News
Bishop Clarence Williams Re-Trial for Alleged Sexual Assault, begins
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?
- 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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23rd January 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force recently intercepted illegal handheld gambling devices coming through Howard Hamilton International Airport. Often disguised as everyday electronic gadgets, these devices are strictly prohibited under the Casino Ordinance, which imposes severe penalties for their importation.
In the past month alone, Border Force officers intercepted 70 such devices during routine inspections of passengers’ luggage and cargo. Smugglers frequently attempt to conceal these items within personal belongings or mislabel them on cargo manifests to evade detection.
Sophisticated tactics, including hidden compartments and misleading product descriptions, are commonly employed to bypass customs
controls.
Under the Casino Ordinance, importing, possessing, or distributing unlicensed gambling devices is a criminal offence. Offenders may face fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.
The Border Force hereby reminds the public that ignorance of the law is no defence and urges all travellers and businesses to comply with import regulations. Travellers are advised to ensure that any electronic devices they bring into the country comply with local laws. Importers and retailers are likewise reminded to verify the legality of their products before shipment.
It is important to note that TCI Lotto Games is the only authorised operator of lottery activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Any other entity or individual involved in importing or possessing unlicensed gambling devices is breaching the Casino Ordinance and will be held accountable under the law. By remaining vigilant and adhering to these regulations, travellers and businesses can help prevent illegal activities and support the integrity of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ border controls.
For all media inquiries, please contact crilightbourne@gov.tc
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED
Freeport, Grand Bahama – January 23, 2025 – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is thrilled to announce its title sponsorship of the 12th Annual Tour De Grand Bahama cycling competition, now officially branded the “Grand Bahama Port Authority Tour De Grand Bahama.” Organized by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association, this highly anticipated two-day event will take place on February 8th and 9th, 2025, attracting both Bahamian and international cyclists.
Dr. Telina Smith, Director of Human Resources & Administrator for GBPA Donations, shared the organization’s excitement about supporting this signature event. “We are proud supporters of sporting events, health and wellness initiatives, and cycling activities on the island. These include the GBPA Conchman Triathlon, in which our Acting Chairman, Sarah St. George, participates annually, as well as the Horrible Hundred, another prominent cycling competition hosted by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association. We commend Kenton Roker and his team for making the Tour de Grand Bahama such a meaningful event, uniting the community and attracting cyclists from around the world.”
Kenton Roker, President of the Grand Bahama Cycling Association, expressed gratitude for GBPA’s continued support since the inception of the event. “I would like to thank the Grand Bahama Port Authority for coming on board as a title sponsor. Their support has been integral to the success of this competition year after year. This year promises to be the best one yet due to significant international interest,” said Roker.
Cyclists from the University of Florida in Gainesville, two teams from Tampa, Florida, a contingent from Turks and Caicos, as well as competitors from Canada, Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands, will participate. “We are expecting more than 50 cyclists to compete this year,” Roker noted. He also expressed appreciation to all additional event sponsors who make this prestigious competition possible.
The two-day event features three dynamic stages that will challenge cyclists of all levels. The competition kicks off with a 3.7-mile time trial – a race against the clock designed to test speed and endurance. The second stage is a closed-circuit race lasting one hour, plus three laps, where strategy and pacing will be crucial. On Sunday, the event culminates with a grueling open-category road race: an 80-mile test of stamina and skill starting and finishing at the GBPA Headquarters. Female cyclists will tackle a 60-mile course, while juniors will compete in a 40-mile race, ensuring inclusivity and excitement across all categories.
The Grand Bahama Port Authority is honored to be the driving force behind an event that celebrates athletic excellence, promotes health and wellness, and showcases Grand Bahama as a hub for world-class sporting events.
For more information about the Grand Bahama Port Authority Tour De Grand Bahama, please contact the Grand Bahama Cycling Association at 359-4697 or 442-8346.
Photo Caption:
Pictured Left to Right: Lorna Maxis, GB Cycling Association Representative; Kenton Roker, GB Cycling Association President; Dr. Telina Smith, GBPA Director of Human Resources; Cara Saunders, GB Cycling Association Representative
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