News

Attorney General announces new Senior Legal Appointments

Published

8 years ago

September 14, 2016

Providenciales, TCI, September 14, 2016 – On Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles announced four new senior legal appointments within the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Three new appointments as Principal Crown Counsel saw Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem becoming the first Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for International matters, Ms. Yaa McCartney as the Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for commercial matters and Ms. Clemar Hippolyte taking the reins as Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for litigation.

First, Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem, a Grand Turk native, practiced for many years in the Bahamas, first as an Associate and then as a Partner at Evans & Co. Now, she returns home to the Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General’s Chambers, where she became Senior Crown Counsel and then Principal Crown Counsel and lead on commercial matters. Through training and development opportunities, Mrs. Astwood-Tatem has gained quality experience and expertise in commercial law. These include; Development Agreements, land acquisition, public-private partnerships, company law, civil litigation and appeals, industrial relations and employment, probate and wills, real property and conveyancing, personal Injuries. Whilst also offering legal advice/opinions on a wide spectrum of issues such as; constitutional and administrative law, international compliance, combatting anti-money laundering, and mutual legal assistance. As lead in this new division on international initiatives which have an impact on domestic law, such as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Exchange of information for Tax Purposes, Mrs. Astwood-Tatem’s experience make her best suited to take on responsibility for responding to international requests; advising on international conventions and agreements and advising on various issues which touch and concern international law and international relations.

Second, the daughter of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ sole national hero, Ms. Yaa McCartney has a legacy of public service. Ms McCartney joined the Attorney General’s Chambers right out of law school and practiced first as a criminal prosecutor for many years prosecuting criminal trials and appeals in all courts in the Turks and Caicos Islands before rising to the level of Senior Crown Counsel conducting civil litigation before all of the courts and tribunals on behalf of the Government and statutory bodies as well as dealing with complex commercial agreements and advices. Training and development opportunities have contributed to Ms. McCartney’s skills in the areas of criminal prosecutions, civil and commercial litigation, employment law, advice and opinion writing, and the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements which will serve her well in her new role as lead on commercial matters.

Third, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte hails from St. Lucia where she worked first as an Associate at Larcher Barnard & Associates then McNamara & Company thereby gaining a wealth of experience in administrative law, employment law, judicial review, civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, commercial contract negotiation, opinions and mediation before joining the Attorney General’s Chambers as Senior Crown Counsel. Ms. Hippolyte’s quality experience in litigation matters, especially before the Courts of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a particular asset in her new role.

Finally, as the new Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Michael Dillon is responsible for the management of the legal and administrative work flow within the Attorney General’s Chambers. Dr. Michael Dillon originates from Dublin Ireland where he authored the first and leading textbook on the law of intoxication, Law of Intoxication as a defence to violent and non-violent offences as an exhaustive and practical analysis of the current law of Ireland, England and Wales, United States of America, Canada, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

A practicing barrister appearing on a near daily basis before courts, tribunals and decision-makers for many years in Criminal and Civil litigation, Dr. Dillon brings to the Attorney General’s Chambers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, significant advisory experience involving opinion work. He has expertise in criminal law especially involving any issue of intoxication or mental disorder, significant Judicial review experience, commercial law including franchise law and breach of confidentiality, mental health law, administrative law, professional negligence, financial services law, personal injuries, human rights and civil liberties, and constitutional law.

Dr. Dillon has worked in Ireland, the United States of America, England and Wales, and Australia.

In announcing these new appointments, the Attorney General said; “Over the last few years we have made great progress in developing the professional staff, legal resources and better service delivery standards in the provision of quality legal work. The professional development of the Chambers continues to improve, along with a solid reputation of responsiveness to the legal needs of the public sector.”

“As the Chambers continues to evolve, the skills of the professional staff in particular will be critical in managing our operational effectiveness. These individuals bring to their new appointments the experience and expertise needed to meet the challenges of their new responsibilities through proven track records of quality legal expertise in practice, leadership, team building, financial and relationship management. I am very pleased with the appointments of these new additions to our senior management team.”

Related Topics:Attorney General announces new senior legal appointments

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Deandrea Hamilton

Crime

Aggravated Burglary

Published

7 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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

Published

7 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

News

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

Published

8 hours ago

April 16, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26^th 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 – 13^TH -16^TH MAY 2024

13^th May 2024 Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.

Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.

14^th May 2024 South Caicos at 6.30 pm

15^th May 2024 Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.

North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.

16^th May 2024 Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.