News
American tourist admits GUILT; fined for shipping personal Marijuana into TCI
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, August 11, 2023 – It’s been many, many years since we’ve seen or heard of the Hon. Akierra Missick standing in the criminal court defending persons accused of crime, however on Wednesday August 9, 2023 that is precisely where she was and what she was doing for a duo facing drug charges.
The matter was called before the Hon. Chief Magistrate (CM) Mr. Jolyon Hatmin. It was the first to be called on Tuesday August 9, 2023 among a list of other criminal cases.
The male resident of California, pleaded not guilty to all the charges read off to him by the learned Chief Magistrate and the female American plead guilty to all drug charges, namely possession of cannabis and illegal importation (fraudulent evasion being a Customs Department charge).
Principal Public Prosecutor Mr. Clement Joseph immediately after the pleas were entered and on record, invited the Court to dismiss or withdrew all charges against the visiting male and he was set free.
Joseph then further invited the Court to do the same for the visiting American female defendant but only on one charge, specifically: the possession with intent to supply the illegal drugs.
The case then proceeded against the American female alone.
Senior defense counsel was Missick, assisted by Ms. Keath Smith both from Misick and Stanbrook law firm and representing both accused tourists.
Principal Public Prosecutor M. Clement Joseph begun reading of the facts and told the Court that on Wednesday August 2nd, 2023, the local UPS Office observed an odor coming from a package in the name of the female defendant. When law enforcement officers became involved, that team comprising of detectives from the Anti+Gang and Drug Unit along with Customs officers, they decided to set up a controlled delivery to the owner
of the package.
The package was delivered to the address provided but the accused had already changed address. She did however, leave a message and a phone number to be called if a package arrived there for her. The call was made and she came, driven by the male tourist who was originally charged with her. The package was delivered directly to her. All this was being monitored and observed by the joint operational agents.
Mr. Clement Joseph further explained to the CM that moments after they drove off they were forced stopped by surrounding police and custom officials in mark and unmarked police vehicles. The officers then proceeded to collect the package but found it already opened with some of it’s contents out on the back seats. The package contained six tubes or vials with the illegal substance and another vacuum sealed package with more illegal drugs.
It was also revealed in court that on July 31 the defendant had another package which arrived in Providenciales, however this only contained labeled paraphernalia. This was checked as it too carried suspicious drug odor but it was released for delivery.
The court was told these items arrived through Cairsea Services.
The operational bust or “sting” as described in a report from the Royal TCI Police, took place at Sand Castle Drive in Grace Bay Providenciales on August 4th, 2023.
Senior defense attorney attempted mitigation for her client and asked the CM to have mercy on her client, a very young woman who would one day like to become a defense attorney. Misick said, her client had already begun her studies in the US.
The defence counsel further told the court her client sincerely apologizes and fully understands the seriousness of the offense. Pointing out to the Court that her client has no criminal record in the United States nor any other part of the world. It was adamantly expressed that ‘she is very, very sorry.’
Added to her expression of remorse was that this was her client’s second visit to TCI and has hopes of one day making the islands her second home.
The judge does have the prerogative to discharge the matter against the accused in order to keep her record clean of any criminal charges, however and notably, there was no reply to the beckoning from attorney Akierra Missick by the Chief Magistrate.
Having heard both sides, however, Judge Hatmin sentenced the defendant to a fine of $3000.00 or 120 days imprisonment forthwith.
The American female paid the fine and as expressed in the court, it is believed she and her male friend, immediately left the Turks and Caicos Islands following the proceedings.
Crime
Former Police Officer Opens up to Eagle Legal about Frightening Kidnapping and Robbery at Gunpoint; alarmed at TCI Police silence
By LEDEDRA MARCHE
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – Confident that Team Bahamas will once again do the country proud at the CARIFTA Games, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey told the Grand Bahama contingent worshipping at New Destiny Kingdom Center on Sunday, April 13, 2025 that they were already stars.
The 2025 CARIFTA Aquatics and Athletics Championships are being held in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19-22.
Minister Moxey reminded the outstanding athletes that it is because of their dedication, discipline and determination they have been chosen and that they symbolize the hope, strength and resilience that the residents of Grand Bahama are known for.
“You athletes are about to represent our beautiful island and proudly carry The Bahamas’ banner with pride at the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad. Today we unite to celebrate this achievement and we want you to know that you are already champions in our eyes,” she said.
Cognizant that their journey has not been easy, Minister Moxey said they stayed the course — rising early, training hard and making sacrifices.
She pointed out that the athletes are now standing on the edge of greatness; carrying their dreams, hopes and pride in Grand Bahama Island with them.
Minister Moxey encouraged the athletes, as they step on to the track, field or into the pool, to represent The Bahamas with excellence.
“Compete with heart and remember that your island and your nation are cheering you on every step of the way. Go forward knowing that you and your coaches are covered in prayer; surrounded by love and supported by a proud Grand Bahama family,” she said.
“May God’s favour go before you, may he protect each of you on this journey and may His Grace carry you to victory.”
Representatives from the City of Freeport Council were also in attendance, and Chief Councillor Kendal Culmer also brought remarks.
PHOTO CAPTION – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey encouraged the Grand Bahama contingent of Team Bahamas worshipping at New Destiny Kingdom Center on Sunday, April 13, 2025 before they left to compete in the 2025 CARIFTA Aquatics and Athletics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago set for April 19-22.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
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