petit urged granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for irregular Haitians residing in the US, which would protect them from deportation and grant them work permits while the crisis in the country continues. your country of origin.
“Instead of harassing refugees who are literally fleeing for their lives, the state government can focus its law enforcement resources on ensuring that shipments from Florida are properly screened for illegal weapons and ammunition,” Congresswoman Joseph asked in turn. .
This Thursday, the Florida Division of Emergencies (FDEM) announced the launch of a website to register residents of this southern state or other regions who are currently “trapped in Haiti,” as indicated in a statement from the office. of the governor.
2024-03-14 22:45:20
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