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CDB Flood Report calls for better Urban planning

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With the assistance and funding of the Caribbean Development Bank, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has commissioned a Flood Risk Management Study; this according to an article published in the latest edition of the DDME’s Hurricane Preparedness Month newsletter. 
 
The article by Norman A. Watts, Advisor to the Public Works Department outlines that the study aims to determine what is causing the flooding and how to stop it. 
 
For the past two storm seasons, the TCI has dodged the bullet of a direct hit by a hurricane but retreating Tropical Storm Cristobal in 2014 and hovering Hurricane Joaquin in 2015 both cost the country millions in damages and they both shut down the nation primarily due to severe flooding and stubborn storm surges. 
 
Watts provides the map to show the flood prone areas, which are generally known but perhaps less known is how much flooding these areas can expect to get when rainfall is unusually high.  The study also exposes that the Turks and Caicos is developing without a plan which considers environmental factors and climate change and how they can impact a modern society. 
Specifically Watts quotes:  “The study noted that ‘Urbanisation without the benefit of formal storm water infrastructure in place is very dangerous and should be discouraged. The proper infrastructure should be in place whether it be roads, services or drainage.” 
 
Government in that report has been advised to do five things including, elevate roads and structures to above the flood level; create soakaways and vertical wells; invest in sea outfalls and pumping stations and to create earth drains and channels. 
 
Read more in the newly published virtual document when you look for DDME online or Facebook.

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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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