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TCI Deputy Premier echoes ‘imbalance’ accusations in EU Blacklist

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Dana Malcom

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, October 24, 2022 – A week after the Turks and Caicos landed on the EU Tax backlist, Finance Minister and Deputy Premier E Jay Saunders is highlighting the disparity in how small states and major European countries are judged on tax practices. 

“I must point out that EU member countries are not screened for possible inclusion on the blacklist.  So they get a free pass.” he said, dedicating much of his speech in the House of Assembly on Wednesday to the issue. 

“The list which is updated every six months requires the 27 member countries, which are not screened, to take defensive measures against the jurisdictions that are considered the black listed countries.” 

Saunders’ comments come just weeks after Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis firmly criticized the tax review practices of some global agencies at the UN General assembly.

“Why is it that European countries that operate frameworks akin to those in blacklisted countries are not being made eligible for inclusion on these lists?  We find it astounding that the 2 to $3 trillion estimated to be laundered through developed countries each year is never a cause for concern,” Davis had said.  

Saunders maintained that the Turks and Caicos had made significant progress over the past six months, and the review body agreed to this but indicated that the fruits of that progress would come in time for their 2023 Q1 review, not the most recent review and thus they were included on the blacklist. 

In light of this, the Finance Minister said they are putting in a complete action plan to get the Turks and Caicos off of Annex I or the blacklist.  That action plan includes

  • Hiring a dedicated consultancy firm to help with abiding the EU goals. 
  • Allocating more resources to the issue
  • More rigorous compliance protocols and several other protocols. 

The next review is scheduled for February. 

News

Robbery Accused Granted Bail

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, 28th April 2025 – RENARDO CLARKE was granted $5000 bail when he appeared before a Magistrate today (Monday, April 28, 2025), charged with Robbery.

As part of his bail conditions, the accused is required to reside at a relative’s home and report to the Grace Bay Police Station three days per week during specific times. The accused will also observe a daily curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

The matter was adjourned for a sufficiency hearing on June 6, 2025.

Clarke was charged following investigations into an incident reported on April 17, 2025, in Long Bay, where a male victim was robbed of cash and valuables while at the canal off Old Grace Road, Long Bay.

Following the report, officers commenced an investigation and charged Clarke on 22nd April.

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News

Illegals Detained        

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, 28th April 2025 – On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, officers from the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) responded to a report of illegal migrants spotted in the mangrove area along the southeastern side of North Caicos.

The United States Coast Guard (Air Support Unit), the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management supported the operation.

Upon arrival at the location, RT&CIPF officers apprehended eleven (11) male individuals, all confirmed to be of Haitian nationality.

The individuals were detained and transported to Providenciales, where they were handed over to officers from Border Force for processing and further investigation.

We continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious maritime or coastal activity to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force by calling 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.

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Crime

Attempted Murder Charge

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, 28th April 2025 – JUNIOR BELIZAIRE, 24, is expected to appear before a Magistrate later this week.

Belizaire of The Bight faces the following charges:

  • One Count – Attempted Murder
  • One Count – Unlawful Entry

The accused was charged on Sunday, 27th April 2025.

The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred on the evening of 21st April 2025, when a 26-year-old male victim was attacked and sustained multiple chop wounds to his head and body.

The victim was found bleeding and transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (CHMC) for emergency treatment.

Due to the severity of his injuries, the victim has since been flown overseas for further medical care. His condition remains stable.

The Serious Crime Unit, after an intensive investigation, identified Belizaire as the alleged perpetrator of the attack.

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