Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Ambulance Driver/ Paramedic remanded for possession of four rounds of ammunition.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution during the plea and directions hearing dropped the firearms charge on an application by senior defense counsel, Mrs. Lara Maroof Misick.

The accused TERRELL JOSEPH, 29 then entered a guilty on the ammunition charge alone in the hope of a reduced sentence of less than 12 years imprisonment; a sentence he automatically faces according to law.

His counsel, Maroof-Misick will indeed argue and put forward submissions before his Lordship, The Hon. Mr. Justice Chris Selochan surrounding “exceptional circumstances” in an attempt to get a significantly reduced sentence for the four rounds alone.

The firearm, in this case, that he allegedly possessed was “somewhat” defective and may not have passed the legal test in a criminal trial. Joseph knew the gun wasn’t working and at the time of his arrest, the firearm could not be fired, Magnetic Media learned.

As proper ministers of justice under the leadership of the then acting DPP, Mrs. Angela Terry Brooks, hearing counsel for the accused, decided to withdraw the firearm charge and proceeded with the ammunition alone.

Sentencing for the ammunition possession offence is on May 29^th at 2pm and many will be watching as the ambulance driver – a man of very good standing in the community who was described as having “saved many lives” – hears the decision on his sentence.

Many have drawn comparisons between this case and that of tourists, who were also charged under the Firearms Ordinance with possession of ammunition.

Terrell Joseph could be the first local to be sentenced since the Court of Appeal’s direction on the proper interpretation of the Firearms Ordinance Amendment 2022.

Joseph was found with the gun and ammo in an early morning raid by Police at his apartment in early October 2023. He was remanded, and despite his clean record and impeccable lifestyle, he was denied bail.

The former ambulance driver remains at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation awaiting sentencing.

Members of the public speaking to our news team, says that if anyone deserves a chance to far lesser sentence or no jail time, it is this accused.

His arrest for firearm and ammunition broke the hearts of many upstanding law-abiding citizens of these Islands as no one could speak ill of him, and he was and still is loved by many given his profession of saving lives.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) today launched the World Migration Report 2024, which reveals significant shifts in global migration patterns, including a record number of displaced people and a major increase in international remittances.

IOM Director General Amy Pope formally released the report in Bangladesh, which stands at the forefront of migration challenges, including emigration, immigration and displacement.

“The World Migration Report 2024 helps demystify the complexity of human mobility through evidence-based data and analysis,” IOM Director General Amy Pope said at the launch. “In a world grappling with uncertainty, understanding migration dynamics is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy responses, and the World Migration Report advances this understanding by shedding light on longstanding trends and emerging challenges.”

The report highlights that international migration remains a driver of human development and economic growth, highlighted by a more than 650 per cent increase in international remittances from 2000 to 2022, rising from USD 128 billion to USD 831 billion. The growth continued despite predictions from many analysts that remittances would decrease substantially because of COVID-19.

Of that 831 billion in remittances, 647 billion were sent by migrants to low– and middle-income countries. These remittances can constitute a significant portion of those countries’ GDPs, and globally, these remittances now surpass foreign direct investment in those countries.

Highlighting key findings, the report reveals that while international migration continues to drive human development, challenges persist. With an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, the number of displaced individuals due to conflict, violence, disaster, and other reasons has surged to the highest levels in modern-day records, reaching 117 million, underscoring the urgency of addressing displacement crises.

Migration, an intrinsic part of human history, is often overshadowed by sensationalized narratives. However, the reality is far more nuanced than what captures headlines. Most migration is regular, safe, and regionally focused, directly linked to opportunities and livelihoods. Yet, misinformation and politicization have clouded public discourse, necessitating a clear and accurate portrayal of migration dynamics.

By choosing Dhaka as the report’s launch site, IOM not only highlights the country’s efforts in supporting vulnerable migrants and fostering pathways for regular migration but also recognizes Bangladesh’s important role in shaping global migration discourse and policy.

As a Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration Champion country, Bangladesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing migration issues and implementing policies that safeguard migrants’ rights. This proactive engagement aligns with IOM’s strategic objectives, making Bangladesh an ideal location to launch the 2024 World Migration Report.

IOM’s World Migration Report, with its innovative digital tools and comprehensive analysis, aims to help dispel myths, provide critical insights, and inspire meaningful action in addressing the challenges and opportunities of human mobility.

“We hope the report inspires collaborative efforts to harness the potential of migration as a driver for human development and global prosperity,” DG Pope said.

“As one of the GCM champion countries, Bangladesh will not only continue to act upon the pledges it has made for its domestic context but would also take up emerging issues and challenges pertaining to migration and development for informed deliberations at the international level,” said Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Honourable Foreign Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2024 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam chaired the 11th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday April 10, 2024 at the Office of the Premier on the island of Providenicales.

All members were present with the exception of the Honorable Ministers of Tourism and the Environment and the Ministry of Home Affairs that were away from the islands on official duties.

At this meeting Cabinet:
• Approved the Border Force Bill 2024 as a standalone bill creating the legal framework for the legal operation of the Border Force for advancement to the House of Assembly
• Approved the Customs (Amendment) Bill 2024 as a standalone bill creating a legal framework for the legal operation of the Border Force for advancement to the House of Assembly
• Approved the Crime Prevention Strategy Targeting At Risk Youth
• Granted approval to establish the Juvenile Prevention and Intervention Council (JPIC), who will subsequently work collectively to develop policy and procedures, crime prevention strategy and service legal agreements that will govern all services upon completion
• Granted approval to TBH Provo Ltd. (The Hotel Operating Co. Ltd./Beach House) to extend a Refurbishment Order previously granted to complete refurbishments previously agreed
• Noted an information paper on the TCI National ID Concept Core Model
• Approved the reappointment of Mr. Joseph Connolly as a Member of the National Insurance Board (employer representative) effective April 15, 2024 for a period of 3 years
• Approved the appointment of Mr. Jermaine Fulford as a Member of the National Insurance Board (insured person) for a period of 3 years effective April 15th, 2024
• Noted an information paper on the Statutory and Good Governance Pay and Grading Review as of April 9, 2024 which is scheduled to take place from April to July, 2024 and establishing the Governance Committee
• Accepted the resignation of Bishop Vernal G. Clarke as a Member of the Health Regulation Board and agreed to rescind this appointment
• Approved the appointment of Bishop Andrew Stone as a Member of the Health Regulation Authority Board for a period of 3 years effective April 15, 2024
• Approved the appointment of the following individuals as Members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of 2 years effective April 1, 2024:
1. Mr. Edward Hall, Senior Member (representative of employees)
2. Mr. Samuel Williams, Senior Member (representative of employers)
3. Mr. Vernon Alco Williams, Senior Member (representative of employees)
4. Ms. Arnelle Taylor, Attorney (representative of employers)
5. Mr. Carlis Williams (representative of employees GDT)
6. Mrs. Kenya Forbes-Jagger (representative of employers)
7. Ms. Kerchelle Bain, Attorney (representative of employees)
8. Ms. Yolander Forbes (representative of employers)
9. Ms. Veronica Rigby (representative of employees) New appointment
10. Ms. Mary Cunningham (representative of employers) New appointment