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TCI Spared, Dozens dead in Caribbean, Eye on Bahamas now

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Providenciales, TCI, October 6, 2016 – It was a series of changes in the movement, size and encounters of Hurricane Matthew which worked in tandem to bring a blessing for the Turks and Caicos Islands; Hurricane Matthew did no damage and life as usual resumes today for the TCI. 
 
The storm shrunk in size, and that meant the Turks and Caicos archipelago fell outside of the most dangerous winds and was spared the brunt of the storm which has killed and caused grave devastation. 
 
The All Clear for the Turks and Caicos came around 4pm on Wednesday; about two hours after the Tropical Storm warning was lifted and this allowed the DDME time to ensure conditions around the country were indeed safe.  Matthew dropped very little rain and brought tropical storm force winds and gale force winds to this chain of islands.   
 
Right now and since 4am, the system is battering Nassau, New Providence – the Capital of The Bahamas.  Hundreds have heeded evacuation notices and shelters were reporting full in many parts of that island. 
 
While communication was lost in islands like Acklins; Inagua reported some structural damage, a sunken ship, almost a foot of localized flooding in Matthew Town, telecommunications infrastructural damage and electricity is lost.  Ragged Island, Exuma and its Cays were for hours being slammed by the hurricane and there was no word of the frightening storm surge for those cluster of islands and cays. 
 
As Hurricane Matthew rolled into Nassau; power was lost and sparking and fire on the Bahamas Power and Light electricity poles were reported into the early morning.  A 10 to 15ft storm surge is forecast for little Nassau which is in the direct path of the strong storm.   
 
Unfortunately, New Providence also recorded another murder last night when a gunman reportedly showed up at another man’s door and shot him point blank.  The TCI and The Bahamas have strong family and business linkages, and so the events of our neighbours north are of particular interest.  Also of interest: Haiti, the nation which provides the TCI with its largest expatriate workforce. 
 
Media reports say millions evacuated, thousands of homes were lost, farms are decimated and the death toll varies but gets to 26 by some accounts; and special forces say it could be worse as they begin to get into the communities hardest hit by Matthew. 
 
The Dominican Republic has seen thousands displaced by the hurricane, four are dead. 
 
It is said that 25 were killed in Cuba and historic structures and homes, thought to be so sound were collapsed in dangerous Matthew.   
 
There was minor damage reported for Jamaica, and already that country is galvanizing its resources to go in to help Haiti.
Photo credit: George Harris

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Crime

Aggravated Burglary

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#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.

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Two Major Murder Trials Underway simultaneously in Grand Turk; making history in more ways than one

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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.

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REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES  OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.  

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#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

  1. May invite views from members of the public.
  2. Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
  3. 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.:-

  1. Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
  2. 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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