News
CJ rules for No Legal Aid; Accused Cydero Smith confirms he has a lawyer
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.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, 28th April 2025 – On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, officers from the Marine Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) responded to a report of illegal migrants spotted in the mangrove area along the southeastern side of North Caicos.
The United States Coast Guard (Air Support Unit), the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, and the Department of Fisheries and Marine
Resources Management supported the operation.
Upon arrival at the location, RT&CIPF officers apprehended eleven (11) male individuals, all confirmed to be of Haitian nationality.
The individuals were detained and transported to Providenciales, where they were handed over to officers from Border Force for processing and further investigation.
We continue to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious maritime or coastal activity to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force by calling 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
-
Health6 days agoRecent outbreaks in the Americas underscore need to urgently address immunization gaps, PAHO Director says
-
Africa2 days agoRwanda and DRC Sign Historic Declaration of Principles in Washington
-
Bahamas News5 days agoBahamas Shifts Stance on SpaceX Flights After Debris Discovery
-
Climate Change7 days agoGovernment to table landmark ‘Oil Spill’ Bill in National Assembly next Monday
-
Caribbean News5 days ago‘People will face consequences’ – VP Jagdeo on Adrianna Younge’s death
-
Government6 days agoThe Department of Gender Affairs Celebrates Girls in ICT Day 2025 with an Inaugural Speech Competition
-
Bahamas News5 days agoBahamian Archivist Antoinette Seymour Preserves Cultural Heritage with New Book “Been to Cat Island”
-
Caribbean News4 days agoLocal Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine