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American tourist admits GUILT; fined for shipping personal Marijuana into TCI

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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

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Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islands – In the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a former police officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands was the victim of a terrifying robbery and kidnapping in the Dock Yard area, Eagle Legal News Media has learned.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m., the victim had just dropped off his girlfriend near Bible Street (Behind Mara) and returned to his vehicle when he was confronted by a lone, masked man armed with a firearm. The attacker, described as aggressive and agitated, demanded the victim’s wallet, phone, and other valuables. The victim, trying to remain calm, complied. His wallet reportedly contained over $1,000 in cash.

Despite giving up his belongings, the gunman continued to threaten him, demanding more money and pressing the firearm to the victim’s head and body. The victim described the ordeal as intense, saying he felt as if the bullets were already tearing through him due to the attacker’s inexplicable rage.

Although he considered using his police training to subdue the attacker, the victim noticed other men nearby observing the situation without intervening. Concerned for his life, he instead came up with a plan: he told the robber he could take him to an ATM to withdraw more cash.

“I felt like he was going to kill me for more money,” the victim said. “So I told him we could go to the ATM, even though I knew it was closed, just to get out of Dock Yard and buy myself a chance to survive.”

The assailant agreed, and the two drove to a nearby ATM, with the victim behind the wheel and the gunman keeping the firearm aimed at him the entire time, threatening him with violent language. When they arrived and found the ATM closed, the victim seized his moment.

“As soon as I stepped out of the car, I ran like Usain Bolt,” he recounted, “I tore through the bushes straight to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.”

There, he hid in the brush for a time before emerging to seek help. He contacted authorities from the hospital, where he was treated for minor cuts and bruises sustained during his escape.

Thankfully, he was not shot.

The former officer described his assailant as a male with a mixed Jamaican-Haitian accent who spoke fluent English. The man reportedly told him he was hungry and desperate for money.

He recalled the gunman saying, “If you don’t get me more money, I’ll kill you.”

The assailant fled the scene in the victim’s car, which was later recovered by police in Dock Yard. As of this report, no arrests have been made.

The victim contacted Eagle Legal News after seeing no official police report released about the incident.

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Bahamas News

CARIFTA Games 2025 – Trinidad & Tobago 

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S C H E D U L E    O F    E V E N T S

 

The 2025 CARIFTA Athletics Games will be held at Hasely Crawford Stadium from April 19–21, while the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships take place at the National Aquatic Centre from April 19–22, with Open Water events on April 23 at Five Islands Beach.

Friday April 18, 2025

52nd CARIFTA Athletics Games and the XXXVIII CARIFTA Aquatics Championships Opening Ceremony

  • Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad
  • Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Admission Free

Saturday April 19, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

  • Boy’s U20 Decathlon 100m Heats
  • Girl’s U17 High Jump Final
  • Girl’s U17 Javelin Throw Final
  • Girl’s U20 Shot Put Final
  • U17 & U20 100m and 400m Semi-Finals
  • Boy’s U17 Octathlon 100m Heats
  • Boy’s U20 Decathlon Long Jump & Shot Put

Afternoon Session – Starts 4:00 PM

  • Medal Ceremonies
  • U17 & U20 Finals: 100m, 400m, 1500m
  • Girl’s U20 Triple Jump Final
  • Girl’s U17 Discus Final
  • Boy’s U20 Discus & High Jump
  • Boy’s U17 Triple Jump & Shot Put
  • Special Olympics 100m (Girls & Boys)
  • Mixed Open 4x400m Relay Final
  • Pole Vault & Octathlon/Decathlon 400m Heats

Aquatics – National Aquatic Centre: Couva, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

  • Girl’s 800m Freestyle (slowest heats)
  • Boy’s 1500m Freestyle (slowest heats)
  • Prelims:
    • 200m Breaststroke (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
    • 50m Backstroke (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
    • 100m Butterfly (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
    • 4x100m Freestyle Relay (all age groups)

Evening Session – Starts 6:00 PM

  • Girl’s 800m & Boy’s 1500m Freestyle (fastest heats)
  • Finals:
    • 200m Breaststroke
    • 50m Backstroke
    • 100m Butterfly
    • 4x100m Freestyle Relay (all age groups)

Sunday April 20, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

  • Boy’s U20 Decathlon 110m Hurdles, Discus, Pole Vault
  • Girl’s U20 Shot Put Final
  • Boy’s U20 Long Jump Final
  • Boy’s U17 Octathlon 110m Hurdles, High Jump
  • Girl’s Open Heptathlon: 100m Hurdles, High Jump
  • U17 & U20 400m Hurdles & 200m Semi-Finals
  • Girl’s U17 Discus Final

Afternoon Session – Starts 4:00 PM

  • Medal Ceremonies
  • U17 & U20 4x100m Relay Semi-Finals
  • Girl’s Open Heptathlon: Shot Put, 200m
  • Boy’s U17 Octathlon: Javelin, 1500m
  • U17 & U20 800m Semi-Finals
  • U17 3000m, U20 3000m, Shot Put, Long Jump, High Jump, Javelin
  • Finals: 400m Hurdles, 4x100m Relays, Mixed 4x400m
  • More Medal Ceremonies

Aquatics – National Aquatic Centre: Couva, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

  • Prelims:
    • 200m Freestyle (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
    • 50m Butterfly (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
    • 100m Backstroke (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
    • 4x100m Medley Relay (all age groups)
  • Slower heats: 400m Individual Medley

Evening Session – Starts 6:00 PM

  • Finals:
    • 200m Freestyle
    • 50m Butterfly
    • 100m Backstroke
    • 4x100m Medley Relay
  • Fastest heats: 400m Individual Medley

Monday April 21, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

  • Girl’s U17 & U20 100m Hurdles – Semi-Finals
  • Boy’s U17 & U20 110m Hurdles – Semi-Finals
  • Girl’s Open Heptathlon: Long Jump
  • Girl’s U20 High Jump Final
  • Boy’s U17 Long Jump & Discus Final
  • 4x400m Relay Semi-Finals (U17 & U20 – Girls and Boys)

Afternoon Session – Starts 3:00 PM

  • Medal Ceremonies
  • Finals:
    • All Hurdle Events (U17 & U20)
    • Girl’s U20 Discus Throw
    • Girl’s U17 Triple Jump
    • Boy’s U20 Shot Put
    • Girl’s U17 & Boy’s U20 800m
    • Girl’s & Boy’s U17 and U20 200m
    • Boy’s U20 Triple Jump
    • Girl’s U17 Javelin Final
    • Boy’s U20 5000m
    • Special Olympics 200m (Girls & Boys)
  • Girl’s Open Heptathlon: Javelin & 800m
  • 4x400m Relay Finals (U17 & U20 – Girls and Boys)
  • Closing Ceremony

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Bahamas News

Minister Moxey congratulates Team Bahamas 2025 CARIFTA Grand Bahama contingent

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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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