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.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
Education
Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.
Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to
grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.
The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You
have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13
| Position | Name | School | Portfolio Value | Regional Placement |
| 1st | Marc Roubentz-Perceus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 370,336.63 | 1st |
| 2nd | Joshua Creese | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 264,841.31 | 2nd |
| 3rd | Stendro Chalas | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 247,738.09 | 3rd |
| 4th | Ojed’harlie Jolissaint | Wesley Methodist School | $ 227,389.60 | 4th |
| 5th | Tyshawn Wright | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 189,064.18 | 5th |
| 6th | Jah’keem Missick | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 173,654.58 | 6th |
| 7th | Curvin Handfield | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 156,984.89 | 8th |
| 8th | Chadazea Darville | Wesley Methodist School | $ 147,428.43 | 9th |
| 9th | Vivaan Castleton | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 120,833.83 | 14th |
| 10th | Damendine Simplus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 118,660.55 | 15th |
| 11th | Dyvion Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 111,572.81 | 16th |
| 12th | Colin Moriarty | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 106,854.81 | 17th |
| 13th | Kensley Felix | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 101,285.06 | 18th |
| 14th | Redjino Saint-Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 99,927.39 | 19th |
TEACHERS
- Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
- Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
- Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
- Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate
Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School
Government
Parnell Urges Premier to Step Aside, Proposes Bipartisan Board to Guide Healthcare Transition
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Opposition Leader Douglas Parnell is calling on Premier Charles Washington Misick
to step aside, arguing that the Government has failed to provide the leadership, transparency and public engagement needed as the Turks and Caicos Islands prepares for one of the most significant changes in its healthcare system.
Responding to Government statements following InterHealth Canada’s contract termination notice, Parnell said residents were only now learning officially that negotiations with the hospital operator had been underway for more than a year, despite several previous opportunities for Government to inform the public.
He questioned why no detailed explanation was provided during the State of the State Address, Budget Debate or recent healthcare announcements, including the opening of the new polyclinic.
Parnell argued that while the PDM supports reforming or replacing the existing hospital arrangement, the process must be transparent and centred on the public interest.
The Opposition Leader reminded residents that the PDM had challenged the InterHealth agreement while in government, pursuing arbitration and preparing further legal action over concerns about the contract before leaving office following the General Election.
To guide the next phase, Parnell proposed establishing a bipartisan Health Transition Board comprising Government and Opposition
representatives to oversee the transition, monitor public accountability and manage the procurement process for any future healthcare provider.
He also outlined what the PDM believes should form the foundation of the next healthcare system, including guaranteed continuity of care, automatic employment protection for hospital workers, recruitment incentives for specialist physicians, expanded intensive care services, comprehensive mental health care, enhanced geriatric services and accelerated efforts to attract qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders in the medical profession back home.
Parnell also presented ten questions for Government covering outstanding payments, borrowing plans, legal implications, transition arrangements and the future structure of healthcare delivery.
He said the changes now unfolding require decisive leadership, openness and a carefully managed transition that places patients, healthcare workers and the long-term interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands first.
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