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Bilateral Meeting with EU Code of Conduct Group and TCI

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#TurksandCaicos, February 27, 2018 – Providenciales – The Hon. Premier – Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson convene a special meeting with the Code of Conduct Group on Monday 19th, February 2018 to have bilateral talks with the COCG who has responsibility for evaluating countries compliant standing.  The meeting was held as a result of standard communications received from the Secretariat of the COCG relating the EU Screening and Evaluation Process.

Member States of the European Union collectively agrees to published a list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Any country failing to meet the standard for international cooperation defined by the Code of Conduct Group – Business Taxation is deemed to be non-complaint and is placed on the EU Blacklist of non-cooperative jurisdictions.

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Turks and Caicos Islands assessment for 2017 was deferred due to the storms of 2017 (Hurricanes Irma and Maria) but still require to have in place, and to commit by the end of 2018 to have implement the three (3) fundamental requirements of the EU compliant standard criteria.

  1. Tax transparency
  2. Fair Taxation
  3. Implementation of anti-BEPS measures

Criteria 1 and 3 have meet the standard and is in place via the various automatic reporting of financial accounts information carried out by CRS – Common Reporting Standard.  The absence of a direct taxation reporting regime gives the appearance of preferential treatment for companies to set up offshore structures or arrangements aimed at attracting profits which do not reflect real economic activity in the jurisdiction.

Despite sharing Turks and Caicos Islands taxation regime, the fair taxation criteria is the most critical concern to the COCG evaluation and screening exercise.  All jurisdictions with offshore financial services businesses are affected by this criteria, and have to present strategies of how their jurisdictions are proposing to addressed this concern.

Turks and Caicos Islands discussions with the Code of Conduct Group on the fair taxation criteria concern was very fruitful and promising with further dialogue to continue with a view to satisfying the COCG requirements.  This does not call for the imposition of direct taxation.

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Premier Robinson commenting on the Meeting stated “I was pleased for TCI to have been able to have an audience in this way with the COCG on this important issue.  I was even more pleased to be able to demonstrate to the representatives the important partnership between the public and private sector and our joint commitment to comply with international standards.  It was a great opportunity to enlighten the members of TCI’s position even ahead of our official response to the Questionnaire.  The Ministry of Finance along with several key stakeholder departments will continue to lead collaboratively and we are committed to ensuring that TCI is not blacklisted”.

Photo Caption: TCI Delegation: Hon. Premier – Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright – Robinson, P/S Finance – Mrs. Athenee Harvey   – Basden, Director EOI Unit – Mr. Henry Saunders, London Rep – Ms. Tracy Knight & TCI Private Sector Rep – Mr. David Stewart.

 

Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson

Premier & Minister of Finance

The Turks and Caicos Islands

 

 

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Crime

Aggravated Burglary

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#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.

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News

Two Major Murder Trials Underway simultaneously in Grand Turk; making history in more ways than one

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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.

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News

REVIEW OF THE ELECTORAL DISTRICT BOUNDARIES  OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.  

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#TurksandCaicos, April 15, 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th 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

  1. May invite views from members of the public.
  2. Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
  3. 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.:-

  1. Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
  2. 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 – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024

13th May 2024         Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.

Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.

14th May 2024         South Caicos at 6.30 pm

15th May 2024         Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.

North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.

16th May 2024         Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.

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