News

Blunder forces Election Date Change, Voting Day now December 15

Published

7 years ago

October 31, 2016

Providenciales, TCI, October 31, 2016 – A major blunder was exposed on the weekend after the Premier had to recall the December 5 election date to issue a new date and now national voting will take place on December 15.

It appears no one, except the Elections Office picked up on a discrepancy in timing… and it meant that that office did not have the requisite days to prepare for the General Elections according to Elections Ordinance.

The Governor in a media statement Saturday night admitted to the embarrassing error and said in consultation with the Premier a new date was to be selected and it was; at the PNP Rally on Saturday night December 15 2016 was presented as the alternate.

Reaction to the change was swift, in many cases harsh and for most speaking to Magnetic Media, shocking… the leader of the PNP, Dr Rufus Ewing was called ‘incompetent’ by the Leader of the PDM, Sharlene Robinson and threatened with legal action by former premier, Michael Misick.

There was a lot of blame for the blunder and on Sunday, an urgent press conference was called by Premier Ewing where he explained that constitutionally he and his party selected accurately a date that was at least 35 days away; but that the Elections Ordinance needed there to be at least enough working days before a national vote – that one word, WORKING, making the difference and presenting the problem.

The PNP Party leader flanked by his Deputy Premier, the Finance Minister, the Tourism Minister and the PNP National Chairman said that everyone missed that conflict; including the PDM Leader whom they blamed for the crafting of the law and the Attorney General who would have advised the Governor legally before he issued that proclamation to dissolve the House of Assembly and allow the date chosen by Premier Ewing to go forward.

The Premier said he did not have to acquiesce to a change because the Constitution is the over arching law of the land but that his team thought it best to play within the Elections Ordinance rules to ensure the national vote was not challenged as illegal; if that were to happen the entire process of voting would have to be redone.

But Michael Misick is of an opposing view and said to change the date, without an emergency, is ultra vires and that the Premier and Governor should take measures to make sure the Elections Supervisor can hold the elections on the original December 5 date. Magnetic Media on Sunday asked the premier if he was embarrassed by blunder, he said no.

“I don’t feel embarrassed, I mean it’s an unfortunate event that we have to go through it, but I don’t feel embarrassed. I never question the works of the Almighty God, and divine intervention for whatever reason, and I always trust that things what appear to be negative are something for the positive. So I look forward for the good that comes out of this. I look forward to an elections office that is even more well prepared to avoid election challenges, because the less prepared you are, the greater the likelihood of election challenges or blunders during the course of the election, and so this probably will give persons the opportunity to prepare themselves even more. This also gives the opportunity to those political parties who may need more extra time to get their voters out their constituency to actually canvas and get their votes. It may give time for students to come home probably because the date is now further on.”

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.