A DOZEN men remanded on Gun, Arson and Armed Robbery Offences considered for Bail; 8 granted bail

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, December 21, 2023 – You may have seen or heard that a number of remanded inmates were granted bail as the Christmas Holidays approach. Residents, especially in Providenciales, have already begun asking questions as to why now, why around the Christmas when crimes tend to peak.

While not all who were on the list were granted bail, we have learned that eight were successful in being granted bail once their case was reviewed.

In reaching out to officers of the Court, Magnetic Media was informed that all individuals whose names were included on the “Bail Review List” in November and December are remanded inmates who have been on remand, some for very long periods without bail.  The list also includes matters of inmates which could not be tried within a reasonable timeframe.

The law requires judges to review all remanded inmates bail from time to time after they’ve spent six or nine  months on remand.

Rule 13. Of the Criminal Law procedure states: Persons remanded in custody commencement date of trial:- (1) The trial of a person remanded in custody shall commence—(a) where the offence is being tried summarily, within six months of the charge; or (b) where the offence is indictable, within nine months after arraignment.

(2) Notwithstanding subrule (1), a trial may commence at a later date if where—

(a) a bail review is carried out prior to the expiry of the six months for the summary matter, or nine months after arraignment; and (b) the prosecution satisfies the court that the Custody Order should be continued, and that the postponement of the trial is justified.

(3) A person remanded in custody in default of bail shall receive priority for trial or other hearings.

On the list are suspects who had spent far more than the lawfully prescribed time to be considered at a bail review, therefore a number of individuals were granted bail.

Here are the names and offenses of the men who made the “Bail Review List”, which means they were up for consideration in the months of November and December.

• DELEX CHARLES, for a high powered rifle AK 47 with no bullets.

• PATRICK GEDEUS, for a hand gun and ammo.

• JEAN MAX GERMAIN, for shooting, a gun and ammunition.

• LUCIANO PAUL, for firearm and ammunition.

• LAVARDO CAMPBELL, for firearm, ammunition and a shooting.

• TREVON SAUNDERS, on firearm offences.

• ROSSNEY ALIDOR, for a gun.

• WILLIGENCE NOEL, for the robbery of ROYAL JEWELS and firearm offences.

• BERNARD COLEBROOKE, for arson or setting fire to building.

• WOODLY VICTORAN, for drugs and gun.

• ANDRE DESOUZA, for gun, drugs and ammunition.

And SHAKEME SEYMOUR for shooting, wounding with intent, and other firearm charges.