Connect with us

News

THIRD MAN charged with being a Gang Member to spend Holidays in Prison; Talbot is denied bail

Published

on

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 10, 2023 – Three young men, according to police investigation, who are allegedly involved in the Dock Yard/Kew Town gang in both joined and separate matters were adjourned to early 2024. All three men were ordered to remain at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) without bail.

The most recent of the three charged and remanded to the DCR was 20-year-old American Turks Islander, REGINALD TALBOT,JR, who had just arrived in the TCI on the day in question.

He was taken to the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday  November 5th, 2023, arraigned before the Hon Chief Magistrate(CM) Mr. Jolyon Hatmin on charges of Gang membership or being a gang member and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit a serious offense.

The learned CM told the accused REGINALD TALBOT, who was represented by two attorneys; Oliver Smith, KC and his junior assistant, Kimone Tennant, that he (the CM) can only read the charges to him at this stage and the matter was transferred to the Supreme Court.

This he did, and the accused was remanded until February 2nd 2024 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

His attorney immediately filed a civil bail application in the Supreme Court, and the bail hearing was heard on Thursday, December 7th 2023.

The allegations against TALBOT are that on August 2nd 2023 (this being the date an alleged gang boss/leader Guilene “GB” Jean Baptiste was killed in Grace Bay), TALBOT was reportedly seen by a police drone with what appeared to be a short gun in his right hand, alongside other masked gang members with what appeared to be much larger and longer heavy duty rifles in their hands.  The drone surveillance allegedly picked up images of the group while they were in Dock Yard, Providenciales, said to have been caught on camera shooting at the police and their armored truck.

Talbot is not charged with discharging firearm or ammunition because the police could not ascertain who fired the shots at them, however, they did state, according to Principal Public Prosecutor Clement Joseph that police returned fire, had to retreat and they were outnumbered by what could only be a gang.

Senior Defense attorney Oliver Smith, KC, when putting forward his submission to the Hon lady Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson in seeking bail for his client, said that this “anti-gang ordinance” was poorly drafted.

KC Smith told the court, “the charges against his client were flimsy, paper-thin, without substance and has no teeth.”

He challenged the continued detention of his client constitutionally, stating his client has a right to bail and this court must not take it lightly. He said his client may be a USA citizen indeed, but he’s no less of a Turks Islander as he has a TCI passport as well. He has dual citizenship, and they’re willing to surrender both passports for bail. He told her Ladyship that the young man lives here with his parents at an address known to Police.

Making a case that Talbot was not a flight risk.

Mr. Smith KC challenged the prosecution’s submission to the court that because an alleged other gang member WOODY VINCENT JEAN BAPTISTE was refused bail by this court for the same allegations on the same date and time, his client must receive the same fate.

Oliver Smith said, Clement Joseph wants the court to apply “a one size fit all” view to this application, but he submitted there are case laws to support the possibility of variations in bail decisions.

The judge, having heard both sides for just over two hours, ruled against the applicant and denied the bail application.  Talbot is now remanded until his Sufficiency Hearing in February.

The lady justice, in her reasons for refusal said that she relied heavily on the affidavit evidence on Police Sgt. Kevin Mars as it outlined that the clothing seen from footage taken by the drone worn by the defendant in Dock Yard on the date of the incident on August 2nd, 2023, as compelling.

The judge explained that the very same ripped jeans pants, the very unique multi-color sneakers/tennis and the very same hoody with “Class of 21” was found in his room when Police conducted a search at his residence.  These were items worn by the male picked up in the drone footage.

Talbot was arrested last month (late November 2023).

Magnetic Media has confirmed that this is exactly the same type of evidence the police and prosecution are relying on in the case against Woody Vincent Jean Baptiste where clothing seen on cameras and by officers at the murder scene of his brother Guilene “GB” Jean Baptiste in Grace Bay, were also identified in the drone video of the group of men captured on footage on August 2, in a shootout with Police in Dock Yard.

According to police, Baptiste was also picked up on the drone in Dock Yard later that same day, along with Reginald Talbot and other so called, “gang members.”

In Baptiste’s case, Police also report they found the pants in a search at his home, that matched the Grace Bay camera videos and the very same pants he was still wearing at the shoot-out with the police in Dock Yard, that very day.

WOODY VINCENT JEAN BAPTISTE was last in court in this gang matter at his Sufficiency Hearing on Friday December 1st, 2023, before her Ladyship the Hon Chief Justice Mable Agyemang and he was committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court. His remand continues to January 26th, 2024 for a plea and directions hearing (PDH).

As for the third alleged gang member CYDEREO SMITH his Sufficiency Hearing was originally set for December 5, 2023. Smith’s arrest and charges are linked to a February 5 shooting at the underground parking lot of the Regent Grand Village in Grace Bay.  That sufficiency hearing is now adjourned to January 5.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING