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.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
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