Crime

INDUSTRY STARS SHINE BRIGHT AT THE 14TH ANNUAL TCHTA STAR AWARDS

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2023

A night under the stars, for the stars!

#TurksandCaicos, March 6, 2023 – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) proudly presented its 14^th installment of the Star Awards.

This heavily anticipated event heralds the roles played by the top performers in the hospitality industry in Turks and Caicos. Reputed as a night of glitz and glamour, more than 300 individuals were treated to a felicitous time of pomp and circumstance poolside at Beaches Resort’s French Village.

Housekeepers of the Year, Ambassadors, TCHTA Shining Stars, Employees of the Year, Supervisors and Managers of the Year, Taxi Driver and Entertainer of the Year, Hotel, Restaurant, and Hotelier of the Year, and those considered the Heart of Hospitality, were all celebrated in fine fashion on this occasion, aptly held outdoors under the stars.

The awardees, flanked by their Executive teams, were applauded for their hard work and commitment, thanked for being the reason Turks and Caicos is #1.

And this is what makes Star Awards unique; the housekeeper or maintenance worker typically donning a uniform daily while toiling away sight unseen can dress in their red-carpet-worthy attire and enjoy a night of merriment in the company of their Supervisors and Managers, there to honour them.

Remarks were delivered by the Premier Honourable Washington Misick (keynote speaker), the Minister of Tourism, Honourable Josephine Connolly, TCHTA President, Trevor Musgrove, and TCHTA’s CEO, Stacy Cox, brought the night’s vote of thanks.

“As an organization, this event is one of the highlights of the year for us. It allows us to come face-to-face with you and thank you openly for the hard work and sacrifices you deliver to this industry,” said Musgrove. “Make no mistake; tonight is all about you. We are here to celebrate your achievements and acknowledge you as the faces of excellence in our country’s number one industry.”

The Premier and Minister of Tourism’s remarks echoed those of Musgrove, each lauding thanks and accolades to the deserving awardees who work diligently to maintain the standard of excellence for the destination.

The celebrants enjoyed a luxurious evening of fine dining and entertainment, dazzled by saxophonist Dexter “DaxX” Landy, whose opening number was a beautiful instrumental serenade, and the Beaches Resort Entertainment Team, delivering two show-stopping numbers that evoked roaring applause.

The excitement in the air was palpable, and the evening’s Emcee, Bianca “Queen Bee” Harvey, and disc jockey Drexler Smith of Prime DJs ensured that every moment of the night was upbeat and engaging.

The TCHTA used a jaw-dropping video rendition of the Turks and Caicos National Song, produced by Andre Kerr of Spotlight Communications. The piece is a captivating representation of Turks and Caicos’ landscapes and its people. This was a stand-out moment of national pride during the event.

Reflecting on the spectacular night, CEO Cox said, “It was a fitting celebration to honour our 2022 top performers, and we are grateful to everyone who supported so vigorously.” The CEO held high praise for the delivery by the Beaches Team, hosts of the night’s event. “The way they transformed the space for this event is nothing short of amazing. The décor was captivating, and the team delivered without missing a beat. It was perfection.”

The evening’s co-sponsors, Rubis, Fortis TCI, and CSC Insurance Brokers, Ltd. all played a part in the presentation of awards throughout the evening. The TCHTA extends thanks to these sponsors and to its members for their support.

Hotel of the Year was won by Point Grace Resort, with James McAnally of Beaches Turks and Caicos, winning the title of Hotelier of the Year. These categories were awarded by vote, open to all members of the TCHTA. Award winners in the other categories will be displayed on the TCHTA’s official Facebook page @officialtchta.

The organization shares its thanks with the wider community for acknowledging these bright stars and encourages all to stay tuned for the 15^th annual Star Awards event will be one of epic proportions.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.

One Count: Possession of a Firearm
One Count: Possession of Ammunition
One Count: Unlawful Entry

Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02^nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.

The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20^th.

Crime

Plea & Directions exposes Attorney Not Ready, Accused changes Plea and alleged fake gunman remanded to Prison

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2024

Shanieka

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

At the Plea and Direction Hearing (PDH) on Thursday 25th April, 2024, a number of matters from the list were adjourned to the next PDH on 31st May, 2024 and some to other dates for various reasons.

The first case called was that of GINO GERBEX. He is represented by Mrs Kimone Tennant. He pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to supply a firearm and ammunition along with JUMILLO ISMA and others unknown. The charges were read to him via video link from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR).

It reads that GINO GERBEX acting together with JUMILLO ISMA and others conspired to supply a gun and ammunition on dates between 27th December 2022 to 25th June 2023. His remand was extended to his trial date to commence on 04th October 2024 for two weeks in the Grand Turk Supreme Court.

Up next was the case of MELIUS PIERRE.

No charges were read to him as his attorney, Mr.Astwood Forbes, was not yet ready to proceed due to the fact he was not able to speak to his client as yet to take instruction. He is in prison on remand.

Presiding justice in all the criminal matters for Thursdays April 25 was Mr Justice Chris Selochan and Ms. Roseanne Richardson was for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was present in court throughout.

The court was not pleased that the accused had been coming to court repeatedly, and due to his attorney not seeing or speaking to him, the matter had to be adjourned to a later date once again.

Deputy DPP Dr. Angela Brooks said she’s ready to proceed as she already attended court some five or more times in this matter and the matter has not progressed.

The judge set a next PDH date for May 3, 2024.

The accused has very serious immigration charges, such as returning to the Islands contrary to deportation order, aggravated assisting illegal entry and illegal entry.

Following was KADEN LIGHTBOURE, who pleaded not guilty for possession of imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.

It is alleged that on 15th January this year, he used an imitation firearm to cause fear to other persons. This alleged incident was in North Backsalina, Grand Turk.

Lightbourne is remanded until his trial commences on 20th June this year.

His lawyer, the Hon. Mr. Willin Belliard indicated to the judge and prosecutor that he has filed a bail application for his client that is expected to be heard next week.

Meanwhile, his remand continues.

JOHN SPENCER MISSICK has two lawyers, Mrs. Kimone Tennant represents him on an aggravated burglary involving a firearm (home invasion style) along with others as he acting together on 31st July, 2023 they did invade the occupants and stole a number of items such as:

Louis Vuitton bag value at $2000.00.
Gucci sunglasses value at $795.00.
Burberry sunglasses value at $395.00.
$700.00 in cash.
A mini laptop value at $800.00.
Laptop case value at $20.00.
A Michael Kors wallet/bag value at $188.00.
$300.00 in cash

Among other valuable items as well as identification cards, drivers licenses,etc, to a total value of nearly $6500.00.

SPENCER pleaded guilty with an explanation but was stopped immediately by Judge Selochan and his attorney because there’s really no such thing as ‘guilty with an explanation.’

Even though this is sometimes used at arraignment it is either you plead guilty or not guilty. T

he judge then questioned his attorney, Mrs Kimone Tennant, and she told the judge that was not in line with her instructions when she and Missick met and discussed this case. She invited the judge to allow her some more time to speak with Missick before this arraignment continues.

The judge then granted the attorney’s request and advised that no other charges be put to him at this time.

The case was then adjourned to the next plea and directions hearing on May 31st 2024.

Missick’s second case was called, and his other lawyer, Ms. Sheena Mair asked for more time to speak with him as well, and it was granted.

Both matters put to the same date, and his remand was extended to that date as well.