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Bishop Clarence Williams Re-Trial for Alleged Sexual Assault, begins

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By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, June 29, 2023 – Having being convicted and sentenced since February 24, 2022, Clarence Williams, who was found guilty of Indecent  Assault of a male after a trial by jury before Her Ladyship Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson, the former church bishop is getting his new trial and it may include a new charge for possible conviction.

Williams had been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment; suspended from church work for two years and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The indictment had contained two counts, but the jury could not agree on count two and were discharged from reaching a verdict in respect of that count.

In the Supreme Court on Friday 23rd June 2023 before newly appointed Judge to the TCI high court bench, his lordship Mr. Chris Selochan, the crown led by King’s Counsel Mr. Andrew Mitchell and assisted by Ms. Tamika Grant, told the court that at the re-trial it is the Crown’s intention to apply to the court to reinstate the count that the jury was not able to reach a verdict on in the first trial.

The Court of Appeal, had quashed the conviction, also discharging the sentenced and calling for a retrial in the matter in the Interest Of Justice.

Counsel for the defendant strongly petitioned the court to consider his client’s age, 77 (at the time), his resignation from all duties within the church and his possible ill health, that there should be no retrial.

The Court of Appeal resisted the submission and ordered a retrial of Clarence Wiliams.

It was between September and November of 2017, the complainant Jeff Josue Saunders was riding his bicycle in Five Cays. He stopped for a rest near to the entrance that leads to the Church of God Prophecy.  There he met Bishop Clarence Williams.  The accused was a Bishop of the said church.  The accused was sitting in his car and a conversation ensued, during which the Bishop Williams invited Saunders to his office to collect $6 for lunch. Saunders accepted and later in the day he rode his bicycle to the Bishop’s office.  There the Bishop told Saunders that he was sweaty, smelt badly and invited him to use the bathroom facility at the office.  The appellant led Saunders to his sink and took a cloth/flannel from the shower nearby and proceeded to wash Saunders’ body eventually making his way to his genitalia, under the pretext that he was teaching Saunders personal hygiene.

The only other relevant matter was that Saunders was a Paranoid Schizophrenic.

The Bishop admitted that the encounter occurred, but alleged that the bathroom incident was a total fabrication.

At the appeal hearing Bishop Williams’ King’s Counsel attorney Mr. Jerome Lynch assisted by Mr. Mark Fulford, submitted that the learned trial judge erred in failing to safeguard the appellant’s right to a fair trial by refusing to sanction the Crown’s use of material that was undisclosed and should not have been put in cross-examination, by discharging the jury or at the very least telling the jury to disregard the questions as they should not have been suggested and as there was no evidence to support them.

And similarly to warn them again in her summing-up.

Counsel for the respondent admitted that prosecuting counsel did not give the defence advance disclosure of the challenged questions, but denied that the non-disclosure amounted to a material irregularity which rendered the conviction unsafe.

Counsel for the appellant submitted that two questions which were put to the appellant during cross examination by prosecuting counsel Mr. Oliver Smith, KC were improper.

The first question, prosecuting counsel put to the appellant was that he and his wife had been estranged for 20 years. Counsel submitted that was untrue and not predicated on any disclosure relating to antecedents.  In the course of giving his evidence the appellant had spoken of not being aware of any complaints of a similar nature being made against him.

The second question prosecuting counsel asked was:

“Q. Weren’t you thrown out of your house by your wife for allegations of sexual abuse of other male — men?

  1. Definitely not, says the Bishop.

The court of appeal heard Bishop’s appeal on JANUARY 23, 2023 and delivered it’s decision on FEBRUARY 8, 2023.

The appeal was Heard Before:  The Honourable Mr. Justice K. Neville Adderley – President Ag; The Honourable Mr. Justice Stanley John – Justice of Appeal; The Honourable Mr. Justice Sir Ian Winder – Justice of Appeal; *Appearances and representation were by: Mr. Jerome Lynch KC and Mr. Mark Fulford For the Appellant.

Mr. Oliver Smith KC and Ms. Tamika Grant For the Respondent, February 24, 2022

Friday’s hearing (23rd June, 2023) Bishop Williams’ counsels were Mr. Jerome Lynch KC and Ms. Sheena Mair.

The matter was adjourned to various different dates in July, potentially August, as well as dates in September for counsels from both sides to submit applications and responses to February 24, 2022 applications and submissions.

Bishop was released on self -signed bail until his new trial, if dates and counsels are available in September.

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Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Bahamas News

Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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