News
Wrong Information! Tourist shares ‘Exceptional Circumstances’ to escape 12 Years for Gun and Ammo
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
Unusual Proceeding
#TurksandCaicos, August 14, 2023 – Alex Nash, the 36-year-old American man who last Friday appeared before The Hon. Justice Chris Selochan with intention to plead guilty to an alleged firearm and ammunition found in his possession while leaving the country on July 17th 2023, at the Providenciale/Howard Hamilton International Airport, Turks and Caicos Islands. However, before being arraigned and pleading guilty, the learned the judge in a practice that is not customarily seen in the Turks and Caicos, begun by asking the accused a few questions directly and not through his lawyer.
He asked him about being advised concerning the matter he intends to plead to. He asked him about his awareness regarding the consequences of the matter he intends to plead. Do you understand the possible punishment you can receive as it relates to these offenses? The accused answered yes to all questions, he was advised by his attorney Ms. Sheena Mair. “He knows the consequence and he accepts responsibility and he’s doing this on his own free will.”
Pleading Guilty
The judge then went on to have the charges read to him. Nash pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and illegal possession of 20 rounds of ammunition for a gray and black TP 9mm firearm and 20 rounds of ammunition for that firearm.
Exceptional Circumstance
Having pleaded guilty, the judge invited Sheena Mair, Nash’s Human Rights attorney to go straight into her submission. She did and had filed a written submission pertaining to exceptional circumstances.
Ms. Mair proceeded to explain to the judge what amount to “exceptional circumstances” in this case to enable him to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years imprisonment for the visiting tourist.
One of the judge’s main expressed concerns were, that, it was legal for her client to have a firearm in his house in the state of Kentucky but if he was moving the firearm, he was supposed to have some sort of permit or permission to you to carry it.
It was mentioned that Alec Nash did not have this permit or permission, but the defendant explained to the judge through his counsel, that he would only need that permit or permission if he was carrying it on him, in his pocket, pants or on a holster but not to carry it from one spot to the next.
It was explained it had to be in a locked box with the magazine outside the gun. This is how it was transported from his house through the airport to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The firearm was properly secured in a locked box.
Ms. Mair explained to the judge that her client was told, when he contacted the airlines that he could travel to the TCI with his gun. They further told him when he reached the Turks and Caicos Islands there will become a special area for him to pick up this gun. He checked when he arrived in TCI. He inquired of the agents here in TCI on where he can pick up his firearm that’s in his luggage. The agents told him all luggage were on the belt, so he then proceeded to the belt and found his luggage there, picked it up and proceeded to the hotel at Rock House where he lived along with his girlfriend.
Ms. Mair told the court that he has no previous conviction in the United States. He did not try to conceal the firearm when travelling to the Turks and Caicos nor on his departure, he made inquiries and was given wrong information.
Ms. Mair submitted a number of case s in support of why the judge should find that there are ‘exceptional circumstances’ to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years imprisonment including three local case authorities, two of them being very recent as of this year.
Precedent Set
One from November of 2019 where the then Hon. Chief Justice Mrs. Margaret Ramsey-Hale sentenced a 73 years old retired, disabled, decorated American war veteran, who served as a Navy Seal to $20,000 or one year imprisonment.
The defendant, Aloysius Ebner who was injured in combat, ran his boat aground near an uninhibited Cay namely Big Sand Cay close Salt Cay. He had a number of guns and ammunition in his boat until he admitted to disposing about some seven rifles in deep water when he realized his boat was having problems. A cache of seven pistols, a shotgun and 8,000 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
The man was heading back home to the US from the Dominican Republic; he did no jail time in the Turks and Caicos for the major offence which at the time carried a mandatory 7-year prison term.
In a second case, from March 2023, David Carrol O’Connor was found with 44 rounds of ammunition at the Providenciales International Airport, and he entered a guilty plea around two months later. Justice Tayna Lobban Jackson sentenced him on May 16 to a fine of $6,670.00 or 90 days imprisonment.
Again, no jail time for the visitor to the British overseas territory, despite strict gun laws and high gun crime.
In the case of Alex Guzman, he was found with a firearm and ammunition once again at the airport in Providenciales. Guzman also pleaded guilty before same judge Jackson on June 2, 2023, and was sentenced on three days later to a fine of $3,500.00 or 60 days imprisonment.
About the Defendant
Counsel for Alec Nash submitted that he had been a legal gun owner in his native USA for 2 to 3 years that he has never had to use it. It was also expressed that Nash lost his sister to gun violence, and his brother was a survivor of a gun attack. These incidents were cited as the reasons Nash felt the need to get a gun.
It was also presented by the attorney, that Nash lived at the Rock House with the firearm from July 13-17, 2023. The firearm was kept in a safe whilst living there.
The court also learned Alec Nash is a father of three and legally separated from his wife and that he is responsible for half their maintenance.
Why Alec Nash must Go to Jail
The learned judge Mr. Chris Selochan in hearing the submissions by Principal Public Prosecutor Clement Joseph as he explained in the court this past Friday August 11, 2023, that there are no exceptional circumstances and that all persons charge with firearms and ammo must do jail time.
He said, a gun license in the United States is not exceptional circumstances because it is illegal to possess an unregistered firearm in the TCI.
Joseph said there’s nothing exceptional about these gun cases involving tourists any longer, it’s becoming a norm and everyone saying the same thing. There’s nothing exceptional about these cases any more they must go to prison.
The public prosecutor reminded the judge of the disparity of treatment between a local found with an illegal gun and a tourist found with the same.
Joseph said when locals are found with a firearm, they hardly ever get bail and we imprisoned them for whatever the mandatory minimum is, be it five years, seven years and now 12 years imprisonment.
The same must apply to all individuals found offending no matter the circumstances or where they come from. They must go to jail too.
In the end, the learned Justice found that Sheena Mair made a good and convincing case of exceptional circumstances and he accepted that there were exceptional circumstances to enable him to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years.
The judge pointed out that with two very recent cases where a lesser sentence was conveyed upon the defendant, it would be unfair and unjust to treat this defendant any differently.
He therefore sentenced ALEC NASH to a fine of $5,000.00 or 60 days imprisonment. The fine was paid, and Nash has since left the country.
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.
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