News
Attorney takes us inside the Land Repossession case of Gilbert Selver
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
George Missick
#TurksandCaicos, May 8, 2024 – Not only did TCIG completely ignore the ruling of the Supreme Court by not complying with court-ordered actions in the Gilbert Selver land case, but they responded with a late appeal outside of the usually acceptable time frame, in preparation to go after other landowners, according to George Missick, lawyer for Selver, as he revealed to Magnetic Media what led to the recent Court of Appeal decision to strip the businessman of his land.
We learned the initial Supreme Court case had been initiated by Selver after years of applying for the vouchers, promised to him in a 2008 offer, to pay for his freehold titles and being given the runaround, and he won.
Missick clarified the facts of that case including that Selver had never been squatting on the land.
“He had permission to be there, the government knew he was there, he had planning permission to put up buildings. He was never a squatter. This case was not about squatting but about whether he was entitled to possession.”
Missick maintained that they have the documentation to prove it.
So why did the government decide to apply for an appeal after missing the requisite period? The answer was shared by TCIGs lawyers, Missick told us.
“They actually filed this appeal late and had to go to the court and ask for permission to appeal ‘out of time’ and one of the things they said in their affidavit when they filed that request was that they wanted to pursue this matter because there were a lot of other people; they’re coming after people’s land.”
Missick explained that the Supreme Court judge held that:
- The contract offered by TCIG has not expired and Selver was entitled to the land at freehold purchase price.
- Selver should have been offered the vouchers to pay the fee for his freehold and TCIG should have paid his legal fees.
- It would have been inequitable to strip him of the land because of the expenditure Selver had already incurred by investing in the land with government knowledge.
The government complied with none of that, Missick confirmed to us.
“How are you upholding rule of law and when the Supreme Court judge made the ruling you’ve ignored it? A declaration was made that Mr. Selver should get the vouchers to pay for his land. We wrote for those vouchers but we never got them. They ignored the judgment, they didn’t pay,” Missick said.
Gilbert Selver
Eventually, despite the late appeal by TCIG, the Court of Appeal overturned the initial Supreme Court ruling. Missick revealed that as of Thursday, May 2, on behalf of Gilbert Selver, he had begun the process to take the case to the Privy Council and shared why they thought it would succeed.
“We think the decision was wrong in particular as a legal point— One of the fundamental principles that’s been held up before, that only in really extreme or rare cases should the Court of Appeal interfere with findings of fact of a judge below and substitute its own decision for that judge,” Missick said.
After severe public backlash negotiations are ongoing between Selver and officials from the government but whatever the outcome Missick says it will be a watershed moment.
“This decision affects not only Mr. Selver but many other Turks and Caicos Islanders who have been offered land from the government, who built properties so I think it does need to be challenged.”
Missick hopes that the government will rectify the areas of the Crown Land Ordinance that would strip islanders of their property.
“It’s a harsh thing to tell someone— where are people supposed to go and live, what are they supposed to go and do?” He mused.
Missick is also advising residents to hold on to their documents and not rely on government copies to support themselves in their burden of proof.
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.
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.
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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