#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – Several Dominican fishermen were caught in the midst of poaching from the Turks and Caicos waters last week.

A report from the Fisheries and Maritime Department and Marine Police, indicated the illegal fishermen were spotted in the vicinity of Bush Cay on September 18th.  The men were arrested and around six bags of fish recovered.

“We will not tolerate illegal fishing activities that threaten the delicate balance of our marine environment and the livelihoods of our people,” says Josephine Connolly, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries and Resources.

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – A 31-year-old Providenciales man is accused of sexual abuse of his own daughter during the pandemic lockdown of 2020; the complainant is his own child.

We will give only the initials of that man, DF, in an effort to protect the young accuser.  DF is also facing two counts of sexual assault; one count of indecent assault and he has to answer to one count of sexual activity with a child family member.

DF, who appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday and Tuesday (September 25th & September 26th) to be tried, had his case stalled due to insufficient jury attendance on both days.

The mother came in support of her daughter on both days; the daughter is ready to testify against her father for what she is alleging happened to her between the June 1 and August 31 in 2020; a period of three months during the COVID lock down.

The case was adjourned to November 6, 2023 by The Hon. Lady Justice Ms. Tanya Lobban Jackson with thanks and apology to all 14/15 jurors who came and had to wait hours on both days and to all other parties involved in the matter that did not proceed.

The defendant, who is on bail in this matter, bail was extended to the new trial date.

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, September 29, 2023 – Turks and Caicos residents are reconnected following inclement weather that caused disruptions in service from providers FortisTCI and Flow over the weekend.

It also affected several community services like the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

The heavy showers forecast to last just over two hours were caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Grace Bay, Chalk Sound and Blue Hills lost electricity, while South Caicos, Ambergris Cay, Grand Turk & Bambarra experienced delays in getting Flow mobile and landline services restored after a power surge because the stormy conditions hampered movement.

Crews from these providers were deployed once it was safe to carry out repairs and services were restored.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, (TCIAA) also suspended air traffic at the islands’ airports for a few hours while the storm passed overhead.