News
Quick GUILTY verdict; Man to be Sentenced for Gun and Ammunition Possession
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, November 14, 2023 – Wednesday November 8th was the final day of a four-week-long unlicensed firearm and ammunition trial being held at the Grand Turk Supreme Court.
On trial for the unregistered gun and 12 rounds of ammunition was JEAN ETIENNE DOR aka FIRE of Five Cays, Providenciales.
Magnetic Media was in court for the jury decision in the matter, the accused having been on remand for over a year. A five-member jury; three women and two men with one of the males, speaking on behalf of the jury as the foreman,
delivered their conclusion after only two hours of deliberation.
Before being sent out for deliberation by the learned trial, Judge the Hon Mr. Justice Chris Selochan took around three hours with one break in between, to sum up the entire four week trial to the jury, reminding them repeatedly of what was the case against the accused and what was his defense in response to the Crown’s case.
The judge outlined to the jury, what was the law in relation to unregistered firearms and ammunition possession. He explained the burden of proof rests solely on the prosecution in criminal cases but he told the jury, that, there is a bit of burden that rest on the defendant as it relates to when one is charged with illegal possession of unregistered weapons.
Judge Selochan explained to the jury how they are to approach consideration of the evidence presented in the case against the accused.
The Judge took the jury back to the date of the police findings on April 25th, 2022, when a team of officers arrived at the home of Jean ETIENNE DOR armed with a warrant. Although the warrant was in the wrong name (not in the name of the accused), a search of the premises was conducted and found was a firearm in or on top of a barrel covered by a blanket in a room not occupied by the accused.
The wrong named warrant was raised as an issue during the trial by the senior defense counsel, Lara Maroof Misick.
The judge went on to tell the jury of certain things the accused said to the Police when and after the firearm was found. Even though, these various, different utterances were challenged and denied by the defendant, when it was his turn to give evidence in his own defence on the stand.
The judge reminded the jury, in his lengthy summing up, that they have to treat the case of the defense, with the same weight and importance as the prosecution’s case.
He went on telling them that it’s a matter for them how they regard the account of events as reported by the Police Force at the time of the search and arrest and what the accused man testified in the witness box.
The judge reminded the five member jury, when counsel for the defendant Mrs. Maroof Misick asked the officer(s) for notes, pertaining to their investigation stages, the officer(s) did not have any notes for some important areas, activities and alleged utterances of their investigation. The jury heard that what was important in that fact, as laid out by the defence attorney Maroof-Misick, is those notes – if they were signed by Jean Dor – could have been supplied to them, as members of the jury for review during the trial. Without that information, the judge said it was left for the jury to decide who they believe.
The police had said, the defendant told them he had someone living in that room where the firearm was found. He gave them a name that was mentioned in court. He said the person had recently left.
When testifying, the female officer who found the gun did admit to having had to remove clothing before reaching the blanket and under or in the blanket she found the gun; the gun was not in plain sight.
According to the Crown’s case, ETIENNE DOR had told police he was supposed to turn the gun in to a pastor. The judge continued and explained, the Crown is therefore saying Mr. Dor had knowledge of the gun in that room, which he said was, until recently occupied by a different man.
The Defendant’s version of events to the jury may have been more believable had the defendant’s DNA not been found in such a high ratio on the firearm, after it was forensically tested. During the trial, it was submitted that the DNA on the green and black gun came back with a strong, positive match for Jean Etienne Dor.
Still, during the judge’s summation the jury was reminded that the defense had an explanation for the DNA presence on the gun; that it could have been transferred there.
The DNA expert, when he testified did explained how transfers can and do occur as was possible in the instant case against the accused. The police did admit that certain testing and packaging of the firearm and ammunition was done in the open, in the presence of the accused. This suggests that his DNA could have been transferred on the firearm through communication while the gun was already in Police possession.
Evidence during trial also revealed that Dor’s was not the only DNA found on the firearm; other persons DNA was detected on the gun as well.
The police also said when the accused was asked about the gun, he said how his mother has a shop and plenty people round here robbing. He said he has bills, he works at the airport for some 14 years. He also said, I can’t explain it, it’s a long story. He initially had Chal Missick as his attorney when some of these many utterances were said.
The judge told the jury that throughout the investigation and the trial the defendant had a right to remain silent and nothing negative could have been taken from that because that would have been his right.
In the end, and after a mere two hours, the jury announced it had a decision and found the evidence as presented by the DPP’s office was believable; they found Jean Dor guilty as charged.
Sentencing in this matter is fixed for November 27th, 2023.
Senior Public prosecutor Ms. Tassja Mitchell represented the office of DPP in this trial. The defendant is facing seven years in prison for the firearm and the ammunition conviction.
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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