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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.
Head to bed in a bra to reduce breast pain, nipple irritation and stretch marks
When you think about sleeping in a bra, “comfort” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind — it may not even make the Top 10. But is it bad to sleep with a bra on?
Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the upsides and downsides of wearing a bra while you snooze.
Should you sleep in a bra?
Several factors may affect your decision to wear a bra to bed, but Dr. Thompson emphasizes that the risk of breast cancer should not be one of them.
“There’s no evidence that wearing a bra while sleeping increases your risk for breast cancer,” she states. “It really comes down to comfort and personal preference.”
But there are also other health issues to consider. Dr. Thompson lays out the pros and cons of sleeping in a bra.
Pros: Why sleeping in a bra might be good for you
Should you wear a bra to bed? There are some benefits, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or breastfeeding.
Lessens breast pain
Having the support of a bra day and night may help relieve breast pain (mastalgia). That’s good news, because up to 70% of women in the United States deal with it at some point in their lives.
Common causes include:
- Hormonal changes, which often occur as part of your menstrual cycle
- Locally advanced breast cancer, including inflammatory breast cancer
- Lactation (producing milk), which may cause your breasts to ache
- Large breasts, which may strain breast ligaments and tissue
- Recent surgery related to your heart or breasts
- Underwires, especially if your bras are too tight
“When somebody reports breast pain, one of the first things we ask is whether they wear an underwire bra,” shares Dr. Thompson. “It can dig into your skin or breast tissue, leaving you sore and tender.”
A soft sleep bra can keep your breasts from shifting and causing discomfort while you snooze.
Protects lactating breasts
If you’re breastfeeding, you know all too well that your mammary glands don’t care if you’re trying to rest. Swollen or full breasts can be painful, especially as you move during sleep or change positions. Wearing a clean and supportive bra while sleeping:
- Holds nursing pads in place
- Keeps nipples dry and free from bacteria
- Reduces nipple chafing
- Supports the structure of your breasts
Make sure your sleep bra is supportive, but not too tight. Wearing a bra that’s too tight while breastfeeding can lower your milk production and possibly lead to clogged milk ducts and mastitis — inflammation of the breast tissue.
Prevents fungal infections
Everyone loves to be warm and cozy in bed. But do you know what else loves a warm environment? Fungus.
“There’s a lot of skin-on-skin contact underneath your breasts, especially if you have larger breasts,” notes Dr. Thompson. “If you’re also
covered in blankets and sweating, it becomes a perfect environment for fungal or yeast infections.”
Wearing a bra to bed helps absorb moisture beneath your breasts and reduce friction. A camisole with a built-in shelf bra can also help.
Reduces nipple irritation
Friction is a common reason for nipple pain — ask any avid runner. You may not be running a marathon in your sleep, but your nipples can still get sore from rubbing against:
- Tight shirts, especially if they’re textured or have a graphic design that can be felt inside the shirt
- The fabric of your pajama top or sheets
- A sleep bra that’s too loose
Wearing a sleep bra can limit movement, easing nipple irritation.
Helps with recovery after surgery
It’s important to keep your breasts compressed after certain surgeries involving your chest. Restricting breast movement helps protect stitches and incisions. The added compression can also:
- Decrease fluid collection
- Minimize pain
- Hold gauze and drains in place
“Most cardiac and breast surgeons want you to wear a bra for some time after surgery, even while sleeping,” emphasizes Dr. Thompson. “Always follow their advice.”
Diminishes stretch marks
Stretch marks on breasts are common, especially if your breasts change size during pregnancy. Bras support your skin’s structure, which helps prevent stretch marks.
“There’s no proof that wearing a bra at any time of day will decrease breast sagginess,” Dr. Thompson clarifies. “But it may help decrease stretch marks.”
Cons: Why it’s bad to sleep with a bra on
Looking for a reason to sleep without strapping on a bra? Dr. Thompson points out a few potential disadvantages of sleeping in a bra.
Causes skin irritation and infection
A sleep bra can protect your skin from irritation and infection. But it can also cause those issues if it has an underwire or it’s:
- Dirty
- Too tight
- Too loose
Restricts circulation
“Bras that are too tight or contain underwires may cause you to wake up with some discomfort,” reiterates Dr. Thompson. “They can restrict your circulation while you sleep.”
Nobody wants to wake up to find that their bra left angry red indents in its wake. That’s why selection is key.
Tips for wearing a bra to bed
If you decide to sleep in a bra, choose one that’s comfortable and fits well — not too tight, not too loose. And be sure to replace your bras every six to 12 months, or whenever your breast size changes. Measure yourself or ask the fitter at your lingerie store or undergarments department for help finding the right size.
For the best experience with your sleep bra, Dr. Thompson recommends that you:
- Choose a gentle fabric. Avoid lace or scratchy fabrics that may be rough on your nipples. Choose a natural material like cotton or something silky and soft.
- Consider a shelf bra. Some camisoles and tank tops have a built-in shelf bra that may help you feel supported while sleeping.
- Skip the underwire. Underwire can restrict circulation and cause pain while you sleep.
- Wear a clean bra. Don’t wear a bra you’ve worn all day, and wash your sleep bras regularly — after every two or three wears.
Bottom line? If you choose to sleep in a bra, you want one that’s supportive and comfortable. If it interferes with your sleep, it’s not the right fit.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
