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Recent Charges Against US Nationals for Possession of Ammunition Offences

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Government cannot comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts but confirms the following four (4) US nationals have been charged for possession of ammunition offences against the Firearms Ordinance (as amended).

  • MICHAEL LEE EVANS, 72, of Texas, pled guilty to possession of seven (7) 9mm rounds of ammunition. Appeared before the court on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, via video conference link. Currently on bail, with sentencing hearing adjourned to June 18th, 2024.
  • BRYAN HAGERICH, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to possession of twenty rounds of ammunition  (rifle rounds). Currently on bail. Scheduled to reappear in court on May 3rd, 2024.
  • TYLER SCOTT WENRICH, 31, of Virginia, is currently remanded at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Grand Turk). He is charged with possession of two (2) 9mm rounds. He has not applied for bail.
  • RYAN TYLER WATSON, 40, of Oklahoma, currently on bail, charged with possession of four (4) rounds of ammunition. Appeared in court on April 24th, 2024. The matter was adjourned to June 7th, 2024

 Persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands do not have a constitutional right to carry firearms. The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes all visitors but reminds travellers that the importation of firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons is strictly forbidden unless licence to do so has been issued by the Commissioner of Police.

 The Turks and Caicos Islands have clear laws against the possession of firearms and or ammunition and strict penalties in order to serve and protect the community. Firearm and or ammunition offences carry a mandatory minimum custodial sentence of twelve years plus a fine. An Attorney General’s Reference to the Court of Appeal certified that where a court finds there are exceptional circumstances, the sentencing judge has discretion to impose a custodial sentence (less than the twelve years) and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory with a common law legal system.

 Travellers are strongly advised to search their luggage before they travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands to ensure they do not bring in forbidden items inadvertently. The Turks and Caicos Islands reserves the right to enforce its legislation and all visitors must follow its law enforcement procedures.

 The Transportation Security Administration screening in the United States may not identify ammunition in a traveller’s baggage; it is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure their baggage is free of ammunition and/or firearms. Permission from an airline carrier does not constitute permission to bring firearms or ammunition into the Turks and Caicos Islands and will result in arrest.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE HOSTS “LET’S TALK SOCIAL” COMMUNITY POP-UP CONVERSATIONS

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Providenciales, Turks And Caicos Islands, 7th October 2024 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare held a series of “Let’s Talk Social” Community Pop-Up Conversations on the island of Providenciales during September 2024. These events are part of the department’s ongoing initiative to raise awareness about the wide range of services and programs available to the community.

The “Let’s Talk Social” conversations aim to engage community members in an informal and approachable setting where they can learn about the support offered by the department, ask questions, and receive feedback on their concerns. Additionally, these pop-ups allow the public to meet and connect with the department’s staff and social workers, putting faces to names and fostering a more human, community-centered, and friendly experience.

The public is encouraged to make the most of these community pop-up visits to gain insight into the available services and programs, and to connect directly with the department’s staff.

The Department of Social Development and Welfare also intends to collaborate with businesses across the islands to ensure the ongoing success of this initiative.

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Bahamas News

Turks and Caicos Islands Hosts Fourth Round of Maritime Boundary Delimitation Talks with the Commonwealth of the Bahamas

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PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE MINISTRY OF IMMIGRATION

AND BORDER SERVICES

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, supported by the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, successfully held a two-day technical meeting on maritime boundary delimitation. This was the fourth round of discussions to resolve boundary matters under consideration since initial discussions in 1992.

The two-day discussions, hosted by the Turks and Caicos Islands, were held in Providenciales on September 24th and 25th, 2024, and were focused on delimiting the maritime boundary between the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Senior officials and technical experts from each of the three countries engaged in productive discussions to advance mutual understanding and cooperation on this complex issue, with the ultimate objective of reaching an eventual and equitable maritime boundary agreement.

These negotiations represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to clarify and formalize maritime boundaries, thereby fostering regional stability and enhancing relations between the involved parties.

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News

Meet the RT&CIPF newest Youth Anti-Drug Ambassador

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Turks and Caicos, October 7, 2024 – As the TCI celebrated Youth Week, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is pleased to announce the addition of our newest recruit.

Though small in stature, five-year-old Kaylah Henry has joined the Force as a Youth Anti-Drug Ambassador.

On September 25th, 2024, after accepting an invitation from the RT&CIPF, Kaylah met with Superintendent (Division B and Community Policing) Dwight Gardiner at Police Headquarters, Airport Road, Providenciales and chatted about the dangers of drugs.

Superintendent Gardiner applauded Kaylah for her knowledge of the dangers of drugs. “We are proud of you for deciding to stay drug-free. Staying away from harmful substances benefits you personally and helps create a safer and healthier community for everyone.

“By staying drug-free, you’re not just making a promise to yourself; you’re also making a promise to your family, friends, and community.”

Kaylah’s duties now include advocating the dangers of drugs and urging her peers to be drug free.

As a token of appreciation, Superintendent Gardiner presented a certificate to Kaylah and a Force goodie bag filled with branded items to show our gratitude.

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