News

Justice sector benefits from Canadian support

Published

7 years ago

December 30, 2016

Kingston, Jamaica, December 28, 2016 – The country’s justice sector has benefited from significant Canadian funding support totaling over J$4.25 billion (Can$44.2 million) over the past 16 years. Provided under the Global Affairs Canada initiative, the money has mainly financed the sector’s reform programme, spearheaded by the Justice Ministry.

The wide-ranging projects have been facilitated under the Justice Undertaking for Social Transformation (JUST) programme. The Global Affairs initiative manages Canada’s diplomatic and consular relations, promotes the country’s international trade and leads that country’s international development and humanitarian assistance endeavors. The JUST programme seeks to reform Jamaica’s justice system by making it more available, accessible, accountable, flexible, fair and affordable in a timely, courteous, respectful and competent manner for all citizens.

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Sylvain Fabí, says key areas of funding support include a J$1.9-billion (Can$19.8-million) provision for business process reform and technical assistance, J$1.85 billion (Can$19.2 million) to acquire modern equipment, and J$502.7 million (Can$5.2 million) for capacity building. Notable among the most recent provisions has been the recruitment of a statistician to collate the number of documented criminal cases within the court system, which will be captured under a statistics and data management system.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has indicated that this undertaking is expected to provide an accurate count, as the Ministry moves to address the high backlog of cases, estimated to be as many as 100,000.

Another recent input was the provision of state-of-the-art equipment to the Attorney General’s (AG) Department and Supreme Court. A total of 25 new desktop and laptop computers, along with backup storage devices and a projector, were presented to the AG’s Department. These will facilitate connectivity between the Department and the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as the courts. Additionally, funds have been earmarked for staff training in the use of these equipment.

Fifteen desktop computers, along with a high-density server, data backup and storage, and firewall protection devices, were presented to the Supreme Court. These are expected to significantly enhance administration of the new jury management system. The 15 computers are part of an overall 85 being provided, with the remaining 70 to be dispatched to parish courts across the island.

Speaking at the presentation ceremonies earlier this year, Mr. Fabí lauded the Government for embarking on the justice-reform programme to modernize the sector.

While noting that the endeavor could be “very exhaustive and daunting”, he deemed it important, pointing out that “Jamaica is definitely on the right path”. Mr. Fabí said work is under way to develop proposals for reforming the organizational structure of the Supreme Court and Parish Courts.

Additionally, he noted that work would shortly commence to develop new criminal procedural rules. “These rules are aimed at streamlining the trial process to make (the) management of criminal cases more efficient and predictable,” the High Commissioner said.

Other notable provisions have included grant support of J$1.93 billion (Can$20 million) to assist with crime reduction under the National Security Ministry’s Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP), and a similar allocation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) to facilitate the training of legislative drafters in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean

The High Commissioner said Canada welcomes the opportunity to assist, and that the Government “remains committed to supporting Jamaica in its reform goals and in ensuring that the country has a more efficient and responsive justice system”. Regionally, Canada also provided a $1.93-billion grant to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to facilitate improved administration.

Mr. Fabí said Canada also provided J$483.4 million (Can$5 million), through the Finance and the Public Service Ministry, to avail the Government of technical expertise in order to assist the Administration in fulfilling targets under the just-concluded International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

Welcoming the equipment, Mr. Chuck said their acquisition is consistent with the Ministry’s “aggressive push” to modernize Jamaica’s court system in order to improve its overall efficiency. “Modernization of the court system cannot take place without 21^st-century cutting-edge technology, and these computers will go a very far way in helping our drive to provide a First-World standard of justice for all Jamaican citizens,” he added.

Equally, Mr. Chuck said the state-of-the-art equipment will enhance the operational efficiency and service delivery of the AG’s Department, which, he emphasized, is pivotal in the administration of governance and justice.

For her part, Attorney General, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, also welcomed the provisions, noting that Jamaica’s long-standing relations with Canada have resulted in positive strides being recorded locally, particularly in the justice sector. Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla, emphasized that the timely delivery of justice is pivotal to the judicial system. “The donation of these modern pieces of equipment will go a far way in assisting the staff of the courts to operate more efficiently and effectively in undertaking our daily functions,” she added.

photo credit: Jamaica Gleaner

Crime

Aggravated Burglary

Published

11 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

11 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

12 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.