News
Family Demands better for Victims of Dangerous Drivers; Tempers Flare as Accused skips town
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – The family of the late John Alexander Robinson, who was killed in a fatal vehicular accident on May 1st, 2023, turned up at court with supporters on Tuesday December 5 to hear and see the progress of the criminal proceedings against the man charged with killing him, only to be devastated by the turn of events.
Magnetic Media was summoned to the scene of an angry handful of relatives who learned that the matter would not be heard because the unlicensed driver, Illirique Laurencin is believed to have absconded.
They told us that court officials informed them that the man responsible for John Robinson’s death was released by the court on $10,000.00 bail and Laurencin has since left the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Represented by attorney, Finbar Grant, Laurencin reportedly sought permission to leave for a family medical emergency and has not been seen since. The man was slammed with four counts of crime in connection to the death of Robinson and was scheduled for court on December 5. He was a no show.
The deceased sister crying loudly and with loads of tears falling down her face, said, “Lord, how am I going to tell my mother who can’t walk and move around as before that her son’s killer left the country and may never get to taste justice for her child.”
Relatives, distraught and angered by the lack of an appearance of the accused sought to get some information from the man who signed his bail. That man, also now a victim was reportedly hostile and it caused a row to break out
outside the Magistrate’s Court.
“We feel like the system has failed us,” said a member of the family.
Police at the court managed to tame the flared tempers, explaining that the accused man did not return to court and the matter which is due to be transferred to the Supreme Court never got that far because of the no-show of Illirique Laurencin.
A shouting match erupted between Robinson’s sister, father and cousins and the man who stood as surety for Laurencin.
“The guy work for me, he asked me if I can sign his bail and now I have to pay the $10,000 for the man who leave the country. So you cussing me for no reason,” explained Laurencin’s former employer who also had to be calmed by a responding police officer.
The Unlicensed accused ILLIRIQUE LAURENCIN was charged with: Causing death by dangerous driving; unaccompanied driving; using motor vehicle without insurance and – failing to display “L’s”.
The family was in tears and said, “we have never even gotten to see the guy who killed him before he got let out on bail.”
Robinson’s sister told us her understanding of events, that the accused was speeding so fast that “he knocked my brother’s vehicle into a 40 foot container and over on the other side of the road to be hit by another vehicle,” said the sister in obvious pain.
She told us her brother “was twisted up and broke up all parts of his body and how he cried and was screaming in pain and agony at the hospital until he died” that very same night.
“He died in so much pain and suffering,” she said.
The family is now demanding changes, saying “something has to be done with this easy slack approach towards people who kill people in these vehicular homicides.”
They disagreed with any bail in a case of vehicular manslaughter.
Another disturbing twist in the case is the conviction of a Smart Supermarket Manger DENA LOUIS MORLEY who was charged with ‘Wasting the police time or Wasteful employment of police time” as she tried to cover up for the now escaped fugitive.
Morley had admitted her guilt in the matter.
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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