PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – On Sunday July 29th, an illegal Haitian sloop originating out of Cap Haitian, Haiti – ran a ground on Molasses Reef just off West Caicos island in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
At a press conference held today (July 28) at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on the nearby island of Providenciales, the media were informed that a total of 124 illegal Haitian nationals were rescued, 22 females and 102 males, of which 17 males were found dead. All persons rescued were 14years of age and older. The illegal aliens were all brought to shore at South Dock, assessed and treated medically at the Myrtle Rigby Health Complex, with others being housed at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.
Contrary to that which has been reported, the illegal sloop was not being pursued by a Police vessel, but had capsized and the incident only reported to The Turks and Caicos Islands Police on Monday evening 27th July 2009. When the alarm was raised, law enforcement officials, Police Marine Branch, DECR officers, the US Coast Guard along with the local boating community commenced search and rescue efforts.
Director of Health Services Management Dr. Rufus Ewing said that the migrants’ health condition ranged from minor injuries to moderate dehydration. 64 persons, whom are well – are being housed at the sporting complex. An accurate figure of how many persons were on the sloop is not available; however, there is all likelihood that persons still may be out to sea.
Moreover, persons who were not admitted to the health facility or sports complex, but placed in the detention center were in good health, have been repatriated to Haiti this morning.
Dr. Ewing stated that Donald Michelin, the Haitian Ambassador to the TCI is aware of the situation and have apprised the Haitian Ambassador in the Bahamas, H.E. Louis Harold Joseph.. They have stated that they are willing to give TCI support with regards to the immigrants here and the repatriation efforts.
“I must say that the Haitian community themselves came out in large support of the immigrants in providing water, food and clothing,” said the Health Service Director, adding: “we must also say thanks to the Red Cross who also provided food, water and blankets and also assisted with the triage of those individuals at the dock, and the staff at the Myrtle Rigby Health Complex who worked tirelessly throughout the entire process, from the beginning and still ongoing.” He added that with the support of the private medical sector, their efforts made it less burdensome on government agencies.
It must be noted that this emergency has yet to be declared a disaster, as the situation is very much contained locally. The public will be continually updated, as this is an ongoing situation.
L to R: DSgt Calvin Chase, Hon. Samuel Been, Hon. Karen Delancy, Dr. Rufus Ewing, Mrs. Dorothy Clarke, Mr. Alonzo Malcolm and Ms. Linda Sweeny
