Allegedly Cusses out Customs Officer, now in Court for Untrue Declaration

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

#TurksandCaicos, January 20, 2024 – He was summoned to appear before His Honor, The Chief Magistrate Mr. Jolyon Hatmin on charges pertaining to breaches of the Customs Ordinances.

Forty-four year old Jamaican, CLEMENT HENRY, on Monday January 9, which was the first day of Magistrate’s Court activities for the New Year promptly denied three customs charges of “Untrue Declaration” and two courts of ” “offence against an Officer”.

The accused is alleged to have obstructed the female Customs officer both physically and psychologically.

It is alleged the man used profane, derogatory and threatening language, reportedly calling the woman officer a “mother *ucker” and a “@itch.”

His obstruction amounted to Clement Henry allegedly using his foot to block the officer from closing her office door and then refusing to leave when asked.

As for the charge of “untrue declaration,” it is alleged that he did not submit a true and honest declaration for items on the pallet.  Henry was said to have been cursing and demanding to have that pallet “now!”

The incident allegedly took place on November 17, 2023 at Air and Sea in Providenciales.

The accused attempted to give the learned CM an explanation by stating it was just a simple mistake because he had lost the receipt he got from his wife as it was some items she had put on the pallet.

He said he tried to rectify the problem, but the Customs Department informed that he would be charged, “and that’s how I’m here today.”

The CM adjourned the matter to February 5 and advised the Clement Henry that he had a right to an attorney; he could apply for one through the free legal aid system or he could hire one from his own pocket.