News
Man Spared a Life Sentence in Serious Wounding Case
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – He was busted in the head and sliced from back to front of his neck; the images of the injuries are blood curdling.
It was supposed to be a short and straightforward wounding with intent trial, instead it ended up running a near three weeks due to complications and objections in the matter.
The accused is Mr. TERINE HARVEY AKA TC and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) brought him before the court on allegations that he on Thursday June 16th, 2022 in Pine or Sam Wilson Yard did maliciously and unlawfully wound Valman “Val” Forbes.
The trial started on Monday October 30th and ended on Friday November 17th 2023.
Representing the defendant, TC, was Senior Human Rights Defense Attorney, Sheena Mair. For the Office of the DPP was Senior Public Prosecutor, Nayasha Hatmin.
On October 30th there were issues in the jury process due to insufficient numbers to commence impaneling, and her Ladyship Ms. Tanya Lobban Jackson adjourned to the following day for more potential jurors to attend court.
The jury numbers slowly became sufficient throughout the day on October 31, but the case still could not proceed because the prosecutor with conduct of the matter Mrs. Hatmin was ill and Principal Public Prosecutor Clement Joseph was holding for her.
Mr. Joseph, Ms. Mair and Justice Lobban Jackson discussed and agreed to move forward with the jury selection and five women and two men were picked with the trial set to start the following day, November 1.
When the virtual complainant, Valman “Val” Forbes took the stand, he began his testimony by swearing on the Bible to tell the truth and nothing, but the truth.
Forbes said on the night of June 16th, 2022, TC cut him with something sharp that he didn’t see. He said he only saw TC’s hand moved swiftly when he tried to turn around and held his neck after feeling the swipe. Val told the jury he heard a bottle bust, and shortly after, he was cut by TC. He didn’t see him bust the bottle.
Val gave testimony of how he had to do two or three different statements because his first statement got lost by police officers. His supporting witness refused to cooperate with the police to give another statement, having learned that the first statement given went missing.
Val Forbes told the court that he and TC had a problem before, and the day of the incident was a continuation. He said they were in Sam’s/Pine’s Yard in Kew Town, playing Dominos, gambling and drinking. He admitted, and yes, “smoking weed too.”
He said he and TC argued on more than one occasion and what he think really got him when he told him, “Boy girls/women looking for money these days,” suggesting that TC has none.
Forbes said TC kicked him on his leg and he (Forbes) punched him; they got into a fight.
“I had to show him, he ain’t ready for me.”
Throughout Forbes’ testimony, in an upset and uncomfortable manner, he kept belittling and stating derogatory comments and statements about his alleged attacker as he sat in the defendant’s dock.
The complainant said “he thinks because I have one arm, he could have handled me, but he had to go get something and cut me.”
There were even seemingly irrelevant statements made including about a relationship, Forbes claims to have had with a police woman and how he “can’t stand her anymore.”
Val Forbes spent three days testifying in the witness stand and the cross examination could easily summed up as an unpleasant experience.
Having realized the VC, Val Forbes was not cooperating or unwilling to cooperate with her under cross-examination; Sheena Mair asked him if he smokes cocaine? He replied, “Yes, we do that sometimes.”
She asked him if he’s high on ‘coke’ now while testifying, however Forbes denied being high at the time. Still he showed signs of being agitated and irritable in the lengthy intense cross-examination by the defense.
What also appeared rather shocking and surprising was that the doctor testified and made no mention of the head injury. Dr. Gregory Lawdell only spoke of the size, the depth, the seriousness, and in his professional opinion what he believes caused such a wound to Val’s neck.
Attorney Mair asked the doctor about Val’s behavior and mannerism toward the hospital staff that night when he came in for treatment and the doctor said he was very, very upset and angry but he doesn’t think it was towards the staff but because of what happened to him.
Forbes’ sister, Hynetta Karen Forbes testified regarding photos she took of her brother’s two injuries (head and neck)
that night of the incident, as the Police nor the doctor took any photos and had none to give Mrs. Hatmin the prosecutor.
After the Crown closed their case, Sheena Mair made an application of “no case” submission to the judge Tanya Lobban-Jackson, but it was rejected.
The defense then called its only witness Jason Moore who said he refused to give the police another statement because he told them he “lied.”
Moore said he needed the money, and Val Forbes had “paid” him to lie. He told the judge and jury he went back and told the authorities what he did.
Her Ladyship Ms. Tanya Lobban Jackson, at the close of the defense and prosecution speech or closing remarks, summed up the case to the jury by outlining the evidence and the law clearly to them.
They jury was then released for deliberation and came back with a verdict of not guilty against TERINE HARVEY.
Magnetic Media was present for days throughout this trial and captured the Val Forbes on video while the jury was out deliberating.
He appeared so happy and confident in hope of a guilty verdict.
We also captured the defendant outside the court while he awaited his verdict and after the verdict of “not guilty” was delivered.
Clearly pleased with the outcome, Harvey said about his attorney, “She’s the bomb, she’s the bomb.”
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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