News
Office of the DPP reports on year gone by at 2024 Legal Year Opening
Dana, Malcolm
staff writer
#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2024 – “It would be remiss of me not to mention the dire shortage situation at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, (ODPP)” said Angela Brooks, Acting DPP of the Turks and Caicos as she spoke during the legal Year Opening Ceremony on January 4th.
Brooks took care to address concerns from residents regarding the judiciary, including the length of time some court cases are taking to be called, low numbers of prosecutors and evidence flubs in cases.
“Despite the hard work and support of the human resource management directorate in addressing the situation there is one vacant position for Principal Prosecutor, three vacant positions for senior public prosecutor, and one vacant position for public prosecutor,” Brooks revealed.
She indicated it had been difficult attracting ‘the right caliber’ of prosecutors. “The local prosecutors have always found the grass greener in the private sector and other government departments,” she lamented.
The Acting DPP is hopeful that with the significant pay raise granted to the public service, the ODPP would find recruitment easier.
Regarding public ire over long wait times for cases, Brooks maintained that improvements had been made in cases regarding vulnerable residents, “As we move to build this infrastructure our public prosecutors are now in a better position to collaborate with the court, the police, and other law enforcement agencies to implement a fast-tracked prosecution mechanism for cases involving children and other vulnerable people n custody, and persons affected by gender-based violence.”
The Office of the DPP is also working diligently to recover the proceeds of crime under a partnership with the financial crimes unit. It has recovered over $100,000 in recent cases.
The historic influx of illegal immigrants is also on the ODPP radar as an area of ‘high importance and concern’ Brooks said. In response, a specialized unit has been reactivated to address the urgent need for legal input regarding immigration. She highlighted a recent case, where an individual was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for assisting illegal entry, maintaining that they would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Mishandled evidence has repeatedly proved to be a stumbling block for cases in the Turks and Caicos, Brooks addressed that as well.
“The ODPP pledges to continue providing our stakeholders with the necessary legal and practical training that equips them to properly investigate and preserve the evidence needed for a successful prosecution,” she maintained
For 2023, in the Magistrate’s court, 389 cases were opened, and of that number, there were 291 convictions (75 percent conviction rate). At the supreme court 41 cases were heard with 23 convictions(56 percent conviction) rate.
Brooks said the low rate had to do with extended wait for cases to be brought before a judge which caused witnesses to lose interest, among other factors; but said she was confident matters would be disposed of more quickly going forward
Outgoing DPP Eugene Otuonye, who has served in the TCI public service for 24 years was also present at the event along with Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, Attorney General; Gordon Burton, Speaker of the House of Assembly; Washington Misick, TCI Premier; E Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier; Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition and Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, TCI Governor.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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.
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