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“Nasty” Grand Pa neighbor charged with vile sexual assault of Five-Year old Girl

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Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Reporter

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2024 – It’s was so disturbing and disheartening to hear the troubling details surrounding the alleged sexual violation of a minor at the hands of a 65-year old man, whom the five year old victim calls, “Grand Pa.”

In the Magistrate’s court on Tuesday January 9, 2024, details of one of the vilest cases any sound thinking court reporter could have listened to were exposed and involved a Haitian man and Turks and Caicos passport holder who lived in the community of Dock Yard in Kew Town, Providenciales.

The man is MAURICEAU ALEXIS, whom senior Crown public prosecutor Ms. Tassja Mitchell told the court that the 65 year old man allegedly put his hands in the little girl’s panties and stuck his finger(s) in her vagina; it cause immediate bleeding of the little girl who according to the case file, first reported it to her seven year-old sister.

Adults then quickly got involved, called the Police and the old man was arrested.

The five year old child was taken to hospital where doctors found evidence of sexual interferences.

This incident alleged to have his happened just as the New Year rolled in on Wednesday, 03rd January, 2024.

There was a passionate presentation on why the old man should not be granted bail.

The learned, Chief Magistrate (CM) Mr. Jolyon Hatmin was told that this ‘nasty grandpa’ is considered to be a flight risk, even if his passport is taken away and kept by the court or police authorities.

The Senior Crown Counsel explained to the Hon. CM, that his wife and children still live in Haiti.  She further explained to the court in her forceful submissions that, if released on bail, he can interfere with the witnesses in this case, including the child, as they all live in the same apartment complex.

When the charge was read to the man, the learned CM by law had to put the election of the court for the matter to the accused given the fact that the charge was an ‘either way’ offense; which means the case can be tried in either the Magistrate’s court or in the Supreme Court.

However, having explained the difference of both courts by the CM, the accused on the advice of his senior defense attorney, Mr. Finbar Grant chose to be tried in the Magistrate’s court.

The learned public senior prosecutor objected as the crown’s position is that this matter should be tried in the Supreme Court where the sentencing powers of the court are far greater, if this man is convicted.

Mr. Hatmin, upon application of the Crown and Mr. Grant agreed, adjourned the matter to Friday January 12th to hear full arguments from both sides where he would then rule on whether the matter goes to the lower or higher court.

Mariceau Alexis was kept on remand until the Friday, after which the CM was left to decide if to release him on bail or continue his remand.

The CM, upon the request of the Crown, did agree with Ms. Mitchell that if the court is going to release this man on bail against her objections, can the court take away his travel documents and order his removal from living in the same area as the minor child.

The young victim and her sister call the old man “grandpa”, even though he is not their grandfather, according to prosecutor Ms. Mitchell.

UPDATE

Mariceau Alexis will have his Sufficiency Hearing in the Supreme Court and bail for the defendant has been refused.

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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