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TCI Immigration Takes 8 Illegal Migrant Matters to Court

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By Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2023 – EIGHT (8) IMMIGRATION MATTERS came before court on Monday August 28, 2023 and verdicts were delivered in each of them.

CASE #1: MARIE CLYDONNE LYCENOIS CHARLES appeared after being charged with employing two prohibited females in a restaurant located on Leeward Highway Providenciales.

Her matter was deferred after she explained that her attorney was away from two weeks.

The Hon Chief Magistrate(CM) Mr Jolyon Hatmin told the female defendant that, next time, please tell your attorney “pen to paper is free”. The judge conveyed that the defense counsel could have easily just dropped us a small email to let us know, he would be unable to appear.

The CM adjourned the matter for September, 19, 2023. The woman was granted $6,000.00 bail which was signed by her husband.

CASE #2: LUIS SENEIDA JAVIER BERAS.  A Dominican woman resident in Grand Turk was sentenced to ‘time served’ given the fact she was in Immigration Department lock up since August 12, 2023.

The woman was granted leave to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on June, 26th 2022; at the time she was given one month to stay. Beras, was subsequently given three additional extensions which took her to October 26th 2022.

Having been reported by an unnamed individual in Grand Turk that she was overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the woman began making arrangements to leave however, she was arrested before she could depart the country.

Beras told the court, she had purchase her ticket and went to the Immigration office in the nation’s capital to inform that she was leaving on August 21st, but she was still arrested and charged for remaining in the islands beyond the permitted time.

The woman spent four days in Grand Turk lock-up and was then transferred to Providenciales, where she spent an additional nine days locked up before being brought to court on Monday August 28th, 2023.

The CM asked Luis Beras what she was doing from 2022 to now. The woman replied, she had a little two to three month job in a bar but when she remembered, she’s not supposed to be working, she stopped.

Beras was eventually sentenced to the ‘time served’ which means, the 12 days she did in custody between Grand Turk and Providenciales was her actual sentence.

Deportation was recommended immediately.

CASE #3: ABEELARD JEAN, a 43 year old Haitian man arrived in Turks and Caicos Islands waters without immigration approval on August 4th.

The illegal vessel was intercepted and towed into South Dock port. He was charged with unlawful entry and returning to the islands contrary to deportation order.

Evidence was adduced to the court that Jean, using fake names, had come to Turks and Caicos on five different occasions; this latest arrest was his sixth time.

The Public Prosecutor, Ms Enjaleek Dickenson who dealt with all the immigration criminal cases on that day said, the defendant came and was sent back to Haiti in 2005, 2007, 2019, 2020, 2021 and now 2023.

The Hon. CM Hatmin asked the man having pleaded guilty, “what do you have to say before I sentence you?”

The man seized the opportunity, explaining to the Chief Magistrate that “yes” this makes his sixth time to Turks and Caicos, but he has never been to court.  He said he has three children in Haiti and two are under 18 years old.

The CM asked, “did you pay to come here?”

Jean said, “no, not this time.”

He was subsequently sentenced to seven months imprisonment and immediate deportation, recommended after the completion of his time.

CASE #4: MELIUS PIERRE was charged with aggravated assisting illegal entry on same August 4 voyage and returning to the islands contrary to deportation order as he is believed to be the captain of the people smuggling operation which led to 140 Haitians being intercepted with 118 males and 30 females on board.

His matter was put off until Wednesday 30th August as his charges is one for the Supreme Court.

Public Prosecutor, Ms Enjaleek Dickenson said the file needs reviewing before they can go forward.

CM Hatmin said we will come back to this case and the defendant who is allegedly the ‘captain’ of that illegal, dangerous voyage was placed on remand.

CASE #5: TONY JOSEPH, 49 entered a guilty plea to unlawful entry for the same date, August 4, 2023.

Joseph admitted to having been to the Turks and Caicos three times in the past.  He is a farmer and he has two children under 18, he said.  The 49 year old man from Haiti also claimed he did not pay to get to the TCI.

It was also his first court appearance as on the other breaches, he was immediately repatriated.

Joseph said, ‘I came back trying to get a better life, we lost our parents. I have five children that depends on me.’

Despite his explanation, the man was sentenced, five months in HMP.

Immediate deportation is recommended to the Minister of Immigration upon completion of the sentence.

CASE #6:  PAUL JEAN ALTIDOR was another who arrived illegally on August 4 in a crammed wooden sloop in waters off Providenciales.

Like his compatriots, Altidor said he came because he wanted a better life.  At just 26 years old,  he says he did not pay to get into the country.

The man was sentenced to five months in prison and deportation is recommendation after his time is served.

CASE #7: MORAMSON THEODORIS, is 23 years old and is now locked away in a TCI prison for the same offenses of the same date, having come into the country on two other occasions.

Theodoris explained that he is a taxi driver, who left his four month old baby back in Haiti with his little sister. ‘They are in the house by themselves. I don’t know why I come back, they just give me ride, so I come back,’ said THEODORIS.

Six months at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was his lot; again deportation is recommended at the end of the sentence.

CASE #8: ADELINE FRANCOIS is 35 years old and was the only female to have been charged for that illegally organized voyage on August 4th, 2023. Francois was sentenced to only three months in prison after her guilty plea.  She is to be deported after that time is served.

Francois was a first timer to the Turks and Caicos.  Her reason for making the illegal trip was to take care of her 11year old son; she needed the money to pay school fees.  The woman also said the boy’s father died five years ago and she risked her life just to make things better for him.

The CM gave Mrs. Francois a warning; that if she returns to the Turks and Caicos illegally after being sent home, then her sentence in prison will be a much greater one.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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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.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

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.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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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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