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TCI Senior Prosecutor under fire

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By Deandrea Hamilton and Dana Malcolm

Editorial Staff

 

#TurksandCaicos, August 4, 2022 – Residents of the Turks and Caicos are concerned after a Jamaican media house broke the news that  a prosecutor employed to the Turks and Caicos Islands Judiciary is facing major charges against her character in her native Jamaica, but Director of Public Prosecutions Eugene Otuonye says the judiciary is on top of it.

DPP Otuonye spoke to Magnetic Media on Tuesday to reassure Islanders the case is being reviewed at the highest levels of the judiciary including the Attorney General and Chief Justice to determine how it will affect Sophia Thomas’s tenure in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Thomas is currently senior public prosecutor in the Office of the DPP.

“We are considering that decision and its implications for her employment as a public officer with TCIG and her professional standing as a Prosecutor and an Attorney. The decision taken by the relevant TCI authorities will be communicated in the normal way.” He said, noting that the review process is a fast moving one.

The Jamaica Gleaner has reported that in a verdict handed down on Friday, Sophia  Thomas became the first Jamaican prosecutor in history to be found guilty of professional misconduct.

Thomas was found to have violated the canons of professional ethics during a 2017 fraud case which had to be thrown out because of the mix-up.

But Thomas’s attorney, to Magnetic Media described the case as not due to her own ignorance and maintains  that she has a strong case for appeal.

Hugh Wildman informed, not only does he have concerns about the level of expertise of the lawyers in the case, he says his client was declared guilty before proceedings were even over.

“The chairman of the panel, Ms. Small, invited me to make a mitigation plea when the case was not yet finished.” He explained

Accused individuals found innocent do not need a mitigation plea. When she was reminded that the case was not finished, Small reportedly apologized profusely.

He says the idea that any of the attorneys hearing the case could make a premature decision was concerning to him as it meant his client did not get a fair hearing.

“That is part of the problem when you have lawyers trying lawyers. You can have a person that has a vendetta against you and you don’t know.”

Wildman explained that having competitors hear cases against each other was impractical and suggested it would make more sense to have retired court judges sitting in on cases like this.

Additionally the lawyers who heard the case do not have criminal trial experience which he thinks is a major issue.

“These are civil lawyers, these are inexperienced persons who have never had a criminal trial.  She is a prosecutor and she understands what a prosecutor has to do to get out evidence. These are people who don’t have that experience— it is unfair to Ms Thomas to have these people judging her in a case like this.”

Wildman shared that Thomas had the support of both past and present lawyers in Jamaica and the UK who were outraged at the case and the outcome.

As reported by Jamaican media and confirmed by Wildman, Thomas presented a photocopied document to the court. Thomas said it was the original but there were at least 11 discrepancies between it and the actual original.

Apparently the original could not be found and the witness who penned it was asked to rewrite it resulting in the changes. Having been handed the documents with very little time before trial Thomas’s attorney contends she did not know about the changes and at any rate the written statement was only to jog the witness’ memory.

When the discrepancies were revealed The Jamaican DPP said the prosecution would drop the case that same day.

Thomas was hired to represent the Turks and Caicos in 2021, which was also after the complaint was filed in Jamaica.  While residents questioned the wisdom of taking on a public prosecutor with such serious allegation looming, but the Turks and Caicos DPP said the decision to hire her was not arbitrary.

Otuonye, a QC, explained that Thomas had come highly recommended from the DPPs office in Jamaica and the recommendation carried significant weight in the hiring process.

Sophia Thomas was also acting Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions in Jamaica.

Wildman says his primary objective is to get the “blemish” on Thomas’s career overturned but did not rule out the possibility of suing for compensation.

Bahamas News

Monument Supports Hands for Hunger With Paradise Plates Debut  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ leading wine and spirits distributor, proudly supported Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger annual fundraiser with a flavorful offering of its newest product, Monument Beverage Co.

Monument, which launched this July and is available across six major islands, made its Paradise Plates debut. Guests enjoyed three bold flavors: Peach Passion, Ginger-Lime and Melon Fizz as they socialized throughout the evening.

Monument brand ambassadors engaged guests with knowledge on the ready-to-drink beverage’s unique taste and look. Many attendees were delighted to learn that Monument is 100% Bahamian-made and owned and enjoyed seeing the various national landmarks on the packaging.

The booth was adorned with vibrant brand colors, striped arches, tropical florals and a photo worthy backdrop featuring Monument cans filled with florals cascading down the wall.

At the end of the event, the entire Monument inventory had finished, making Monument’s Paradise Plates debut a huge success.

For more details on Caribbean Wines & Spirits, new products and specials, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

Schweppes ‘the Art of Mixology’ Dazzles at Paradise Plates with Nemiroff Vodka

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Schweppes, in collaboration with Nemiroff Vodka dazzled guests with handcrafted cocktails during Paradise Plates, Hands for Hunger’s annual fundraiser held at Atlantis’ Imperial Ballroom.

The evenings’ theme, 70’s: Paradise Disco, inspired bold and delicious sips from Schweppes and Nemiroff.  The beautiful disco themed Schweppes booth, adorned with LED signs, lush greenery and hanging black and gold metallic orbs shined throughout the room.

Schweppes’ brand representatives and mixologists dressed in chic 70’s speakeasy attire engaged attendees throughout the night. Guests enjoyed receiving knowledge of each product and experiencing the vibrant energy of brand representatives.

Nemiroff Vodka, which is locally distributed by Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor; offered a unique variety of vodkas which made the perfect blend with Schweppes. Guests enjoyed, Nemiroff’s Honey Pepper, De Luxe, Burning Pear, Wild Cranberry, and Bold Orange vodkas throughout the night.

Fan favorite cocktails of the night were: the Wild Cranberry Tonic and the Bold Orange Fizz.

Following a positive response at Paradise Plates, CWS is offering Nemiroff and Schweppes specials at local liquor stores for the entire month. With the purchase of any 1-liter Nemiroff vodka, enjoy a complimentary three-pack of Schweppes mixers, to recreate the magic of Schweppes and Nemiroff.

Cara Douglas-Adderley, Senior Marketing Director for Caribbean Bottling (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products and CWS shared the inspiration behind the Schweppes and Nemiroff promotion.

“We are thrilled to have paired Schweppes and Nemiroff for Paradise Plates this year, creating a premium cocktail experience for guests. After receiving such positive feedback, we wanted to extend that experience to consumers at home. Throughout October, consumers can visit their favorite watering hole, buy any 1-liter Nemiroff bottle and receive a free three-pack of Schweppes.”

Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to offer Schweppes, Coca-Cola’s premier mixer in collaboration with Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Nemiroff Vodka at Paradise Plates in support of Hands for Hunger’s mission.

For more information on CBC’s philanthropic work, new products and specials, visits www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos gives Enid Capron Primary a pre-term facelift

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has refreshed the grounds of Enid Capron Primary School in Five Cays, Providenciales, ahead of the new school year, with a landscaping team from the resort, pruning and cutting back overgrown branches to give the campus a cleaner, safer look.

The project focused on the school’s exterior plantings, where tangled growth had begun to encroach on walkways and outdoor learning areas. The team spent time trimming hedges, thinning dense shrubs and removing deadwood to improve sightlines and airflow around the buildings.

Assistant Landscaping Manager, Kemar Jones said the work at Enid Capron is a regular priority for the department, which views community giving as a core part of its mandate. He noted that supporting local schools, particularly through hands-on environmental work, has long been a focus area for his team.

Jones, said the effort reflects the group’s wider commitment to the islands. “As a team, our goal is to give back to our communities and especially providing support for the environment and education,” Jones noted. “The team is always ready to share our skills with making the school environment more comfortable for our students and teachers.”

General Manager Deryk Meany framed the project as part of Beaches’ broader approach to working alongside the community beyond the resort gates. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we operate as a team not only within the confines of the resort but also with our communities,” Meany added. “Being able to share our varied skills is always our main focus. Providing a comfortable learning environment allows for a greater relationship with our educational collaborators.”

He added that the resort seeks opportunities to support range of school-based initiatives, from environmental and leadership clubs to creative programmes.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon. Rachel Taylor described the landscaping mission as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Ministry and Beaches Turks and Caicos. “This mission from our major private sector supporter, Beaches Turks and Caicos is a long standing activity,” Taylor said. “At Enid Capron Primary School, we are treated as family. Once we reach out to the resort, they have always responded in a positive way.”

Hon. Taylor said the support is particularly valuable in the areas of education and community development, where consistent private-sector engagement can amplify government efforts.

Nelene Swann, vice principal at Enid Capron Primary welcomed the refreshed grounds as a boost to morale before classes resume. “This is what true collaboration looks like,” she noted. “This is more than a facelift for the school. The team from Beaches Turks and Caicos has shown true commitment in adding to this learning environment for our students and teachers.”

She said the improved landscaping contributes to a more comfortable and inviting campus for all stakeholders. “This is a good way to start the new school year. This facelift will certainly make the facilities here at the school more appealing to our students, teachers and parents.

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