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Grand Turk murder suspicion case lacks evidence; reason for Swann’s bail says attorney

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – September 1, 2020 – Turks and Caicos Islands Police arrested and named two men in a murder investigation which stunned residents of Grand Turk and shocked the nation.

Days later, those men were given police bail and set free.

It was a double murder; two men gunned down within minutes of each other in Grand Turk.  It was a set of ‘hits’ frighteningly well planned and seemingly with little to no physical evidence left behind about who could have executed such a heinous crime.

Police, the day following the double killing informed that arrested on suspicion were: 

“31-year-old Dominic Swann was arrested on Grand Turk for Murder in connection to the shooting of the 23-year-old man in the Over Back District around 11:00 p.m.

25-year-old Ellington Been was arrested on Providenciales for Murder in connection to the shooting of the 37-year-old man and the wounding of the 44-year-old man at a bar off Church Folly on Grand Turk around 11:27 p.m.”

One suspect in the case, Dominic Swann has hired attorney Lara Maroof as his representation and on Friday, August 28, Maroof issued this statement:

“At around 9am on Monday 24th August 2020, Dominic Swann was asked by the police to attend at the Grand Turk police station. He willingly attended and was then arrested on suspicion of murder of Deon Emmanuel which occurred late on Sunday 23rd August. Mr Swann was subsequently detained at the station until Wednesday 26th August 2020. He was not charged with any offences as there was no evidence upon which to charge him. Neither did the police apply to keep him in extended detention at the station. The police granted Mr Swann bail whilst they continue to investigate the murder. This was in accordance with the normal police procedure whilst an investigation is being carried out and Mr Swann received no special treatment.”

It was the day before, Thursday August 27 that the Royal TCI Police delivered the concerning news that both men held on suspicion were released on bail.

Dominic Swann was released in Grand Turk on $20,000 bail, and must return to the police station on that island, said a Police press release.

Ellington Been also received bail in the amount of $20,000 and is requested to report back to the Chalk Sound Police station.

In his statement, Dominic Swann denied having any involvement in this horrific crime and says he is “an innocent man. We sincerely hope that a thorough investigation will be carried out by the police into this serious crime which will confirm his innocence. We hope that this clarifies the current position with regard to this matter for the public.”

Police have asked for public assistance in solving the murders which took place on Sunday August 23, 2020; killed were Deon Emmanuel, 23 and Howard Freites Junior, 37. A third man was shot in the incident and last listed in stable condition at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre.

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Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 11 DECEMBER 2024

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Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
  • Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the TCI Airports Authority.
  • Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
  • Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
  • Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
  • Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
  • Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
  • Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
  • Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
  • Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
  1. PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
  2. PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
  • PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
  1. PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
  2. TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

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Government

TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT – 4TH DECEMBER 2024

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Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024.  All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

  • Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
  • Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
  • Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
  • Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
  • Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
  • Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
  • Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
  • Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

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News

Collaborative Operational Training for RT&CIPF Officers

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Turks and Caicos, 20th January, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have recently bolstered their strategic partnership through a specialized initiative to enhance operational capabilities in combating criminal activity across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

As part of this collaboration, RTCIPF Tactical Unit officers underwent advanced helicopter tactical rescue specialist training in the Bahamas. Delivered by DEA agents and their Tactical Helicopter Section, the training equipped officers with critical skills to deploy rapidly from helicopters, addressing challenges in TCI’s remote and difficult-to-access areas.

Following the intensive four-day program, Superintendent Jason James, head of the RTCIPF Tactical Unit, highlighted the initiative’s importance: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The helicopter fast rope specialist training has enabled our officers to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal threats, no matter where they arise across the TCI.

“The partnership with the DEA under Op BAT underscores our shared dedication to preventing and detecting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime. This effort strengthens the RTCIPF’s operational capacity and contributes to a robust, multi-agency approach to professional law enforcement.”

DEA representatives commended the RTCIPF’s proactive measures: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are a vital partner in the fight against transnational crime. Through this joint effort, we are enhancing the capability of local forces to protect their citizens and disrupt criminal networks.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Mat Newton also acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships: “As a Force, we remain dedicated to employing innovative strategies and fostering global alliances to ensure the islands’ safety. This is the first wave of training with the DEA and represents a key element of our fight against organized crime. Many thanks to the DEA for this opportunity.”

The strengthened partnership between the RTCIPF and the DEA marks a significant step in enhancing the TCI’s capacity to combat complex criminal activities and maintain public safety.

#PartnershipsMatter #safertci

 

Courtesy of RTCIPF Facebook

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