News
Fort Charlotte Comes Alive with Period Costumes, Thanks to Historic Bahamas Foundation Council Support for AMMC
Raquel Davis is selling her wares like her great-grandmother did 100 years before her –from a straw basket made from Andros plait, lifting, gently turning, holding out each sugar apple, soursop and fresh pear for the ‘buyer’ to examine. Eyes brimming with pride for the produce she grew, she is dressed in period costume from the straw hat on her head to the long skirt made of rough-hewn cotton, maybe a potato sack.
Nearby, Shenique is telling the story of Fort Charlotte, built in 1787 to protect Nassau against an attack by the French which never materialized. Meantime, Veronica is welcoming the latest group of visitors to the country’s largest fortress. “Welcome to Fort Charlotte,” her voice bellows, “where the history will intrigue you, the structure will amaze you and the view will inspire you.”
The three women are posted at one of Nassau’s oldest sites, Fort Charlotte, rapidly becoming one of the city’s fastest growing attractions. They’re among a troupe that is giving the hilltop fort new life with guides in period costume bringing living history to hundreds flocking back to the fort by the bus and taxi-load, thanks to support from the Historic Bahamas Foundation Council.
“This is truly living history and it’s fascinating — every sentence packed with intrigue and insight,” said Council Chairman Owen Bethel. “When AMMC (Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation) came to us to request the funds for the costuming, we immediately recognized the potential and it was a unanimous yes, but seeing it in action reinforces what a great asset it is for us to be able to tell the remarkable story.”
Bethel toured the fort with Council members, businesswoman and philanthropist Nancy Kelly, attorney and former jurist Yvette McCartney, Albany Vice President Dr. Tyrone McKenzie, public relations executive Diane Phillips andNew Providence Development Company President Philip Simon.
“This is really interesting,” said Kelly. “I never realized there was a well here or what it took to build this, or that 40 men slept crowded in the small stone dungeon.”
AMMC Executive Director Dr. Keith Tinker had proposed the period costuming along with the firing of the cannon at noon on Wednesday and Friday as part of a broader business plan to bring new life and activity to historic sites while preserving their integrity.
As guards dressed in military uniform prepared for the firing of the cannon, visitors and Council members got a quick history lesson. The original cannons at all three forts on the site were so valuable because of their bronze England shipped them back and between 1844 and 1859 replaced them with steel. One loud Ka-boom accompanied by plumes of white smoke proved the old cannons still worked, but Fort visitors were told, “These cannons have only been fired in celebration, never fired in any anger.”
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – The recent aggravated robbery targeting a five-member household is undoubtedly distressing for both the victims and the community at large.
Superintendent (Division A) Willet Harvey said, “Around 11:21 pm yesterday (April 14th) evening, the Police Control Room received a report that four masked males, three of whom were armed, entered a residence at New Subdivision, Grand Turk, and proceeded to rob the occupants.
The armed suspects managed to flee the scene on foot and escaped.
“Following the report, officers were dispatched to the scene, conducted extensive searches and interviewed individuals. Based on the information received, we are actively pursuing several leads that will lead to arrests in the shortest possible time.
“The incident highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and proactively safeguarding homes and families. I advise people to enhance their home security by locking doors and windows when inside, investing in a CCTV system, and ensuring adequate outdoor lighting. Should you have any information on this burglary or illegal activities in Grand Turk, please call 946-2299. ”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information.
News
Two Major Murder Trials Underway simultaneously in Grand Turk; making history in more ways than one
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Two separate murder trials. Two separate alleged Blue Hills killers. Two separate Blue Hills male victims lost their lives. Two separate dates of killings. The Crown has two separate vulnerable witnesses, one for each murder case as their main or key witness.
Both main/key witnesses have each relocated to the UK after the murders and both are under a witness protection program. They both testified in their respective trials via video link, as they did not return to the Turks and Caicos for the trials in live or opened court.
The move to have them back in the islands considered too risky.
Each trial has a different judge with its own 12-member jury. Both cases are running concurrently in different court rooms but both are unfolding on the Island of Grand Turk.
This is an historical move for the TCI judiciary running two murder trials all at once and on one Island (The Nation’s Capital); simultaneously.
Both trials are expected to in mere days with verdicts from the separately empaneled juries or on a ruling by the learned trial judges.
JOUVLY INELUS, 32 is one of the accused men on trial for allegedly killing Brian Leon Williams on the afternoon of Thursday, November 3rd, 2022. His defense counsel is Mrs. Lara Maroof Misick and Principal Public Prosecutor, Mr. Clement Joseph started the Crown’s case for the office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
A 12-member jury and his Lordship, The Hon Mr. Justice Chris Selochan is presiding over INELUS trial.
In addition to murder, Inelus also faces four counts of firearm-related offences namely:
Discharging a Firearm, Discharging Ammunition, Carrying a Firearm, and Carrying Ammunition.
The homicide took place at a location known as Enid Forbes Yard, Hopeland Close, Blue Hills, Providenciales.
KENDALL DEAN, who is 29 years old is the second accused of homicide and his trial is underway for the shooting death of 24-year-old Joshua Swann on Sunday, August 8th, 2021 in the vicinity of North West Point, Blue Hills, Providenciales, according to police.
This trial was delayed its start, a week, due to jury issues, but now proceedings are progressing and Mr. Oliver Smith, KC is representing Kendall Dean against the allegations laid.
The trial is before his Lordship, the Honourable judge, Mr. Davidson Kevin Baptiste and a 12-member jury.
#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th February 2024, Her Excellency the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams. appointed a Boundaries Commission to review and alter the present boundaries and make changes, if necessary.
The following persons were appointed as members of the Committee:
Rev Dr. Julia E Williams Retired Civil Servant and Methodist Minister (Chairman)
Hon Justice K Neville Adderley M.B. (Member)
Ms Tremaine R S Harvey LLB(hons) Attorney at Law (Member)
The Constitution also stipulates that a Commission after appointment may regulate its procedure and, with the Governor acting in her discretion, may confer powers and impose duties on any public officer, or any authority of the Government for the purpose of discharge of its functions.
For the purpose of discharge of its functions , the Commission
- May invite views from members of the public.
- Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
- May seek advice as it considers appropriate.
The Commission and its members , under the Constitution, shall NOT be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority.
The Commission will review the boundaries of the Electoral Districts, and submit to the Governor and House of Assembly, a report on their findings.:-
- Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
- Recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.
In determining its recommendations, the Commission under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, the Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
In order to be successful in its deliberations and produce an efficient report to HE the Governor, the Commission will visit ALL islands, have discussions with members of the public and have public meetings.
Deliberations will commence as follows:-
MEETING WITH GROUPS FACE TO FACE – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024
13th May 2024 Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
14th May 2024 South Caicos at 6.30 pm
15th May 2024 Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
16th May 2024 Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.
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