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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.

Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio

Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.  Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

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