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.”
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.
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.
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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