Crime

Former Tourist Board Director will go to trial says Supreme Court judge

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2022

Deandrea Hamilton

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, November 21, 2022 – A criminal trial has been order for Ramon Andrews, former Director of the TCI Tourist Board after failing to have the case against him thrown out.

Andrews, who was investigated and arrested by officers from the Integrity Commission, was charged in 2019 for corruption and financial misconduct. His attorney Oliver Smith, KC argued that the Integrity Commission officers acted outside of their remit when they arrested him as that was a power reserved for those in public office i.e. policemen.

The Integrity Commission Ordinance maintains its officers are not policemen.

However, leaning on court documents shared by the TCI Sun Newspaper, Supreme Court Judge Shiraz Aziz rejected Smith’s argument maintaining that “The fact that the section states that the officer is not a police officer does not of itself mean that the officer cannot or shall not arrest or charge someone who he is investigating or where as a result of the investigation, there is evidence which can support a charge.”

While the judge maintained that the specification was to keep the Integrity Commission officers separate from the Royal TCI Police, not reduce their powers of arrest thus the trial will go forward, he did admit the language of the law lent to varied interpretations.

Andrews was appointed in 2016 and in 2019 became the subject of an “extensive investigation” and was charged by the Integrity Commission. Details on the case have been miniscule, shedding no light on the extent of his alleged corruption and financial misconduct.

There was talk of up to $100,000 in misappropriated funds but at the time of that public report, Andrews told Magnetic Media the amount of money promoted on social media in the case was inflated.

He was put on administrative leave by the Tourist Board and was succeeded by Pamela Ewing who has since resigned the post.

The matter was argued on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions by Willin Belliard, prosecuting attorney and (Governor’s appointed) member of the House of Assembly.

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Deandrea Hamilton

Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.

Crime

Firearm and Drug Charges

Published

7 days ago

July 20, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Media Release

July 15^th, 2024.

SHAIWANZO MISSICK of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, has been charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.

Missick, 30, was charged on July 13 after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The offences against Missick are:

One Count – Discharging Firearm
One Count- Discharging Ammunition
One Count-Possession of Firearm with intent to commit a serious offence
Two Counts-Possession of Ammunition
One Count –Possession of Firearm
One Count-Possession of Controlled Drugs
One Count- Possession of Controlled Drugs with intent to supply.

The charges against Missick came following a report made on Saturday, 29 June 2024, following a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.

Officers obtained a warrant and searched the accused’s residence based on the information received.

The RT&CIPF is asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.

Additionally, persons are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app from the Google Play Store or Apple Apps and share information anonymously.