News
TCI Media up close with UK Armed Forces humanitarian aide
#TurksandCaicos, October 2, 2014 – Providenciales – Turks and Caicos Media was on Sunday given an up close and personal experience with UK Armed Forces humanitarian assistance and the exploit took media into the heart of operations. Time is winding down now for this British presence which was welcomed support in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The tour started with departure from the Blue Heron FBO aboard a chopper, with HE Governor Dr John Freeman on board as reporters and cameramen were flown to still tattered JAGS McArtney Intl Airport in the Capital, Grand Turk. As we landed there was a drop off of pallets containing relief supplies from the newly moored British warship, the HMS Ocean.
Outfitted with nine aircrafts, eight seacrafts, 13 floors and over 800 personnel on the ship, which arrived Sunday morning was massive and a major show of UK support sponsored by DFID. The Governor said the ship also signals the UK Armed Forces withdrawl from the territory.
“We see from both the territory and from the UK’s viewpoint that this ship coming is a very important last surge effort to take ourselves to the best possible place in these islands, and then this will gradually ease off the number of people who are here because of course already, the very resilient Turks and Caicos Islanders are becoming more resilient, and therefore they will move on and build themselves up in the right way, thankful for what’s being done,” said HE Governor Dr. John Freeman.
Were these men and women and supplies requested or sent Magnetic Media asked; both was the reply from country leaders: Premier Sharlene Robinson and Deputy Governor Anya Williams.
“Tell us the situation on the ground, and tell us what you need, I think it has consistently been that way, tell us what you need and we will see how we can mobilize workers. We are grateful for the timeline that we were able to quickly mobilize workers to the Turks and Caicos, having military here for the last three weeks has greatly assisted, and I think for us it is more about the hands that are on the ground have been the greatest assistance,” said DG Anya Williams.
“When men to come aground as well, they are in touch with the government they look at priorities together with the government and see how men can best be deployed and used. So it has been for me a wonderful partnership, the Governor and I have been consulting on every plain and as the aid has come in and as the manpower has come in we have decided together which were the best places for it to be used”, said the Hon. Sharlene Robinson.
Before being scooted to the HMS Ocean by army boat, which was hoisted into the air to allow the delegation onto the 667ft long warship, we visited the DDME and UK managed Distribution Center, set up at the Customs Warehouse compound in GT.
World Food Programme donated the storage tents which were erected post Hurricane Maria and which house tarps, shelter kits and relief supplies. The tents are 320sq metres 240sq metres and were being filled up by UK Commandoes stationed in GT with support from 120 navy officers from the HMS Ocean.
The Canadian Frigate is gone, the Bermudan Regiment left on Saturday, scheduled are three full days for the HMS Ocean and crew and about a week to a week and a half more for the UK Commandoes then the TCI will be left to complete the rebuilding without these teams which many agree have proven stellar partners, even family.
“The HMS Ocean was operating at the commencement of this period in the east and Mediterranean when we received orders to immediately reverse course and head toward the Caribbean with all dispatch. So we steamed some four and a half thousand miles, crossing six time zones in only twelve days, a very fast response and I think that demonstrates how much this government’s steadfast commitment to the region and our determination to maximize support to the British Overseas Territories and the region more widely,” said Captain Robert Pedre.
#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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