News
Opposition Leader says Legislative change on Gun Laws balances Justice
Garfield Ekon
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 18, 2024 – The Leader of the Opposition in the Turks and Caicos Island (TCI), Edwin Atwood says the removal of the mandatory 12-year sentence of persons found guilty of firearm offences “ensures a more balanced approach to justice.”
Reacting to the June 14 decision by the TCI House of Assembly, Mr. Astwood said it was a “pivotal amendment” to the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2024, introducing a “significant clarification” regarding judicial discretion in sentencing for firearms-related offenses.
“Allowing for fairer and more individualised sentencing that better reflects the nuances of each case. I want to emphasise the importance of this amendment in ensuring that the judiciary can administer justice more equitably. This legislative change is a critical step in ensuring our legal system is both just and flexible,” he said.
The amendments mean that is a supreme court judge deems that there are exceptional circumstances in cases of persons in possession of illegal firearms, and or ammunition, they can impose a fine, or a custodial sentence, or both a fine, and a custodial sentence.
Before the change, Section 3(3) of the Firearms Ordinance required the Supreme Court to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years, and a fine for selected offences.
The Leader of the Opposition pointed out that the amendment was introduced to address concerns about the rigidity of the previous sentencing framework, which mandated both imprisonment and financial penalties for all firearms offenses, regardless of the specific context or severity.
“This often resulted in disproportionately harsh sentences that did not always fit the nature of the crime or the circumstances of the offender. Key Points of the Amendment: – Judicial Discretion: judges can now consider the unique aspects of each case and determine the most appropriate sentence, whether it be a custodial sentence, a fine, or a combination of both,” he said.
Mr. Astwood noted that in exceptional circumstances, the discretion is particularly aimed at cases where extraordinary circumstances warrant a departure from the standard sentencing requirements, and that not all cases are alike and that our judges must have the ability to consider all factors and impose sentences that are truly just and appropriate.
He further added that while the State must uphold the rule of law, the Opposition believes that the legal system must be flexible enough to consider extenuating circumstances and to differentiate between individuals who pose a genuine threat and those who may have no criminal intent and unknowingly violate the law.
“As Leader of the Opposition, I had fully agreed to have this Amendment Bill go through all three readings and on to passage in the sitting today. The Opposition Appointed Member and I believe it will lead to fairer outcomes and better serve the principles of justice.”
#TurksandCaicos, June 25, 2024 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare conducted several recruitment drives across the Turks and Caicos Islands, engaging stakeholders, potential foster carers, and advocates to highlight the urgent need for
foster carers. These events raised awareness of the importance of foster care, highlighting the role it plays in providing safe and nurturing environments for children in need and emphasising the overall impact it has on the lives of these children.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is issuing a heartfelt call to the community to continue to support its foster care recruitment initiative, as the demand for loving, stable foster homes has never been greater. The department urges compassionate individuals and families to consider opening their hearts and homes to children in need.
The Turks and Caicos Islands can pave the path for a brighter future by forging a stronger, more supportive community for children in need.
The Department of Social Development and Welfare is calling the public to come together and support this vital cause by:
- Spreading the Word: Help the Department of Social Development and Welfare reach a wider audience by sharing information about foster care with friends, family, and community groups.
- Volunteer: There are many ways to support foster children and foster families through volunteer efforts.
- Donate: Financial contributions can help provide essential resources and support services for foster children and families.
Bahamas News
Ready or Not, African and Caribbean Artists set the stage on Fire at AfreximFest in Nassau
Danae Dennie and Deandrea Hamilton
Editorial Staff
#TheBahamas, June 25, 2024 – ‘Ready or Not’ AfreximFest is sizzling finale, capping of concert spectacular with Haitian superstar, Wyclef Jean.
This year, AFREXIMFEST 2024 was held for the first time in the Caribbean region, The Bahamas hosting the three days of meeting in Nassau at the Baha Mar resort.
It is a rich tradition for the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to celebrate the rich cultural contributions throughout the various industries and the orange economy is a major highlight.
The concert was MC’d by Nigerian radio personality and television presenter IK Osakioduwa and featured artists from The Bahamas, the continent of Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.
Nigerian Artiste, Flavour brought spunky afro beats, Fanshawn delivered on the down home Bahamian rake n scrape sound with impeccable showmanship; Oudun drummers from Brazil were a pulsating show stopper and Trinidad and Tobago’s KES the Band thrilled the audience with performances of its wildly popular soca hits including ‘Savanah Grass’.
Making a dramatic entrance with his Fugees hit, ‘Ready or Not’ was Grammy Award winning Wyclef Jean. The Haitian rapper, singer,
producer and songwriter, set the audience in a frenzy with his rendition of Fugees version of the Roberta Flack remake of ‘Killing me Softly’; Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’ and hits he authored for Carlos Santana and Shakira, namely: ‘Maria Maria’ and ‘Hips don’t Lie’. However, it was arguably, ‘911’ his chart topping duet with Mary J. Blige that set the audience ablaze, joining in singing of the song as he wowed onlookers with his salacious guitar solo which showed off Wyclef’s enviable skills on the instrument.
The event and its amazing line up of singers, dancers, comedians and master DJs forged further, the message of solidarity and partnership which became recurring pitch phrases at the meetings. Music proved an ultimate unifier yet again, as AAM2024 wrapped up with stellar reviews from those who packed the concert hall.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 25 June 2024: The Electoral Boundaries Commission has released a report that provides crucial insights into the voter population in the electoral districts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The commission, in its commitment to democratic processes, earnestly invites the public to participate actively by submitting their valuable comments on our draft report before 12 p.m. Friday, 5 July 2024.
Section 60 states: “60. For the purpose of the discharge of its functions, a Commission—
(a) may invite views from members of the public;
(b) shall consult the public about a draft of its report; and
(c) may seek such advice as it considers appropriate.
The Electoral Boundaries Commission has completed the draft report and, as per Section 60 (6), seeks to send it to the public for
consultation.
The Commission’s activities and responsibilities are set out in Section 61 of the Constitution, which provides:
- (1) A Commission shall, as soon as practicable after its appointment, review the Boundaries of the electoral districts into which the Islands are divided; and submit to the Governor and the House of Assembly a report either—
(a) stating that, in the opinion of the Commission, no change in those boundaries is required; or
(b) recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.
(2) In determining its recommendations under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, a 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.
Summary of the Report
As a first simplistic estimation, the total voter population of 9381 was divided by ten, representing the ten electoral districts. That resulted in the target quota of 938 voters (“target quota”) for each electoral district.
The overall trend saw increased voter population data in Providenciales and Grand Turk, with a minimum population increase in South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos. The increase in voter population in Providenciales is noted in all districts.
Because of the disproportionate growth of voters in these areas the Commission is of the opinion that a more equal distribution can only be achieved by significant adjustments of the boundaries and these can only be effected in certain contiguous districts. However, the technical professionals in the Crown Land and Surveying Departments have advised the Commission of the danger of arbitrarily adjusting the boundaries, as the maps do indicate where few electors may live in a large geographic area, while smaller areas may contain large numbers of electors. The Commission understands that this can only be obtained through a RE-REGISTRATION process, in which all voters will re-register.
The Commission, therefore, agreed that, except for Grand Turk, all electoral boundaries in Providenciales should remain the same until information is available to determine the number of electors on the ground.
Therefore, the Commission will visit all islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the week of July 8th to 12th, 2024, to consult the public on the report’s findings.
All submissions must be sent via email to williamsjuliae@gmail.com
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12kVorjoivMhD9aqPKoaYY0_zvsLYUmdz/view?usp=sharing
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