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American MICHAEL LEE EVANS sentencing June 19, Prosecutor sides with Defence on Prison Time

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Wilkie Arthur
Eagle Legal News Media

 

#TurksandCaicos, June 4, 2024 – Mr. Oliver Smith KC told her Ladyship The Hon. Ms. Tanya Lobban Jackson said that “to sentence his 72 year old terminally ill client to prison, would be passing a death sentence on him.”

Last week on Tuesday May 29th in the Supreme Court before her Ladyship The Hon Ms. Tanya Lobban Jackson, in the criminal case against the oldest American that is charged before the court for ammunition possession in the Turks and Caicos, came up for sentencing submissions.

MICHAL LEE EVANS of Texas is one of three Americans awaiting sentencing in the controversial cases, which have spawned numerous headlines.

Attorney Smith did not pull any punches and during his argument landed some serious blows when bringing to light the facts of the matter in the case of his client who was a very ill man.

Smith argued that under no circumstances should EVANS be sent to prison for the seven rounds of 9mm ammunition found in his luggage as he departed Turks and Caicos Howard Hamilton Providenciales International Airport on December 12th last year.

The court learned that in this particular case, the Prosecution, being the proper ministers of justice they are, did express and agree that this is a case of ‘exceptional circumstances.’

Ms. Roseanne Richardson, senior public prosecutor speaking on behalf of the office of the Director of Public Prosecution told her Ladyship that they are in full agreement with everything that KC Smith submitted on behalf of his client, however, they took exception to one point. That is, they do not agree and believe the Court has the power to suspend a sentence where the mandatory minimum is beyond two years imprisonment.

Senior Public Prosecutor Richardson informed that her submissions were, regardless of the finding of exceptional circumstances, the court cannot suspend the custodial sentence in cases where the mandatory minimum is beyond two years.

KC Smith strongly disagreed, but he wasn’t able to carry the Court to any law in support of his disagreement nor was he able to convince or persuade the learned Judge Lobban-Jackson that she was acting correctly by suspending sentences after finding exceptional circumstances and intends to sentence to two years or less.

However, having heard both sides and given the fact there was only one specific area that was in dispute “re: suspending of the sentences” the Court invited counsel for the prosecution to go with her to paragraph 126 of the Attorney General’s Reference handed down in February of this year and the judge expressed, it was in that section or paragraph where she is duly empowered to hand down suspended sentences where the Court finds exceptional circumstances and intends to sentence to two years and/or less than two years imprisonment.

The revelation left Roseanne Richardson with limited words following the evidenced validation by her Ladyship. The DPP’s Office rested on the point with, “I see my lady, and I am guided by the court.”

The matter is now adjourned to June 19 for the actual sentencing of accused, MICHAEL LEE EVANS of the United States.

It was not expressed at the close of the hearing if the defendant had to return from America on the 19th for his sentencing in person, though it was clearly laid out at his bail hearing that it was expected that Evans would have to attend sentencing in person.

At the May 29th proceeding, Evans, who was granted bail in December 2023 due to the fragile state of his health, attended court by video link.

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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Takes Platinum Sponsor Role at Premier Hotel Investment Summit  

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Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.

Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.

ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.

The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.

Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.

CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.

In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.

The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.

The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Lower Bight

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a privately-owned parcel of land.

The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy.  Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.

The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.

This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation Champion Early Childhood Literacy with Star-Studded Reading Road Trip

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The grand opening of the Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos brought more than just high-energy celebrations to the shores of Providenciales as the Sandals Foundation led a star-studded Reading Road Trip at four local primary schools.

Dozens of celebrities, global media representatives, resort guests, and hospitality executives took a purposeful break from the weekend’s festivities to connect directly with the island’s youngest learners. The initiative transformed standard kindergarten classrooms at Enid Capron Primary, Thema Lightbourne Primary, Ianthe Pratt Primary and Oseta Jolly Primary into dynamic literacy hubs as visitors including American Actor and Playwright Jesse Eisebberg, and Real Housewives of New York City and author Kelly Bensimon read books and engaged in fun literacy games and activities.

The carefully designed activities aimed to strengthen students’ foundational reading comprehension skills and saw visitors actively animating characters, reading aloud, playing interactive literacy games, doing phonetic exercises and collaborative arts and crafts.

For local educators, the initiative represented a valuable opportunity to broaden students’ horizons. Through meaningful interaction with media representatives, students learned firsthand about exciting careers in writing, photography, and broadcasting.

Nelene Swann, Vice Principal of Enid Capron Primary, highlighted the profound impact of the unique global connection. “The experience for the children was good as they interacted and shared in a cultural blend while learning about new cultures and different career options,” Swann shared.

For American actor and playwright Jesse Eisenberg, who spent his afternoon volunteering at Oseta Jolly Primary School, his visit coincided with a special occasion on the school’s calendar, creating an even more memorable atmosphere for the youngsters.

“Our school was celebrating Boys Day which allowed [Eisenberg] to share in the experience and even provide great mentorship advice. Lessons such as the importance of consistency were well received by students in this developmental phase,” says Handsfield.

The Sandals Foundation has long championed early childhood education as a fundamental pillar of its philanthropic mission across the region.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, expressed her pride in the weekend’s grand opening educational outreach noting, “The Reading Road Trips provided a one-of-a-kind experience to guests and students as they shared in the power of play, imagination and life – all through the wonders of books. At the heart of our mission is to facilitate the creation of fun and dynamic learning environments that inspire students. We are proud to be a partner in TCI’s education tapestry and will continue to support initiatives that enable students’ holistic development.”

While the grand opening festivities brought a special influx of international participants to the classrooms, the commitment to local schools remains a consistent, year-round priority for the local resort staff. Employees regularly dedicate their personal time to mentor, tutor, and read with primary school students, fostering an incredibly strong bond between the hospitality sector and the local education system.

General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the immense joy these initiatives bring to his dedicated staff. “This was a blast for the resort team members. The heart of the hospitality industry extends far beyond the resort’s doors and through the Reading Road Trip and other team member volunteer initiatives, we are proud to share our time, resources and expertise to the school community.”

Even as the official grand opening celebrations conclude, the positive impact of these classroom interactions will continue to resonate deeply throughout the Providenciales community and the world – example of a powerful model for community-integrated tourism.

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