News
WILKIE ARTHUR now has a Driver’s License; Victory in LANDMARK Civil Case against DMV & AG
#TurksandCaicos, August 11, 2023 – Tuesday August 8, 2023 The learned Resident Magistrate, Mrs. Oreika Selver-Gardiner heard by way of evidence in an appeal against a decision of the Director of Motor Vehicles, Wilbur Caley and the Hon Attorney General Mrs. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, KC.
The landmark case set a precedent in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is also a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges. Having heard evidence from Wilke Arthur who took the witness stand first in the trial, as it was
his case he brought against the Government agents.
Mr. Arthur on oath testified of being released from His Majesty’s Prison and was refused allowance to renew his license until he had paid back fees for the past 11 years; a period of time when he was serving out a sentence in prison.
Mr. Arthur told the learned Resident Magistrate that he told the Director this was wrong and that he has been through this before but the previous directors waved the fees given the fact that he was incarcerated.
Two civil attorneys, Clemar Hippolyte Principal Senior Crown Counsel and her junior well qualified assistant Tamika Simms-Williams traveled from the Grand Turk’s Attorney General’s Chambers and vigorously challenged Mr. Arthur’s claim in support of the director’s position and decision.
Mr. Arthur, after giving his evidence in chief was cross-examined by the Senior Principal Crown Counsel but he stood his ground well, maintained his position and was unshaken by the cross-examination.
Mr. Arthur called no witnesses on behalf of his case, it was then the Crown’s turn to convince the Hon. learned Resident Magistrate of its position.
They called Mr. Wilbur Caley to the witness stand/box, he testified he was charging back fees for years since being director. He further said he doing it because the law speak on renewal of driver’s license being back dated to it’s date of expiration, so that means the fees must be back dated as well.
Crown counsel, Tamika Simms Williams asked him about fees being waived, he said he has never done it. The director maintained his position in evidence in chief.
He was then subjected to cross-examination by unrepresented Mr. Arthur. He took him through sections of the ordinance. The director still tried to maintain his position that he was right and supported by law to be charging people back fees. Mr. Arthur put it to him forcefully that there’s absolutely no provision in law empowering you to be charging back fees. Mr. Arthur asked him to show the court one section in the ordinance where it speaks on back fees? After several attempts for a near hour of cross-examination and reluctance responses, Mr. Caley admitted that there is no section or no provision in the laws governing the Department of Motor Vehicles that speaks specifically of back fees.
One very serious concerning and highly unethical disturbing observation Mr. Arthur brought to the Court’s attention was that Senior Principal Crown Counsel, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte when Mr. Caley was asked by Mr. Arthur “so you would agree that what you were doing over the years by charging back fees when was a matter of policy and not law?”
Before Mr. Caley could answer the suggestion by Mr. Arthur, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte told him under her breath to say “law.”
Mr. Arthur, in catching the exchange, raised serious issue with the court and complained about how the senior principal Crown Counsel boldly telling the witness how to testify.
Arthur’s account was that, “She began stammering in her response and said I was speaking to my assistant not the witness.”
The learned Resident Magistrate showed concerns and told Ms. Hippolyte that if she’s speaking to her junior counsel, to do it more quietly please.
Having won the case, Mr. Arthur told Magnetic Media that he couldn’t believe for a nation that always speaking on how much we wants to rehabilitate and assist ex-offenders in leading law abiding new lives, he was being forced to pay back fees for the renewal of his driver’s license having been incarcerated for a number of years.
It would have meant hundreds of dollars in cost.
Arthur said, government actions are far from their words and “their public speeches and press releases.”
While Arthur said he found it “very discouraging and troubling” he would not permit the ordeal to sidetrack him from “going forward positively with the continued help of Almighty God.”
Wilkie Arthur also informs that he now has his driver’s license as immediately following the court decision, he went to the Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV to begin the process of obtaining his renewed driver’s license.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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