Following a special meeting last July in Bahamas, convened by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas Perry Christie, between President Michel Martelly, Peter Beckingham, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister for Borders of TCI, the Minister Gardiner announced that a memorandum of understanding between Haiti and Turkey and Caicos Islands, on illegal immigration from Haiti, will be signed in November.

The document deals with immigration and mechanisms to put in place to discourage illegal migration of Haitians to TCI. A key element of the protocol is the establishment of a monitoring group composed of members from both countries, responsible for monitoring the progress of the provisions and ensure a repatriation to Haiti respectful and safe, of illegal migrants of Haitian origin.

"[...] given the commitment expressed by the Haitian president that we have found a willing partner to work towards decreasing the incidence of illegal migration between our two countries," concluded the Minister Gardiner.

The place of signing of this protocol remains to be determined, the President Martelly has expressed interest in going to the TCI to sign this agreement, if unable Governor, Peter Beckingham, will travel to Cap Haitien for this signature.

HL/ HaitiLibre