News
Elderly American man gets bail on bullets charge; Cancer diagnoses sways court
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, December 21, 2023 – He is a 72-year-old, retired school teacher now serving in the Catholic Church in his home state of Texas in the United States of America. He arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) along with his wife and family as they renewed their vows, celebrating some over 40 years of marriage.
As we wish not to divulged too many details regarding his terminal cancerous medical conditions but the aged senior is near death and came to TCI on what could be one of his final vacations according to his medical records from doctors in the United States. The heartbreak of the doctor’s prognosis, revealed in open court by his defense team Oliver Smith, KC, and his junior assistant Ms. Kimone Tennant was palpable.
The old man was leaving the TCI on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 with his family after an enjoyable vacation when, at the Providenciales International Airport, seven rounds of low end 9mm ammunition was discovered in his departure luggage.
MICHAEL-LEE EVANS was released on Police bail with the directive to return to the station on the December 19th but given his poor health, his senior defense counsel Oliver Smith KC made emergency arrangements with police and the Magistrate’s Court to meet them at the court instead of the police station, where detectives charged EVANS with being in possession of unregistered ammunition without being the holder of firearm; which is illegal in the TCI.
In a fast moving case, the Grand Turk Acting Resident Magistrate Ms. Patricia Arana told the accused when brought before the court (she appearing by video link from the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court) that she would be unable to consider or grant him bail. Magistrate Arana added that a plea was not yet required and the matter was scheduled for its Sufficiency Hearing on February 2; she then transferred the matter to the Supreme Court.
Attorney KC Smith rushed to the Supreme Court’s office in order to file a bail application; his action was met with success as a bail hearing was arranged for 11:30a, pm December 19.
Magnetic Media was present at the bail hearing which was opposed by senior public prosecutor Mrs. Nayasha Hatmin on the instructions of the learned DPP. Hatmin did give an earnest effort to have the hearing re-scheduled to a later date however, Judge Tanya Lobban Jackson was opposed to any adjournment of the matter especially given the court was due to be shut until the opening of the new legal year in 2024.
Due to the deteriorating health of the elderly defendant, KC Smith took a bold approach and asked the Court for the visitor to be allowed to return to the US to continue his extensive and continuous medical treatment while waiting on his sufficiency hearing.
Mr. Smith told the court in plain and direct language that to keep Mr. Evans here in the TCI could result in his death while under our watch. Smith raised the points that the accused requires round the clock medical care and to remand him at the Department of Corrections which has no doctor and is only visited by a nurse from time to time, could be detrimental.
The DPP’s office was not prepared to back down despite the reasoning put forth, explaining that this “is a very serious offense that carries a mandatory minimum of 12 years in prison” and said, if the accused was allowed to leave, he has no reason to return.
Her Ladyship Tanya Lobban Jackson having heard both sides in her decision said, the accused man’s medical needs is what “tips it over the scale”. Bail was granted for Michael Lee Evans in the sum of $20,000.00; $10,000.00 to be immediate cash and $10,000.00 surety for one or two persons to sign.
The judge went on to order that Evans is allowed to leave the jurisdiction and attend court via link from overseas through his attorney Mr. Smith, KC. Explaining that the 72-year old cancer patient did not have to return for the February 2nd, 2024 Sufficiency Hearing but that he “must return to the TCI for the date of the plea and direction hearing(PDH).”
Michael-Lee Evans has since left the country along with his family.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
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