Veteran Public Servant arrested in corruption probe, Tourism Deputy PS taken in today

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, July 18 2018 – A Turks and Caicos Deputy Permanent Secretary is arrested on allegations of corruption according to a media release issued late today by the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission; it is sending shock waves throughout the country.

The former seven-year Labour Commissioner, Michelle Fulford-Gardiner was this morning arrested on suspicion of corruption in a joint operation involving the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police and the Integrity Commission.

It is expected that the Deputy PS will receive bail as the investigation continues.  

Fulford-Gardiner who has enjoyed a decorated career in the Public sector was in  2016 recognised –  with others in the Civil Service – for having served between 20 and 29 years in the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. Mrs. Fulford-Gardiner has represented the Turks and Caicos at global conferences related to the Gaming Industry, environmental conservation and around 2010 was appointed as the Labour Commissioner.

More infamously, Fulford-Gardiner was among those listed in 2016 who had failed to completely turn in Declarations to the Integrity Commission, as required by law for ‘Persons in Public Life.’

Still, her public service history is outstanding.

Fulford-Gardiner and Minister Ralph Higgs attends UKOTA forum

News of Mrs. Fulford-Gardiner’s home and office reportedly being scoured by investigators spread over social media today like wildfire.  Magnetic Media reached out to authorities who assured that information on the matter would come by 6 p.m.; it did and the revelation is shocking.

“This morning, in a joint operation by the Integrity Commission and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, a former Commissioner of Labour of the Turks and Caicos Islands was arrested for questioning on suspicion of corruption.”

Currently, two other women who were once employed at the Labour Department, now known as the Employment Services Department were arrested on suspicion of uttering numerous work permit cards.

Vicki Wilson and Shadika Green are currently awaiting trial for the serious allegations, which stem from their arrest in March 2017.

The Integrity Commission was careful not to link the three investigations and explained, in that media release, that no details would be given in the matter.

Michelle Fulford-Gardiner is the current Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture.