Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Ambulance Driver/ Paramedic remanded for possession of four rounds of ammunition.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution during the plea and directions hearing dropped the firearms charge on an application by senior defense counsel, Mrs. Lara Maroof Misick.

The accused TERRELL JOSEPH, 29 then entered a guilty on the ammunition charge alone in the hope of a reduced sentence of less than 12 years imprisonment; a sentence he automatically faces according to law.

His counsel, Maroof-Misick will indeed argue and put forward submissions before his Lordship, The Hon. Mr. Justice Chris Selochan surrounding “exceptional circumstances” in an attempt to get a significantly reduced sentence for the four rounds alone.

The firearm, in this case, that he allegedly possessed was “somewhat” defective and may not have passed the legal test in a criminal trial. Joseph knew the gun wasn’t working and at the time of his arrest, the firearm could not be fired, Magnetic Media learned.

As proper ministers of justice under the leadership of the then acting DPP, Mrs. Angela Terry Brooks, hearing counsel for the accused, decided to withdraw the firearm charge and proceeded with the ammunition alone.

Sentencing for the ammunition possession offence is on May 29^th at 2pm and many will be watching as the ambulance driver – a man of very good standing in the community who was described as having “saved many lives” – hears the decision on his sentence.

Many have drawn comparisons between this case and that of tourists, who were also charged under the Firearms Ordinance with possession of ammunition.

Terrell Joseph could be the first local to be sentenced since the Court of Appeal’s direction on the proper interpretation of the Firearms Ordinance Amendment 2022.

Joseph was found with the gun and ammo in an early morning raid by Police at his apartment in early October 2023. He was remanded, and despite his clean record and impeccable lifestyle, he was denied bail.

The former ambulance driver remains at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation awaiting sentencing.

Members of the public speaking to our news team, says that if anyone deserves a chance to far lesser sentence or no jail time, it is this accused.

His arrest for firearm and ammunition broke the hearts of many upstanding law-abiding citizens of these Islands as no one could speak ill of him, and he was and still is loved by many given his profession of saving lives.

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam chaired the 11th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday April 10, 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenicales.

All members were present with the exception of the Honorable Ministers of Tourism and the Environment and the Ministry of Home Affairs that were away from the islands on official duties.

At this meeting Cabinet:
• Approved the Border Force Bill 2024 as a standalone bill creating the legal framework for the legal operation of the Border Force for advancement to the House of Assembly
• Approved the Customs (Amendment) Bill 2024 as a standalone bill creating a legal framework for the legal operation of the Border Force for advancement to the House of Assembly
• Approved the Crime Prevention Strategy Targeting At Risk Youth
• Granted approval to establish the Juvenile Prevention and Intervention Council (JPIC), who will subsequently work collectively to develop policy and procedures, crime prevention strategy and service legal agreements that will govern all services upon completion
• Granted approval to TBH Provo Ltd. (The Hotel Operating Co. Ltd./Beach House) to extend a Refurbishment Order previously granted to complete refurbishments previously agreed
• Noted an information paper on the TCI National ID Concept Core Model
• Approved the reappointment of Mr. Joseph Connolly as a Member of the National Insurance Board (employer representative) effective April 15, 2024 for a period of 3 years
• Approved the appointment of Mr. Jermaine Fulford as a Member of the National Insurance Board (insured person) for a period of 3 years effective April 15th, 2024
• Noted an information paper on the Statutory and Good Governance Pay and Grading Review as of April 9, 2024 which is scheduled to take place from April to July, 2024 and establishing the Governance Committee
• Accepted the resignation of Bishop Vernal G. Clarke as a Member of the Health Regulation Board and agreed to rescind this appointment
• Approved the appointment of Bishop Andrew Stone as a Member of the Health Regulation Authority Board for a period of 3 years effective April 15, 2024
• Approved the appointment of the following individuals as Members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of 2 years effective April 1, 2024:
1. Mr. Edward Hall, Senior Member (representative of employees)
2. Mr. Samuel Williams, Senior Member (representative of employers)
3. Mr. Vernon Alco Williams, Senior Member (representative of employees)
4. Ms. Arnelle Taylor, Attorney (representative of employers)
5. Mr. Carlis Williams (representative of employees GDT)
6. Mrs. Kenya Forbes-Jagger (representative of employers)
7. Ms. Kerchelle Bain, Attorney (representative of employees)
8. Ms. Yolander Forbes (representative of employers)
9. Ms. Veronica Rigby (representative of employees) New appointment
10. Ms. Mary Cunningham (representative of employers) New appointment

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st May 2024 – The introduction of ambassador cards is a concept that is unfamiliar to many residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Cards are now awarded to individuals who’ve completed the T.I.D.E.S certification or training program, which was previously primarily for taxis and VIPs but has now been expanded across the hospitality sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the department and ministry, aims to instil a sense of pride in recipients, signifying their role as ambassadors of the country. This was emphasised in the latest press conference hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Office of the Premier on February 26th that as representatives of a thriving nation, those on the frontline of the tourism industry, including taxi drivers and hospitality staff, should take pride in promoting the country’s heritage and culture. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card embodies what makes Turks and Caicos great and conveys this pride to all who interact with visitors and locals alike.

T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card: A Badge of Cultural Proficiency

The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is not just a card; it’s a symbol of excellence in service and a commitment to providing an incomparable experience for tourists. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card has been designed to embody the best that the Turks and Caicos have to offer: a tangible expression of cultural proficiency and local knowledge. As the tourism industry embraces the Ambassador Card, we hope to see the transformation of cardholders who are truly not merely employees; they are ambassadors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, well-versed in historical landmarks, local dishes, and cultural activities. This proficiency ensures that visitors receive an authentic and enriching experience during their stay.

Streamlined Certification Process

Obtaining the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a process that reflects the commitment to the highest standards of service. Cardholders undergo a comprehensive three-hour training programme, covering topics on TCI History and Culture, Customer Services and Tourism Safety and Sustainability. On successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador ID card and certificate which is valid for two years.

Government and Stakeholder Collaboration

The launch of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders. The initiative will continue to be refined through ongoing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the cards meet the evolving needs of our ambassadors and the tourism industry. There is currently a backlog of cards that are ready for collection.

“The TIDES Ambassador card is not just a symbol of excellence; it signifies a deep commitment to our country’s heritage and culture. We urge those working in the tourism sector to register for TIDES to not only gain valuable training but also to embrace the role of ambassadors for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Collecting your card and certificate is crucial; it opens doors to a world of opportunities and sets you apart as a standard-bearer of quality in our thriving tourism industry,” said Talia Thomas, Deputy Director, of the Department of Tourism Regulations.”

QR Code Integration

The security of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is of utmost importance. The card’s most important feature is the inclusion of a QR code that establishes a direct link between tourists utilising the tourism product and the Department of Tourism Regulations. This innovative feature facilitates a quick and convenient verification method and safeguards against any potential misuse or fraudulent activities. The QR code, when scanned, leads visitors to a dedicated section of the government website, providing real-time validation of the card’s authenticity and the ambassador’s certification status. This advanced security feature not only instils confidence in tourists but also underscores the commitment of the Turks and Caicos Islands government to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors.

Conclusion

Stakeholders can visit our office on the third floor of Regent Village in Grace Bay, Providenciales, to collect their cards.