By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Dozens of news reports are all over TV and the internet, scarring the Turks and Caicos’ reputation yet again. This time linked to what Americans view as the preposterous law, which would, without chance for legal argument, throw a tourist into prison for 12 years.  It is a mandatory conviction law on the books for possession of unlicensed guns or ammunition, and which just heard from the Court of Appeal that there ought to be no exceptions, whether it is one bullet or one gun, whether it is a tourist or a woman.

But what policymakers in various submissions in the House of Assembly back in October thought would return a win or opportunity for leniency to be injected as part of a legal defense has backfired.  Now, unequivocally, the high court has ruled that the law gives no leeway.  Anyone found with an unlicensed gun or ammunition must face what the law says is the penalty: not a fine, no reduced prison time, no exoneration, but 12 years mandatory in His Majesty’s Prison.

Now the US Embassy is doubling down on its message to travelers to the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Do not travel with your legal gun and ammunition from the US to the islands. Do not, because in the islands, your right to carry arms is not automatic, and if you are caught, you will face severe punishment, and there is nothing the US government can do about it.  There are several tourists charged and awaiting a ruling in their cases.  There is also a Grand Turk businesswoman who was arrested for a single bullet in her luggage.  While all of these matters are shocking and drawing public calls for leniency, as far as the law goes, everyone charged under it is headed to prison for 12 years.

MEDIA RELEASE

#TurksandCaicos, April 23, 2024 – Blue Hills resident KENDALL RONDRE DEAN has been convicted of murdering JOSHUA SWANN.

Mr. Dean, also called “Maddie”, “Mad Max”, and “Dre”, was found guilty by a nine-member jury yesterday (April 22nd) in the Grand Turk Supreme Court.

Following the verdict, Mr. Dean was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison, pending sentencing on 10th June 2024.

Based on the evidence presented, Mr. SWANN of Five Cays was shot multiple times about the body on Sunday, August 8th, 2021, while at North West Point, Providenciales.

Mr. Swann was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives of the Serious Crimes Unit received a report, and following intensive investigations and interviews, Mr. Dean was arrested and subsequently charged.

Shortly after the verdict, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams said, “This conviction demonstrates the RTCIPF’s commitment to bringing to justice those who cause the most harm throughout our communities using illegal firearms.

“This is an example of the effective coordination of the various units across the Force in supporting the lead detective in bringing about this conviction. The RTCIPF is grateful for the information provided by witnesses who came forward.

Her Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that following an expressions of interest process, and in accordance with Section 5 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance  2007, Mr Dimaggio Rigby, Mr Geoff Scott and Mr Dennis Swann, have been appointed to  serve as Commissioners on the Financial Services Commission Board of directors.  

Mr Rigby brings specialist experience in cyber, media, and technology risks. He is currently  employed in the City of London as a Cyber Insurance Market Consultant. 

Mr Scott is a financial services professional with over 30 years’ successful track record in  banking. He currently leads the Bermuda Bankers Association and was, until August 2022,  the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Cooperation of Barbados Limited (ICBL). 

Mr Swann is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He has expertise in Human  Resources and worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for 12 years. He has previously worked  within the TCI FSC. 

Commenting on the appointments, the Governor said: 

“Following consultation with the Hon. Premier (in his capacity as the Minister of Finance)  and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, I have appointed Mr Dennis Swann, Mr Dimaggio  Rigby and Mr Geoff Scott respectively, to serve as Commissioners (non-executive  directors) on the Board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission  (FSC). I am confident that the combined experience of these three new Commissioners  will help ensure the FSC delivers our vision for a technologically advanced financial  services sector that is competitive and supports growth, is well regulated while agile and  internationally respected.  

I would like to thank Mr Keno Forbes for his previous service as a Commissioner.”

The appointments are for a three-year period, beginning in April 2024. Further details on the  work of the Financial Services Commission can be found at TCIFSC.