Firearms Trial to start in SEVEN DAYS

By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, July 3, 2023 – A firearm and ammunition criminal proceedings against JAVAUGHN EDWARD FORBES was listed before his lordship the Hon. Mr. Chris Selochan for mention on Thursday 29th June, 2023 at Court #1, Supreme Court Building, Leeward Highway Providenciales.

The allegations stem from a search warrant executed at a residence in Grand Turk on October 1, 2021.

Forbes, was at the time, 18 years old.

At the hearing last week, principal public prosecuting counsel, Clement Joseph told the court, they are ready to proceed in the matter, with the senior defence counsel for the accused, Noel Skippings’ earliest convenience or availability.

Mr. Skippings confirmed that there were no disclosure issues; all had been fulfilled.

A date in March 2024 was conveyed as available for the denfence counsel.  It was also stated that ‘his client would prefer the early dates of the court’s availability, be used for persons on remand at the prison.’ He reminded the court, that his client is on bail, which means there’s no need to rush the trial.

The court and principal public prosecutor Joseph frowned on the March 2024 proposed date and an alternate date of July 10, 2023 is pending, with the firearms matter to run over five days.

This gives all involved,  seven more days before the trial commences in the Grand Turk Supreme Court before Justice Selochan with a jury to hear the evidence.