News
Skepticism in London over clear Brexit plan may mean Territories can get no guarantees
London, United Kingdom – July 13, 2017 – In UK parliament on Wednesday, the Theresa May Administration in Britain was exposed as not having a clear, well thought out, consensus reaching plan for Brexit yet they were meeting with overseas territories and assuring them that they did, the Turks and Caicos was there.
Coincidentally, as the Overseas Territories were meeting with UK ministers, the House of Commons was alight with a feisty back and forth on details of the high stakes negotiations. The exchange exposed much uncertainty on how the UK will fare in the talks, raising questions about how territories can be offered guarantees when the British is entertaining the possibility of ‘no deal’struck with the EU.
The Governor, the Premier and her team attended the UK Joint Ministerial council meeting, in London, where the new Minister for Exiting the European Union, Robin Walker said, “Negotiations to leave the European Union are now underway, and we are working hard to deliver a deal that works for everyone including our friends in the Overseas Territories. We have engaged extensively with the Overseas Territories already and will continue to make sure their interests are taken into account as the UK leaves the EU.”
But in the UK, some members of parliament are not so sure that these claims of having it all together and being able to ensure everyone is ‘okay’ post Brexit is true. Emily Thornberry, the shadow minister for foreign affairs this week took the Tories to task and doggedly sent over a line of questions in parliament that is being praised. Many say the questions during the PM’s question session revealed that there is not a clear vision for what will be demanded at the negotiating table.
Still, the Foreign Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon told the ten OTs attending that meeting, “The Overseas Territories are integral to what defines Britain on the global stage and to our influence across the world.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office reported via a statement that, ‘Leaders and representatives discussed the areas of priority for their territories.’ What those areas are, was not listed but the TCI is on record as having benefited from several multi million dollars grants and expert support through the European Union. Premier, Hon Sharlene Robinson has expressed that the Turks and Caicos is looking to the UK to continue that support themselves, as Brexit also means that trillions of dollars will no longer be paid from the UK to the EU.
The Governor and the Premier are due home today.
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#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – Officers from the Serious Crime Unit (SCU) of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have made a breakthrough following boat thefts in the TCI.
On May 19, 2024, FARIDSON JEAN BAPTISTE, a Haitian national, was charged with the following offences:
- Theft of TCI boat Marauder
- Theft of TCI boat Jupiter
- Theft of TCI boat Team Baja
- Handling Stolen Goods
- Assisting Illegal Entry into the TCI
Mr JEAN BAPTISTE was initially detained on April 5 th 2024, while attempting to enter the TCI on a high-powered boat that was reported stolen. At the time of the interception, thirty (30) irregular migrants were being transported.
Mr JEAN BAPTISTE remains in custody pending a court date. The arrest and subsequent charges against Mr Jean Baptiste follow a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation by the SCU and the Haitian National Police.
These investigations resulted in the recovery of boats and other property stolen from the TCI, which were retrieved from several locations in Haiti.
The recovered property has an estimated value of over $1.2 million.
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force conducted joint road operations alongside the TCI Border Force on May 13th and 16th, 2024, focusing on crime reduction, illegal migration, and road safety.
These efforts aimed to ensure compliance with Road Traffic regulations and yielded significant results. During these operations, THIRTY-EIGHT (38) individuals were detained for immigration violations, and SIXTY-SIX (66) were reported for traffic offences. For April and May 2024, overall joint operations have resulted in ONE HUNDRED and TWENTY (120) persons detained for immigration purposes, and ONE HUNDRED and NINETY-NINE (199) reported for traffic violations.
Acting Inspector Damian Mitchell emphasised the interconnectedness of road traffic compliance, crime, and illegal migration.
He stated, “These operations focus on addressing each critical area.”
Division B and Community Policing head Superintendent Dwight Gardiner noted a general increase in public compliance with traffic regulations during the first quarter of the year.
Superintendent Gardiner encouraged road users to adhere to all aspects of the law, stating, “Let us all strive to keep our roads safe for everyone and reduce crime in our communities. Adhere to the rules of the road. Thanks to our law enforcement partners and you, members of the public.”
Motorists are especially urged to comply with regulations regarding vehicle window tints. Violations carry a substantial penalty of $250 per window.
The RTCIPF and TCI Border Force thank the public for their cooperation and continued efforts to maintain safety and order on the roads.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – An undocumented Haitian male, aged 20, faces charges related to gang activity and firearms.
He was apprehended along with others in a small blue car in front of Sunny Foods Supermarket on South Dock/Five Cays Road on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2024. Providing the name JAMES SIMON to the police, he was accompanied by a 16/17-year-old (name withheld) who faces charges of unlawful entry.
The accused is charged with illegal possession of a Black Glock 44 (serial number AEBE402) containing 10 rounds of 22LR ammunition on South Dock/Five Cays Road, Providenciales.
Additionally, he is alleged to be one of three individuals involved in a morning robbery at 809 or Chances, Blue Hills, Providenciales. The robbery, captured on video, involved the gunpoint theft of a female’s white handbag containing $799.00.
He has been remanded until the next sufficiency hearing on July 7th, 2024. Appearing in court on Monday, May 13th, he was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson.
He was arraigned on the following charges:
- Gang membership
- Robbery
- Possession of a firearm for the benefit of a gang
- Possession of ammunition for the benefit of a gang
- Unlawful entry
- Possession of a firearm
- Possession of ammunition
Both individuals are Creole-speaking.
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