News
Smith, Ferguson and Seymour charged with trafficking Guns, Ammo & Drugs; all three remanded, two now freed on bail
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, February 15, 2024 – Magnetic Media was at the Magistrate’s Court around 1pm on Tuesday February 6, 2024 when two of the three conspiracy charged individuals arrived guarded by five male and one female, comprising a UK team of detectives attached to the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force(RTCIPF).
Both accused men were handcuffed; arriving in two unmarked police vehicles.
The defendants were placed before the learned Chief Magistrate Mr. Jolyon Hatmin who first inquired about their representation, given the fact that no attorney was present for the arraignment.
RYAN SMITH, 41 expressed that his lawyer, Mrs. Lara Maroof Misick, was not able to be present due to her engagement in another court matter; Smith adding that he was willing to proceed without her when asked by the learned Chief Magistrate.
Chief Magistrate Hatmin asked the same of the second man, JAMES FERGUSON, 27, who indicated his willingness to go on without his counsel, Ms. Sheena Mair, who was also appearing in the Supreme Court for an ongoing trial.
Having consented to proceed, the CM promptly informed that the matter must be transferred to the Supreme Court.
He told them that’s the extent of his powers in matters such as this and then read out the charges to them individually.
Smith and Ferguson were then remanded to His Majesty’s Prison, with a date for the Sufficiency Hearing set for early March 2024.
The allegations are that sometime in 2021 they were involved with supplying firearm, ammunition and in 2023 drugs, with the now late deceased JUMILLO ISMA.
Although neither of the men was able to appear in court on the charges as yet, it was also shared that identified as allegedly being a part of the gun smuggling operation are father and son: CHUNKO SEYMOUR and SHAKEME SEYMOUR, 23. The younger Seymour has been in prison on remand for nearly three years in a separate North Caicos shooting incident.
The father CHUNKO SEYMOUR is in the Dominican Republic, reportedly undergoing medical treatment due to injuries from a motor vehicle accident according to police. Despite, the Serious Crimes Unit has explained that he will too be charged immediately upon arrival in the jurisdiction as part of the conspiracy allegations.
Many are suspicious of the claim by the elder Seymour.
SHAKEME SEYMOUR was called via video link but he asked the Chief Magistrate to allow him time to apply for legal aid before going forward in the matter. He was granted his request and remanded. He is currently facing two charges of conspiracy to supply firearm and ammunition.
Smith and Ferguson have since applied for and granted bail. Smith is barred from traveling out of Grand Turk without permission and has surrendered travel documents. Bail was set at $40,000 for Ryan Smith with two sureties.
It is unclear what the bail conditions were for James Ferguson, but we are advised that he has met them and is now released pending the Sufficiency Hearing.
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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