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.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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