PRESS RELEASE
WDC-65-2021
10 DECEMBER 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. 10 December 2021– Consul General Iric C. Arribas meets Governor Nigel John Dakins of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. They discussed ways of further promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of the Filipino migrant workers in TCI, including the conclusion of a labor cooperation agreement. Joining Consul General Arribas is Assistant Labor Attaché Marie Josephine Borromeo, Welfare Officer Mae Codilla and Mr. Alfonso Palatino, President of the Filipino Community in TCI, a local Filipino organization.
Consul General Arribas also met with Dr. Dawn O’Sullivan, Chair of the TCI Red Cross to discuss ways of encouraging volunteerism and participation of the Filipinos in various training programs such as preparedness during natural calamities. TCI Red Cross is a part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s oldest and largest global humanitarian network.
After two years, a 2-day consular outreach mission was again conducted with 322 consular clients served (308 passport applications, 6 passport validity extension, 6 notarials and 2 reports of birth), 50 employment contracts verified and 166 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration membership renewed. The Embassy’s consular team and the Philippine Oversees Labor Office were assisted by the officers and volunteers of the 750-strong Filipino Community in TCI.
The Turks and Caicos economy is based on tourism, offshore financial services and fishing. There are approximately 1,700 Filipinos in this archipelago, mostly working in the hotel and hospitality industry. ###
