Wilkie Arthur 

Freelance Court Correspondent

At the Plea and Direction Hearing (PDH) on Thursday 25th April, 2024, a number of matters from the list were adjourned to the next PDH on 31st May, 2024 and some to other dates for various reasons.

The first case called was that of GINO GERBEX. He is represented by Mrs Kimone Tennant. He pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to supply a firearm and ammunition along with JUMILLO ISMA and others unknown. The charges were read to him via video link from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR). 

It reads that GINO GERBEX acting together with JUMILLO ISMA and others conspired to supply a gun and ammunition on dates between 27th December 2022 to 25th June 2023. His remand was extended to his trial date to commence on 04th October 2024 for two weeks in the Grand Turk Supreme Court. 

Up next was the case of MELIUS PIERRE. 

No charges were read to him as his attorney, Mr.Astwood Forbes, was not yet ready to proceed due to the fact he was not able to speak to his client as yet to take instruction. He is in prison on remand. 

Presiding justice in all the criminal matters for Thursdays April 25 was Mr Justice Chris Selochan and Ms. Roseanne Richardson was for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was present in court throughout. 

The court was not pleased that the accused had been coming to court repeatedly, and due to his attorney not seeing or speaking to him, the matter had to be adjourned to a later date once again. 

Deputy DPP Dr. Angela Brooks said she’s ready to proceed as she already attended court some five or more times in this matter and the matter has not progressed. 

The judge set a next PDH date for May 3, 2024.  

The accused has very serious immigration charges, such as returning to the Islands contrary to deportation order, aggravated assisting illegal entry and illegal entry.

Following was KADEN LIGHTBOURE, who pleaded not guilty for possession of imitation firearm with intent to cause fear. 

It is alleged that on 15th January this year, he used an imitation firearm to cause fear to other persons. This alleged incident was in North Backsalina, Grand Turk. 

Lightbourne is remanded until his trial commences on 20th June this year. 

His lawyer, the Hon. Mr. Willin Belliard indicated to the judge and prosecutor that he has filed a bail application for his client that is expected to be heard next week. 

Meanwhile, his remand continues.

JOHN SPENCER MISSICK has two lawyers, Mrs. Kimone Tennant represents him on an aggravated burglary involving a firearm (home invasion style) along with others as he acting together on 31st July, 2023 they did invade the occupants and stole a number of items such as:

• Louis Vuitton bag value at $2000.00.
• Gucci sunglasses value at $795.00.
• Burberry sunglasses value at $395.00.
• $700.00 in cash. 
• A mini laptop value at $800.00.
• Laptop case value at $20.00.
• A Michael Kors wallet/bag value at $188.00.
• $300.00 in cash 

Among other valuable items as well as identification cards, drivers licenses,etc, to a total value of nearly $6500.00.

SPENCER pleaded guilty with an explanation but was stopped immediately by Judge Selochan and his attorney because there’s really no such thing as ‘guilty with an explanation.’

Even though this is sometimes used at arraignment it is either you plead guilty or not guilty. T

he judge then questioned his attorney, Mrs Kimone Tennant, and she told the judge that was not in line with her instructions when she and Missick met and discussed this case. She invited the judge to allow her some more time to speak with Missick before this arraignment continues. 

The judge then granted the attorney’s request and advised that no other charges be put to him at this time. 

The case was then adjourned to the next plea and directions hearing on May 31st 2024. 

Missick’s second case was called, and his other lawyer, Ms. Sheena Mair asked for more time to speak with him as well, and it was granted. 

Both matters put to the same date, and his remand was extended to that date as well.

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent 

When the court opened and Plea and Directors Hearings convened on Thursday April 25th Justice Chris Selochan was set to hear the matter of Bible Street robbery accused JOSIAH PARFAIT, however, his attorney Ms Sheena Mair asked that his matter be put to the next PDH on May 31st.

Her reason, information from the Office of the DPP important to the defence of her client. 

The judge granted Ms. Mair’s request in the interest of justice.

In a separate matter, WILFREDO WILLIAMS and JONATHAN HANDFIELD both jointly charged with kidnapping and other serious offenses matters were put to next Plea and Direction Hearing on May 31st.

 JONATHAN HANDFIELD did not have a lawyer and had not applied for legal aid as yet.

Mrs Lara Maroof Misick was ready to proceed with the arraignment for her client WILFREDO WILLIAMS but both Mrs. Maroof Misick and his Lordship agreed to the adjournment, giving HANDFIELD some time to apply for legal aid on these very serious charges against him.

Additionally, RODNEY SILVER had his matter deferred to a new court date with a bail hearing set Wednesday May 10th.

 Finally, there was due to be sentencing for Ambulance Driver/Paramedic TERRELL JOSEPH.  That has been adjourned to May 29, 2024.  His attorney, Lara Maroof Misick sought the adjournment, admitting she had not yet completed the requested submission on behalf of her client.

The Governor and the Office congratulates Permanent Secretary Desiree Lewis on her Investiture Ceremony held at Buckingham Palace last week. Permanent Secretary Lewis was awarded her OBE in the 2023 King’s New Year Honours for her outstanding contributions to the Turks and Caicos Islands during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.