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Crime

No SQUATTER’S rights on Crown Land, says new ISU Lead

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By Dana Malcolm  

Staff Writer  

 

#TurksandCaicos, April 6, 2023 – Before, TCI authorities were simply ignoring the illegal developments being built up on government owned land; now, Government is paying attention and taking action through its newly established Informal Settlement Unit, headed by attorney and former Supreme Court justice, Carl Simons, KC.

“As a matter of fact, from the movement you start you are committing an offense. From the first bush that you pull out and that offense continues so long as you continue to put up foundations and lay blocks.”

As the Government actively begins to reclaim long-occupied crown land removing buildings which are illegally occupying space, Carlos Simons KC who heads the Informal Settlement Unit, is reminding that there are no squatters rights in this case.

“You cannot acquire rights by squatting on Crown Land,” he said in an interview with our news team. Simons mentioned how seriously the law treated this.  So bold and prolific is the spread of the illegal settlements that some of the structures have been standing on Crown Land for decades including homes, corner shops, and more that have gone untouched by previous Governments. Their longevity does not exempt them from demolition as it springs not from legal right but from authorities ignoring them.

“No matter how long you stay there no right can accrue to you by virtue of [that].” Simons warned.

Simons has said there may be some rights available over private land.  This involves the landowner knowing that a squatter is on his or her property and doing nothing about it for many years.

“It is possible to acquire a prescriptive right to private land, but not crown land.”

Landowners in the Turks and Caicos are already approaching the Planning Department for help with clearing squatters.  In fact, the 24 acres in the Bight was private land requested to be cleared by the owners.

Simons encourages residents not to build without authorization from the Planning Department, not only because they put their safety at risk, but because all illegal settlements no matter where or how expansive they are, would be cleared and while the job would be done humanely, it would be done.

Crime

Five Cays Robbery

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, October 11th, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force wishes to inform the public that officers from the Serious Crime Unit are actively investigating an armed robbery that took place on the evening of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Five Cays, Providenciales.

Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 9:32 pm, officers were dispatched to Granny Hill, where a male and female were victims of a robbery.

The suspects stole a silver 2008 Nissan Note hatchback, cash, and other valuables.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Shortly after 5 pm yesterday (October 10), the vehicle was recovered in Five Cays.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal firearms to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.

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

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Crime

Updated Statement – Five Cays Homicide

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

 

Turks and Caicos, October 11, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has identified 28-year-old EVANSON WALKIN, also known as “Archie,” as the victim of the fatal shooting that took place last evening (October 10).

At approximately 9:00 p.m., multiple calls were made to the Police Control Room, reporting that gunshots were heard in an area called Club Med in Five Cays.

Upon arriving at the scene, detectives from the Serious Crime Unit found a male lying motionless, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was later positively identified as Mr. Walkin.

This investigation remains ongoing, and we are urging the public to provide any information that may assist in solving this crime.

If you have any details about this incident, please get in touch with your nearest police station, call 911, or reach the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842.

Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers P3 app, where video footage and other information can be shared discreetly.

We thank the public for their cooperation and assistance as we continue our efforts to bring justice to Mr. Walkin and his loved ones.

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Crime

Acting Police Commissioner, Rodney Adams issues statement on Jouvly Inelus and gruesome photo of his dead body

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Turks and Caicos – For the past three months, Jouvly Inelus has been wanted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) in connection with firearm-related offences, including homicides and robberies. Earlier this morning, officers from the Serious Crime Unit received forensic confirmation that the body found yesterday (September 30) is that of 32-year-old Mr Inelus, a resident of Blue Hills. This remains an active investigation, and the RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr Inelus’ relatives and all families that lost their loved ones to violent crime.

Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams issues the following statement: “At around 11:12 p.m., officers received information and proceeded to a bushy area in Miracle Close, Blue Hills. Upon arrival, the officers discovered the motionless body of a male dressed in a black jersey and black basketball pants with what appeared to be gunshot and other injuries.

“Mr. Inelus had been evading the police for the past three months. Despite the challenges, the RT&CIPF remained relentless in their pursuit of leads and conducted joint operations across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) with the assistance of local and regional partners.

“We wish to thank Crime Stoppers and also express gratitude to the members of the public who acted in the best interest of the TCI. The police force remains committed to pursuing anyone who seeks to cause instability in the islands while ensuring the safety and security of all communities.”

In a direct message to the youth, Acting Commissioner Adams said, “I am pleading with the young men—put down your guns and preserve your life and the lives of others. Crime does not pay and only leads downhill. Many opportunities are available, and the RT&CIPF is launching a mentorship program to support and guide the youth. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this initiative.”

The RT&CIPF is also aware of a photograph on social media of the victim’s body. The circulation of such imagery is appalling and demonstrates a complete lack of respect. We urge the public to refrain from viewing and sharing material of this nature.

The RT&CIPF calls on anyone with information regarding illegal activities to contact the nearest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, 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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