News
WILKIE ARTHUR now has a Driver’s License; Victory in LANDMARK Civil Case against DMV & AG
#TurksandCaicos, August 11, 2023 – Tuesday August 8, 2023 The learned Resident Magistrate, Mrs. Oreika Selver-Gardiner heard by way of evidence in an appeal against a decision of the Director of Motor Vehicles, Wilbur Caley and the Hon Attorney General Mrs. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, KC.
The landmark case set a precedent in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is also a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges. Having heard evidence from Wilke Arthur who took the witness stand first in the trial, as it was
his case he brought against the Government agents.
Mr. Arthur on oath testified of being released from His Majesty’s Prison and was refused allowance to renew his license until he had paid back fees for the past 11 years; a period of time when he was serving out a sentence in prison.
Mr. Arthur told the learned Resident Magistrate that he told the Director this was wrong and that he has been through this before but the previous directors waved the fees given the fact that he was incarcerated.
Two civil attorneys, Clemar Hippolyte Principal Senior Crown Counsel and her junior well qualified assistant Tamika Simms-Williams traveled from the Grand Turk’s Attorney General’s Chambers and vigorously challenged Mr. Arthur’s claim in support of the director’s position and decision.
Mr. Arthur, after giving his evidence in chief was cross-examined by the Senior Principal Crown Counsel but he stood his ground well, maintained his position and was unshaken by the cross-examination.
Mr. Arthur called no witnesses on behalf of his case, it was then the Crown’s turn to convince the Hon. learned Resident Magistrate of its position.
They called Mr. Wilbur Caley to the witness stand/box, he testified he was charging back fees for years since being director. He further said he doing it because the law speak on renewal of driver’s license being back dated to it’s date of expiration, so that means the fees must be back dated as well.
Crown counsel, Tamika Simms Williams asked him about fees being waived, he said he has never done it. The director maintained his position in evidence in chief.
He was then subjected to cross-examination by unrepresented Mr. Arthur. He took him through sections of the ordinance. The director still tried to maintain his position that he was right and supported by law to be charging people back fees. Mr. Arthur put it to him forcefully that there’s absolutely no provision in law empowering you to be charging back fees. Mr. Arthur asked him to show the court one section in the ordinance where it speaks on back fees? After several attempts for a near hour of cross-examination and reluctance responses, Mr. Caley admitted that there is no section or no provision in the laws governing the Department of Motor Vehicles that speaks specifically of back fees.
One very serious concerning and highly unethical disturbing observation Mr. Arthur brought to the Court’s attention was that Senior Principal Crown Counsel, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte when Mr. Caley was asked by Mr. Arthur “so you would agree that what you were doing over the years by charging back fees when was a matter of policy and not law?”
Before Mr. Caley could answer the suggestion by Mr. Arthur, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte told him under her breath to say “law.”
Mr. Arthur, in catching the exchange, raised serious issue with the court and complained about how the senior principal Crown Counsel boldly telling the witness how to testify.
Arthur’s account was that, “She began stammering in her response and said I was speaking to my assistant not the witness.”
The learned Resident Magistrate showed concerns and told Ms. Hippolyte that if she’s speaking to her junior counsel, to do it more quietly please.
Having won the case, Mr. Arthur told Magnetic Media that he couldn’t believe for a nation that always speaking on how much we wants to rehabilitate and assist ex-offenders in leading law abiding new lives, he was being forced to pay back fees for the renewal of his driver’s license having been incarcerated for a number of years.
It would have meant hundreds of dollars in cost.
Arthur said, government actions are far from their words and “their public speeches and press releases.”
While Arthur said he found it “very discouraging and troubling” he would not permit the ordeal to sidetrack him from “going forward positively with the continued help of Almighty God.”
Wilkie Arthur also informs that he now has his driver’s license as immediately following the court decision, he went to the Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV to begin the process of obtaining his renewed driver’s license.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
-
News1 week agoBeaches Turks & Caicos shares dining etiquette training at Provo youth summer camp
-
News3 days agoBermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
-
News5 days agoSalt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief
-
Bahamas News3 days agoCBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players
-
Bahamas News3 days agoBahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday