News

On The Revocation of Minister Josephine Connolly

Published

7 years ago

June 16, 2017

Turks and Caicos, June 16, 2017 – Providenciales – These Islands have been cast in the most negative light over the past few weeks with scathing attacks at me as Premier and also against members of the Cabinet, other elected members of Parliament and family members. It is regrettable that this side of our country was showcased to the world especially via the world wide web. But I am encouraged by the number of personal expressions of encouragement received by me and my colleagues. The expressions of love and support revealed that we are still a loving people. We are fully aware that the recent weeks were fueled by different agendas and motives and by disgruntled individuals who sought to exploit a private family matter for political and personal gain. We are confident that this will all pass and we welcome being held into account and for persons expressing themselves freely as we as humans have a right to that basic right but we ask that we do so respectfully and truthfully.

Six months ago we as a Party was overwhelming elected to be the Government of this country and we have used this occasion to review our position and to make decisions for the road ahead having laid critical foundations. Your Government remains firm in its commitment to deliver the promised change for the people of this country and we as a Government and as a Party refuse to allow distractions to deter us from governance. This does not mean that we will ignore the voice of the people but that we will accept criticism when it is meant to be constructive and when it is truthful.

Equally important to the realisation of your Government’s agenda is the crucial role of Cabinet where there must be comradery, respect, confidentiality and competence. The appointment, management and revocation, if necessary, of members is the sole responsibility of the Premier and I accepted this with humility recognizing that tough decisions will come at times along the way.

I have unfortunately arrived at a place where I have had to ask HE The Governor to revoke the appointment of Hon Josephine Connolly. At this juncture, I will say that I thank Hon Connolly for her acceptance of my offer to serve in Cabinet and believe that she will continue to do for the people of this country as they have become accustomed.

It is important that the country understand that this Government and the PDM Party is above personalities and will seek to make decisions that are critical for the advancement of our people as a Team. Nation building requires team work and trust and when this is threatened and people are going in different directions and not ahead in one direction and as one unit, we cannot deliver for the people. Anything other than togetherness is a threat to nation building.

This Government is strong and we are at the plow all for the greater good of building a better and stronger nation.

I will address the people of this country further to any other statements issued and will participate in a full Press Conference on Monday, June 19th at 9am from the Premier’s Office in Providenciales.

Press Release: Premier Sharlene Robinson

Crime

Aggravated Burglary

Published

2 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

2 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

2 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.