Haitian Business Owner Shut Down, Faces Court for Lobster Tails and more

By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, July 3, 2023 – A Haitian woman who operates a restaurant business establishment, LE BON GOUT BAR AND RESTAURANT on Millennium Highway in Providenciales is now in court, her business forced to close.

MILKA PAUL ESTEVE, 58 years old, is charged before the Magistrate’s Court for being in possession of parrot fish and crawfish, namely lobster tails during the close period or season for these species.

The discovery was made on Tuesday May 9, 2023 around 5pm when officers from the Fisheries Protection Department raided the business establishment.  The business was ordered close after the illegal findings.

ESTEVE appeared before the Hon Chief Magistrate Mr. Jolyon Hatmin on Thursday June 29, 2023.
Representing the business lady was senior defence counsel, Finbar Grant who indicated to the court their intention to plead guilty to the charges.

However, the guilty pleas were not entered at the Thursday hearing because there may need to be some amendments to the charges.  This was being discussed and addressed between defense counsel and the public prosecutor Ms. Tassja Mitchell.

The matter was therefore adjourned to July 6, 2023 for continued arraignment.

The business owner could be fined and/or do jail time after conviction.