National Security Council Reviews Plans to Strengthen TCI Maritime Surveillance

The Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council (NSC) has reviewed proposals aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities as part of ongoing efforts to improve border protection and national security.

Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Security Council discussing border security issues

The special meeting, held on Wednesday, 5 March 2026, at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, was co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick.

Attending the meeting were the Hon. Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, the Hon. Attorney General, and the Commissioner of Police. Apologies were received from Her Excellency the Deputy Governor and the Hon. Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.

Also present were senior national security officials, including the Permanent Secretary for National Security, the National Security Advisor, the Second-in-Command Officer of the Regiment, the Director General of the Border Force, the Security and Criminal Justice Lead, and the National Security Secretariat’s Threat Lead.

During the session, council members were briefed on proposals to enhance the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system. The initiative is aimed at strengthening maritime operational capacity and improving the monitoring and protection of the territory’s maritime borders.

Officials presented an assessment of the current MDA capability and its operational effectiveness, highlighting areas where upgrades and improvements could further support law enforcement and border security agencies.

The briefing also outlined options for building a more resilient maritime surveillance system, including potential technology upgrades, improved integration of monitoring sensors, enhanced information-sharing among agencies, and greater interoperability between national security partners.

Council members also considered how improvements to the MDA system would align with broader national security infrastructure and operational requirements across the islands.

Enhancing maritime domain awareness is seen as a key step in strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ ability to monitor its territorial waters, respond to potential threats, and support coordinated border protection operations.

The National Security Council continues to play a central role in overseeing strategic security initiatives aimed at safeguarding the Turks and Caicos Islands and its maritime environment.