News
Local Grandmother Rubiee “Ruby” Forbes on Trial for One Bullet
Wilkie Arthur
Eagle Legal News Media
#TurksandCaicos, June 7, 2024 – In a highly anticipated and closely watched case, the court’s decision earlier this year mandated that all persons convicted of firearms or ammunition offenses must be sentenced to prison, even if exceptional circumstances are found and accepted by the presiding justice. This case, involving local grandmother Rubiee Forbes, is attracting significant attention.
Locals are keenly observing whether Rubiee Forbes, a hardworking Turks Island grandmother, will be convicted by a six-member Grand Turk jury and what sentence His Lordship, The Hon. Mr. Justice Chris Selochan, will hand down if she is convicted.
The allegation against Forbes is that while traveling from Grand Turk to Providenciales on July 26 of last year, she unlawfully had one
round of ammunition in her bag.
The trial commenced on Tuesday, June 4, with a seven-member jury being selected, which was shortly reduced to six members as one juror had a concern about sitting on this particular case.
The trial was adjourned early on Wednesday due to weather conditions and power outages on the Island of Grand Turk.
Mr. Justice Chris Selochan, the presiding judge, sits in Grand Turk Supreme Court from Monday through Wednesday and handles civil cases in Providenciales on Thursdays and Fridays. This arrangement is concerning, as it highlights the shortage of judges in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ high court. Splitting one justice between two courts (in Grand Turk and Providenciales) is particularly problematic for jury trials, where jurors have an extended period from Wednesday afternoon until the following Monday to be potentially influenced by external information (even more so if Monday is a holiday).
Representing the female accused is Mrs. Kimone Tennant, assistant to Mr. Oliver Smith KC of Baycourt law firm. For the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Alima Alexis is the prosecutor.
The trial continues next week.
PRESS STATEMENT
Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
The Bahamas, February 6, 2025 – A delegation inclusive of all relevant agencies is meeting with SpaceX officials as The Islands of The Bahamas finalise preparations for the historic landing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster on February 17.
This landmark moment will make The Bahamas the first international destination to host the Falcon 9 rocket booster landings. This historic event, set to take place off the coast of The Exumas, marks a significant leap for The Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.
The collaboration between Bahamian officials and SpaceX positions The Bahamas as a key player in the growing space tourism industry, with 20 scheduled landings to take place in Bahamian waters on autonomous drone ships. The country will be the exclusive location to witness these remarkable events, offering unique economic opportunities and advancements in technology.
The delegation includes senior representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and the Port Department.
The relevant senior officials will remain on hand during the launch sequence and launch and ascent. They are fully engaged to ensure all safety, regulatory, and operational measures are in place for the scheduled landing. Every effort is being made to facilitate this historic event while maintaining the highest standards.
Further details regarding the landing and related activities will be forthcoming.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
***MEDIA RELEASE***
Turks and Caicos, February 5, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the discovery of a decomposing body found in the vicinity of Delco Yard, Snake Hill, Blue Hills.
At approximately 7:45 pm on Tuesday, January 15, 2025, officers received information regarding the presence of a body in a ditch near Delco Yard. A team of officers and the TCI Regiment were deployed to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male wearing black jeans and blue Jordan sneakers. The deceased had a black locks hairstyle. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition.
If you have any information that could assist in identifying the deceased or in the ongoing investigation, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).
Information can also be shared via the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Caribbean News
S Hotel Kingston Partners with Bob Marley Foundation to Celebrate Kingston as the Cultural Capital
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, [February 6, 2024] – In celebration of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, S Hotel Kingston has partnered with the Bob Marley Foundation to launch an immersive “Explore Kingston” initiative, spotlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration features a dynamic new video that showcases Kingston in the world’s music culture.
Widely regarded as the heart of Jamaica’s artistic and musical legacy, Kingston takes center stage in this captivating video, which highlights
iconic sites such as the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard, Tuff Gong International, and Kingston Creative’s Water Lane Art Walk. The video offers an inspiring glimpse into the city’s cultural essence and its deep connection to reggae music.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Bob Marley Foundation to bring this experience to life,” said Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. “This initiative is not only a celebration of Bob Marley’s birthday but also a tribute to the creative spirit that makes Kingston the beating heart of Jamaica.”
S Hotel Kingston embraces this cultural legacy throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a Bob Marley record player. The hotel’s Strings Cafe and Bar features a stunning zinc mural with an impression of Bob Marley, serving as a striking backdrop that pays homage to Kingston’s artistic roots, along with an 8-ft guitar. Additionally, a Bob Marley statue stands as a tribute to the legendary artist, further reinforcing the hotel’s deep connection to Jamaica’s music history.
For more information on S Hotel Kingston, please visit http://www.shotelkingston.com. To view the “Explore Kingston” video, follow S Hotel Kingston on social at @shotelkingstonjm.
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