News
INTEGRITY COMMISSION corruption proceedings against Three Women gets October Trial Date
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – Two female Immigration Officers, one charged in Grand Turk and the other charged in Providenciales along with a work permit, visa, naturalization and status card consultancy agent matter were before His Lordship, Hon Mr. Chris Selochan, last Friday.
After a highly complex and extensive investigation by the Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission’s investigators, WENDY SEYMOUR, ANDREA SAUNDERS AND CARLINE CHARITE (Seymour and Saunders are suspended) were charged pertaining to allegations of corruption, fraud, conspiracy and other offenses.
All three were charged in February 2022 and are currently on bail.
The matter was called for mention on Friday 23rd June 2023 at the Providenciales Supreme Court on Leeward Highway. The defendants did not have to appear on that date.
Representing the Crown at the hearing in this matter was SIPT second in command Public Prosecutor, Quinn Hawkins and he was assisted by Public Prosecutor Enjaleek Dickenson.
The FIRST accused, suspended immigration officer WENDY SEYMOUR at that hearing was represented by SIPT defense attorney, Jerome Lynch KC instructed by Mark Fulford of F-Chambers Law.
Second accused, suspended immigration officer ANDREA SAUNDERS counsel is Senior defense attorney, Noel Skippings and the third accused, consultancy boss lady CARLINE CHARITE also has a King’s Counsel representing her in the person of, Oliver Smith.
In 2020 while these matters were still under investigation by the Integrity Commission and before any charges was laid, the accused CARLINE CHARITE finances and properties were under a restraining order issued by the Court as it relates to proceedings filed by the DPP’s Office. The restraining order was issued in relation to Charite benefiting from the proceeds of crime or criminal conduct. A ruling to this application was delivered by her Ladyship The Hon Chief Justice, Mable Agyemang on September 4, 2020.
Properties and funds were subject to the application for a restraining order against Carline Charite.
The ruling was in respect of an application for an extension of a Restraint
Order and the application seeks an extension of a Restraint Order granted to the DPP against the assets of the respondents on February 20, 2020.
This was given a three-month limit of operation on May 7, 2020. The application was brought on the following grounds:
- The respondents are currently the subjects of the on-going investigation by officers of the Integrity Commission for the offences of Corruption, Money Laundering, offences under Schedule 1 of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 2014;
Magnetic Media learned that at the time of the DPP’s application against the assets of the now defendant and others named in the ruling, given the fact of the then pandemic and travel restrictions, the investigators from the Integrity Commission had not been able to return to the Island but they were todo so over the next few weeks.
The Crown intended to apply for a confiscation order against the realisable assets of the Respondents in the event of a conviction following a criminal trial in accordance with S. 15(1)(a) of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance.”
The Hon Chief Justice, Mable Agyemang in the ruling stated, to give a background to this extension application, I must recount matters antecedent to the variation application in which the order which is sought to be extended, was made.
On February 20, 2020 this court coram: Ventour J, granted a Restraint Order against the assets of the four respondents in this application. The order which was granted upon a hearing based on an affidavit deposed to by one ASP Kenville Charles, was in the following terms:
- Pursuant to sections 41 and 42 of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance. *CARLINE CHARITE* is restrained whether by herself, her servants or agents or however otherwise from disposing of, causing or allowing the disposal of and/or dealing with the assets identified in the order.
- All persons real or otherwise named in this order are prohibited from dealing with the asset listed in this order.
- The said first respondent is prohibited from:
- Removing from the Turks and Caicos Islands assets whether or not they are named in paragraph 6 (a list specifying her assets contained in the order).
- In any way disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of the assets whether they are named in paragraph 6 or not.
- That the order applies to all assets of the (first) Respondent whether or not the assets are described in this Order or are transferred to the alleged offender after the order is made, is in her own name or whether they are solely or jointly owned.
For the purpose of this Order the (first) Respondent’s assets include any asset in which she has a right or over which she has the power, directly or indirectly to dispose of, or deal with as if it was her own. The first respondent is to be regarded as having such power if a third party holds or controls the asset in accordance with her direct or indirect instructions.”
The Order was said to apply to the following ‘assets and institutions’:
- Bank of Nova Scotia account numbered 35417 in the name of Paulene Boutique P.O. Box 959 Carline and Audelin Charite Balance as at 31/10/19: USD19,892.
- Bank of Nova Scotia account 35319 in the names of Audelin and Carline Charite: Balance as at 31/10/19 USD 47,283.47
- Hallmark Trust 5189420021055845 Compass Debit card in the name of Carline Charite Balance on 31/10/19: USD 1650.
- Block and Parcel #60504/134 Shrub Close – Plot with three detached houses (all occupied, split into apartments)
- Block and Parcel #60504/179 Millennium Highway (0.25 ac) & Plaza Building)
- Block and Parcel # 60605#190 Slater Drive, off South Dock Road.
- Block and Parcel #60511/50 (0.94 ac) and 60511/53 – (0.94) Plots of land adjacent north of Kew Town, undeveloped raw land,
- Block and Parcel #60511/53 Transfer document dated 4th March 2014.
- Block and Parcel # 60505/50
- Block and Parcel # 60505/191 and 60505/192 Land off Millennium Highway, Providenciales.”
The Bank of Nova Scotia Account numbered 35319 was a company co-owned by the first and second applicants: JV’s Trucking Services.
After an application was brought by the respondents to discharge or vary the order, this Court, as at present constituted, on May 7, 2020, granted a variation of the order of February 20 in the following terms: That, “The monthly living expenses deposed to by the first and second applicants in their affidavits, business expenses of Island Brokerage Consultancy, Paulene Boutique, and JV Trucking Services, as well as the legal expenses of the applicants be allowed out of any and all of the bank accounts of the four applicants for a period of three months. The restraint order will continue to run for a period of three months from this day. An order is made accordingly.”
Subsequently, it having been brought to the attention of the court by learned counsel Mr. Oliver Smith that the order for payment of legal expenses was made per incuriam s. 5 of Ordinance 22/2018 Proceeds of Crime Amendment Ordinance which amends s. 42 of POCO by the insertion of s.42 (2A) which restricts provision as to legal expenses, the court amended its order and disallowed legal expenses.
Magnetic Media can report that the restraining order application has since been rectified and the matter is moved to a trial date of 10th October 2023 and bails are extended for the accused.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
