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No bail, Extradition papers to be prepared

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david smithProvidenciales, 26 Jan 2015 – David Smith did not get bail, nor did he have the extradition order denied or waived by Magistrate Clifton Warner this morning in court. It was a disappointing, but not unexpected turn of events for Smith’s legal team which is usually headed by attorney Oliver Smith, but today making a case on David Smith’s behalf was Clayton Greene also of Stanfield Greene Attorney at Law. Greene argued that David Smith is not ‘unlawfully at large’ in the TCI as his release to the Turks and Caicos to serve a six and a half year sentence was sanctioned by the United States; he disagreed with the Director of Public Prosecutions Joanne Meloche that Smith is a fugitive. The Magistrate was unprepared and unable to interpret the true intent of the plea agreement between Smith and the US and ruled for the United States to file extradition papers within the standard 28 days; this gives the US a deadline of February 23rd.

An extension on this time can be had if necessary; up to 60 days. DPP Meloche pointed out in her argument that Smith signed the plea agreement which said he would not fight extradition; and that all he has been doing is fighting going back to the US to serve a 30 year sentence handed down in 2011. Clayton Greene argues that David Smith believes the plea agreement has not been fulfilled by the US; that he has cooperated and wants to see his sentence there commuted or reduced. David Smith was sentenced by the Middle District court of Florida to 30 years for a Ponzi Scheme; and that said Magistrate Warner is the big difference in this case. The fact that David Smith is already convicted and sentenced. It is the reason the Magistrate also denied Smith bail where terms could have been twice daily check in with police, continuing without his passport and house arrest. Greene failed to convince the judge that David Smith was a flight risk; the DPP on behalf of the US Attorney General’s Office was adamant that he was… bail was denied and David Smith will remain in police custody.

An apprehensive and involved David Smith was in the court; after the decision by Warner he was seen holding hands and talking with his wife who was also there for the proceeding. The David Smith legal team is not out of plays though; an application will now be filed to move the case to the Supreme Court.

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Finance

(SENIOR CITIZENS) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (FAP) – UPDATE – 12 NOVEMBER 2024

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 12 November 2024: The Financial Assistance Programme has approved over $1.292 million in payments to 342 persons over the age of 70 years.

The Government is pleased to report that this intervention will ensure that the aged of the Turks and Caicos Islands, have a monthly FAP benefit of up to $1,000 per month. The programme was designed so that those with other sources of pensions which total less than $1,000 per month will be “topped up” to $1,000 per month and those without an alternate source will receive $1,000.00 per month.

The Honourable C. Washington Misick, Premier, in speaking about this programme said that the FAP is an investment in the well-being of the older folk of the TCI.  This monthly contribution makes pension benefits more relevant to the current cost of living and assures a certain level of financial independence and a better quality of life for pensioners.

The provision of liveable pensions is a social obligation that the Government has not taken lightly; and a key component of several initiatives implemented during the past four (4) years that are intended to strengthen social programs to promote economic stability during the entire span of a person’s life in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The FAP portal is currently closed for submissions but will reopen on Monday, November 18, 2024.  To qualify you must:

  • Be receiving a pension that is below $1,000.00 per month from one or multiple sources or is receiving no pension at all.
  • Be a Turks and Caicos Islander or a British Overseas Territory Citizen.
  • Have attained the age of seventy (70) years old.
  • Be ordinarily resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the last 5 (five) years.

Persons who are “wards of the state” (e.g. residing in TCIG wellness centres, aged-care centres, etc.) and “wards of the court.” (e.g. in prison etc.) will not qualify for the FAP.

Apply at: seniorcitizensfap.gov.tc

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Crime

Public Advisory: Warning of Ongoing Zoom Scam Calls  

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Turks and Caicos, November 12th, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is alerting the public to be cautious of a new swindle involving unsolicited Zoom meeting requests.

Scammers are contacting individuals, falsely claiming they are initiating a Zoom call and then sending a malicious link.

Superintendent of Division A, Willet Harvey, advises: “Do not click on any suspicious links sent to you by unknown callers.  These scams are designed to trick you into compromising your devices and obtaining sensitive information stored on devices.  Protect yourself by being cautious and reporting any suspicious interactions.  These incidents are engaging the attention of the Force’s Forensic Digital Unit. ”

Key Online Safety Tips:

  • Never Accept Links from Strangers: Clicking on unfamiliar or unsolicited links can lead to data breaches, malware infections, and the compromise of your personal information.
  • Verify Before You Click: If someone sends you a meeting link or a file unexpectedly, verify its authenticity before opening it, even if it appears to be from a known contact.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a call or message asking you to click on a link, report it immediately to the police and do not engage further.

Stay vigilant and protect your personal information.

For more information or to report a scam, contact your nearest police station, 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information on the identity of fraudsters.

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Bahamas News

Collaborative Efforts to Combat Cyber Crime Begins in the Bahamas

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Defence Headquarters  – The United States Northern Command, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, has officially launched Cyber Shark 25, a pivotal cybersecurity initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and developing strategies to combat cybercrime. The event commenced today and will run through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Training Auditorium aboard HMBS Coral Harbour.

In his opening remarks, the Captain of Coral Harbour, Captain Glenn McPhee welcomed participants from various sectors, emphasizing the critical importance of cooperation in addressing the evolving threats posed by cybercrime. He provided an overview of the course, highlighting its focus on knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and the establishment of a unified front against cyber threats that transcend national borders.

The event has drawn representatives from various organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), the Central Bank of the Bahamas, the U.S. Coast Guard, and various law enforcement agencies from both the Bahamas and the United States. These stakeholders engaged in discussions aimed at identifying innovative approaches to prevent cybercrime and bolster the security of digital infrastructures.

Cyber Shark 25 serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts and practitioners. By leveraging the expertise of both American and Bahamian representatives, the initiative seeks to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by cybercrime, while also developing actionable solutions that can be implemented across jurisdictions.

As the event unfolds over the next three days, participants will engage in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their capabilities in combating cyber threats. The insights gained during Cyber Shark 25 are expected to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts to safeguard the cyber landscape for both nations.

Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.

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