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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.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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