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CJ rules for No Legal Aid; Accused Cydero Smith confirms he has a lawyer

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Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2024 – The case of CYDEREO SMITH was called for its Sufficiency hearing but despite the readiness of the Public Prosecutor in the matter, it could not proceed.

There was some confusion concerning who is to be representing the defendant and who is paying – be it legal aid or privately funded – the legal fees.

Oliver Smith, KC appeared and addressed her Ladyship, Hon Chief Justice (CJ), Mrs. Mable Agyemang, by stating his firm was assigned the matter through legal aid.

It was assigned to his female junior counsel, Ms. Kimone Tennant.  He told her Ladyship she has not yet returned in the jurisdiction off holiday, so he is holding for her, and they’re seeking a short recess in the hopes of sorting out who is going to represent the accused.

It was disclosed that the defendant, Cydero Smith, was paying Ms. Lara Maroof – Misick privately to represent him.

The King’s Counsel indicated that Mrs. Maroof-Misick had filed submissions, but since the legal aid was just assigned, his junior assistant counsel and not being here, they are not prepared for today and would want to speak to Ms. Maroof Misick also before going forward.

The CJ was not pleased and made the decision not to allow legal aid to continue in the matter “since the accused’s family is paying Mrs. Maroof Misick privately.”

CJ Agyemang said that counsels must remember or note that adjournment proceedings are not covered by legal aid.

“So Mr. Smith,KC, please advise your junior that she no longer has legal aid in this matter as I am vacating the legal and no one will be paid from legal aid for today’s adjournment hearing in this matter.”

The accused CYDEREO SMITH was then allowed to speak, and he told the court he did not want the legal aid. His family was paying Mrs. Maroof for his representation.  The CJ then pushed the matter back one more month to the February sufficiency hearing.

There was no mention of the allegations against Smith at that hearing.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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