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Office of the DPP reports on year gone by at 2024 Legal Year Opening

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Dana, Malcolm

staff writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2024 – “It would be remiss of me not to mention the dire shortage situation at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, (ODPP)” said Angela Brooks, Acting DPP of the Turks and Caicos as she spoke during the legal Year Opening Ceremony on January 4th.

Brooks took care to address concerns from residents regarding the judiciary, including the length of time some court cases are taking to be called, low numbers of prosecutors and evidence flubs in cases.

“Despite the hard work and support of the human resource management directorate in addressing the situation there is one vacant position for Principal Prosecutor, three vacant positions for senior public prosecutor, and one vacant position for public prosecutor,” Brooks revealed.

She indicated it had been difficult attracting ‘the right caliber’ of prosecutors. “The local prosecutors have always found the grass greener in the private sector and other government departments,” she lamented.

The Acting DPP is hopeful that with the significant pay raise granted to the public service, the ODPP would find recruitment easier.

Regarding public ire over long wait times for cases, Brooks maintained that improvements had been made in cases regarding vulnerable residents, “As we move to build this infrastructure our public prosecutors are now in a better position to collaborate with the court, the police, and other law enforcement agencies to implement a fast-tracked prosecution mechanism for cases involving children and other vulnerable people n custody, and persons affected by gender-based violence.”

The Office of the DPP is also working diligently to recover the proceeds of crime under a partnership with the financial crimes unit. It has recovered over $100,000 in recent cases.

The historic influx of illegal immigrants is also on the ODPP radar as an area of ‘high importance and concern’ Brooks said. In response, a specialized unit has been reactivated to address the urgent need for legal input regarding immigration.  She highlighted a recent case, where an individual was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for assisting illegal entry, maintaining that they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Mishandled evidence has repeatedly proved to be a stumbling block for cases in the Turks and Caicos, Brooks addressed that as well.

“The ODPP pledges to continue providing our stakeholders with the necessary legal and practical training that equips them to properly investigate and preserve the evidence needed for a successful prosecution,” she maintained

For 2023, in the Magistrate’s court, 389 cases were opened, and of that number, there were 291 convictions (75 percent conviction rate). At the supreme court 41 cases were heard with 23 convictions(56 percent conviction) rate.

Brooks said the low rate had to do with extended wait for cases to be brought before a judge which caused witnesses to lose interest, among other factors; but said she was confident matters would be disposed of more quickly going forward

Outgoing DPP Eugene Otuonye, who has served in the TCI public service for 24 years was also present at the event along with Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, Attorney General; Gordon Burton, Speaker of the House of Assembly; Washington Misick, TCI Premier; E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier; Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition and Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor.

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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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