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CUT THROAT Bail Arguments in Integrity Commission CORRUPTION cases of John Smith, Kenneth Abrams and Alonzo Malcolm

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Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 5, 2024 – On Tuesday July 2, 2024 JOHN THEODORE SMITH, 63, the first named defendant represented by Mrs. Lara Maroof Misick of Maroof Law firm; KENNETH MARK ABRAMS, 58 the second named defendant represented by Mr Oliver Smith K.C of Baycourt Law firm and ALONZO MALCOLM, 54, the third named defendant, represented by Mr. Khamaal Collymore of Stanbrook Prudhoe Caribbean appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Old Airport Road, Providenciales after being charged with offenses of Conspiracy, Misconduct in public office and Corruption.

Mr. Oliver Smith, KC being the most senior attorney saw his client, Kenneth Mark Abraham, originally from Guyana arraigned first before Chief Magistrate Mr Jolyon Hatmin.  Abrams is facing five very serious offences linked to his time as an executive member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority.

John Theodore Smith, a Turks Islander out of Grand Turk, has the majority of charges; 10 alleged counts of corruption during his tenure as CEO of the Airports Authority.

Another native of Grand Turk, Alonzo Malcolm faces only has one charge, and it is connected to a well-known, alleged criminal Edward Bronson, who has faced the courts on similar type serious financial offenses in the United States of America (USA). It is believed that Bronson is serving time in a US prison.  Bronson, though also facing charges in the Turks and Caicos in this corruption matter, was not present for the arraignment.

JOHN T. SMITH

The Hon Chief Magistrate asked for Bronson and was informed by Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson, Public Prosecutor that: “He’s overseas your honor.”

Nothing further was said or mentioned about that defendant.

BAIL ARGUMENT FOR JOHN T. SMITH

Lara Maroof-Misick told the court that prior to the hearing on July 2, the prosecution has agreed to a bail of $200,000.00 with surety for her client, John Theodore Smith, because he no longer resides in the islands, but lives in Orlando, Florida.  It was offered that he must notify the TCI authorities when traveling, as he travels frequently.

Mrs. Dickerson agreed to this bail condition offer but attempted to go further by placing conditions on Smith’s fixed address or residency abroad.  It was met with Maroof-Misick questioning the Court and the public prosecutor about ‘how can one monitor or supervise an address overseas?’

Ms. Dickerson said “we would like his specific address overseas.”

The Chief Magistrate read the home address of John Smith as recorded on the charges.

Maroof-Misick then said, “his address has been provided your honor, I don’t think she means he has to sleep at that provided address every single night, if he doesn’t wish to. That’s the reason we agreed to such substantial bail, so he could be given his passport and move back to the US where he lives.”

Senior defense counsel Lara Maroof-Misick repeated, there’s no way we could monitor or supervise his residency from here so that cannot be a bail condition.

KENNETH MARK ABRAMS

The court agreed.

KENNETH MARK ABRAMS BAIL ARGUMENTS

Up next was KENNETH MARK ABRAMS whose attorney, Oliver Smith told the court he would ask for $50,000.00 bail for his client and that a mere email be sent when his client wanted to travel.

He said, it’s too burdensome to have to apply and reappear in court each and every time for permission to travel when it could be just an email to the relevant authorities and the court.

The Chief Magistrate agreed to the way of email correspondences for ABRAM’S passport to be released to him when he needs to travel. The Chief Magistrate then invited the Public Prosecutor, Ms. Dickerson to address him on the $50,000.00 bail proposal.

Ms. Dickerson said “no, that’s far too low, it should be no less than $100,000.00.”

Her counter offer was followed by the explanation that 50k does not match the figure on the charges against him.  She said $50K cannot compare to the gravity of the offences against him. She expanded on the seriousness of the allegations and stuck strongly to her submission that the bail should not go below $100k.

Smith, KC, even before Public Prosecutor was complete her submission, interjected and was up on his feet ready with a rebuttal calling the prosecutor’s bail offer and reasoning, “nonsense.”

The Chief Magistrate on more than one occasion had to stop his interruptions of Ms. Dickerson, cautioning him to allow the prosecutor to “finish.”

The KC argued, there is no mandatory minimum on bail amounts. He said, the court cannot grant bail based on the amounts listed or mentioned in the charges, “it doesn’t work like that.”

He moved into what could only be described as cut throat arguments, comparing the amount of charges against John Smith to his client, pointing out that Smith would be leaving the country and so his bail application is set much higher at $200k.

Abrams on the other hand is facing half the charges, with five corruption counts and he is resident within the Turks and Caicos.

ALONZO MALCOLM

The court then fixed the bail at $75,000.00 for KENNETH ABRAMS.

ALONZO MALCOLM BAIL ARGUMENTS

Building on the comparisons drawn by attorney Oliver Smith, defence counsel for ALONZO MALCOLM, Mr. Khamaal Collymore laid out a bail argument which was cutting both co-defendants’ throats.

He compared his client’s sole count to the five and the ten counts of alleged crime against ABRAMS and SMITH respectively.

Collymore said his client should be far less than all, as he only has one charge and proposed that his client not be made to surrender his travel documents as his client may be scheduled to travel for surgery.

The lawyer for Malcolm offered that his client could notify the court of dates for travel, but it is critical that his client have his passport in order to be able to leave once called upon for the medical travel.

Ms. Dickerson disagreed and so did the Chief Magistrate.

Bail for MALCOLM was set at $50k and his passport would have to be requested, by email, when a date for travel is determined.

All three matters – which were brought following investigations by the TCI Integrity Commission – are now adjourned to an October 4th, sufficiency hearing.

It is expected that three others will be charged in relation to this investigation, named in court were:. #1. ROBERT KOENIG #2. CARLTON HIGGS  and #3. EDWARD BRONSON.

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TCI Aviation Notice System Moves from U.S. to U.K. Platform

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Turks and Caicos, May 29, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority has quietly implemented a significant change to how critical aviation notices are distributed, shifting the publication of its Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, from the United States system to a United Kingdom-based platform.

In a statement issued to the aviation community, TCIAA advised that effective May 13, 2026, at noon, all Turks and Caicos Islands NOTAMs began being published through the UK NOTAM Office, operated by National Air Traffic Services (NATS), under the U Series classification.

The move means pilots, airlines, dispatchers and flight planning teams can no longer rely on the Federal Aviation Administration’s traditional NOTAM source to locate current operational notices for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

NOTAMs are essential aviation communications used to alert pilots and operators to temporary changes that could affect flight operations, including runway closures, navigational aid outages, airspace restrictions and other safety-related information.

According to the Airports Authority, the transition is part of a broader aviation modernization programme and will remain in place until TCIAA commissions its own Aeronautical Information Management and Aeronautical Message Handling System capability.

The authority stressed that the change does not affect flight operations or aviation safety.

“At this time, there is no interruption to air traffic operations or safety-critical services,” the TCIAA said, noting that operational information will continue to be communicated through established Air Traffic Control channels.

The authority urged airlines, charter operators, flight planners and other aviation stakeholders to ensure their operational teams are aware of the new publication source to avoid missing important notices.

While largely administrative, the shift represents another step in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ effort to modernize its aviation infrastructure and align more closely with international aviation information management standards.

The Airports Authority thanked stakeholders for their cooperation as the transition moves forward.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Dog Owners Charged After Pack Attack Kills Dog at Taylor Bay Beach

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Turks and Caicos, May 29, 2026 – A fatal dog attack at one of Providenciales’ most popular beaches has resulted in swift enforcement action, with authorities identifying and charging the owners of the animals involved.

The Department of Agriculture says a group of dogs attacked and killed another dog at Taylor Bay Beach in Chalk Sound on May 18, in an incident witnessed by beachgoers and visitors.

Investigators moved quickly, determining that the dogs involved were registered and owned by residents of the Chalk Sound community. Accompanied by officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Agriculture officials visited the owners and issued citations under the Dog Control Ordinance.

Each owner was fined a total of $1,500, including a $1,000 penalty for allowing a dog to roam in a public space without a leash and a $500 fine for having a dog exhibiting aggressive behaviour in a public area.

While the attack ended with the death of a dog, authorities noted that the outcome could have been far worse had a person, child or tourist become caught up in the incident.

Minister of Agriculture Zhavargo Jolly said the government takes incidents involving uncontrolled or aggressive animals seriously and praised the swift response by enforcement officers.

“While this was an isolated incident, it is unacceptable and swift enforcement action was taken by the Department of Agriculture and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force,” said Jolly.

The minister stressed that residents and visitors should be able to enjoy public beaches safely and that dog owners have a responsibility to keep their animals secured and under control at all times.

The Department of Agriculture is reminding pet owners that dogs must be leashed in public spaces and properly registered. Officials are also encouraging owners to ensure their animals are microchipped as part of responsible pet ownership practices.

The incident remains under review, but authorities say the case demonstrates that violations of the Dog Control Ordinance will result in enforcement action.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation share educational material with primary school in Providenciales

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: May 29, 2026 – Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and the Sandals Foundation, recently brought smiles and inspiration to students at the Community Christian Academy through a meaningful Reading Road Trip and educational material donation initiative.

The outreach effort, which forms part of the Sandals Foundation’s ongoing commitment to education and community development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, saw team members and volunteers engaging directly with students while delivering a wide range of essential school supplies.

Among the donated items were books, footballs, volleyballs, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, Bibles, Christian literature, sun glasses, writing pads, educational cue cards, erasers, markers, crayons, glue, scissors, paper clips, coloured chalk, and pens. The contributions were carefully curated to support both academic learning and extracurricular development for students at the institution.

A highlight of the day’s activities was an interactive reading session with the kindergarten and grade one classes, where volunteers shared stories and encouraged early literacy in a fun and engaging environment. The young students responded with enthusiasm, creating a lively and memorable experience for all involved.

Travel Advisor Renee Rice, who participated in the initiative alongside her family, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to give back. “We are happy for this experience as we partnered with the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in sharing in the development of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Rice said. Her family actively participated in reading sessions and interacting with the students, further enhancing the impact of the visit.

Principal Krystal Vincent welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of such partnerships in advancing the school’s mission. “These educational materials will go a far way, and we are happy for this relationship that we have established with the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort in helping to support the growth of the students and the institution,” Vincent noted.

Chairman of the School Board, Pastor Bradley Handfield, also expressed gratitude during the presentation of the items. He commended the donors for their continued investment in the community and their willingness to support the nation’s youth. Pastor Handfield highlighted the significance of corporate and philanthropic partnerships in strengthening educational foundations across the islands.

The Reading Road Trip initiative is part of a broader effort by the Sandals Foundation to promote literacy and provide access to educational resources for children throughout the Caribbean.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has long been an active partner in community outreach, consistently supporting initiatives that uplift local communities and empower young people. Through collaborations such as this, the resort continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.

The visit to Community Christian Academy stands as a testament to the power of partnership and the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations and individuals come together with a shared purpose. For the students, the day was not only about receiving supplies but also about feeling encouraged, valued, and inspired to pursue their educational journeys with confidence.

As the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort continue to expand their outreach efforts, initiatives like the Reading Road Trip remain vital in shaping the future of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands—one child, one book, and one meaningful connection at a time.

Photo Caption:

The Sandals foundation is a registered charity in Jamaica with the Department of Co-operatives and Friendly Societies, a CRA registered charity in Canada, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England & Wales that was created in March 2009 to continue and expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken.  It is the culmination of over four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.

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