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No safe passage; a sinister Jitney Attack as women reports being raped for days

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Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer

The Turks and Caicos courts will soon have the task of trying a convicted sex officer, this time accused of raping a woman repeatedly after posing as a jitney driver; again raising the issue of the need for safe transport locally. 

Elvethan Handfield was refused bail when he appeared in the Magistrates Court on April 29. He had spent at least 13 years in prison on a rape conviction and is now accused of picking his latest victim under the guise of being a jitney or unlicensed taxi driver. 

The defendant claims she got into the vehicle instructing him to take her to Dock Yard on April 19. Instead, Handfield is accused of driving her to a home, forcing her inside at knifepoint where he proceeded to rape her and record his actions over the course of two days (April 19 – 20). 

Jitneys abound in the Turks and Caicos, they’re unmarked, unlicensed, and driven by often unknown individuals with no legal authority to be ferrying passengers. With no formal process of vetting, all a potential predator would need is a car to appear as one of these drivers, and he could strike. 

Since the beginning of the year at least three women have reported attacks from men posing as jitney drivers, leading to a safety bulletin being issued by police in February.

Despite this, the business of jitney driving is still operational, thriving even, because they fill a gap for the community, left open by the lack of secure, dependable, government-sanctioned transport. 

When we spoke to Wilbur Caley, Head of the Department of Motor Vehicles, to find out how many Community Cabs were licensed to operate currently, he told us this. 

“From recollection, there are about seven licensed.” 

It’s a disappointingly low number and tracks with what Wilkie  Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, observes on the streets daily “I don’t think they’re readily accessible,” Arthur said of the community cabs.  “I would comfortably say 98 percent of the population is using illegal jitneys.”

The ‘community cabs’ were a government-sanctioned solution to jitneys and TCIG had hoped residents would take the opportunity to join the fleet of white and blue sedans, touted to provide safe, clean, and accessible travel. But it hasn’t worked that way. The number of registered community cabs still is far lower than the number of jitneys. 

“The uptake for these types of licenses is very, very low. A number of individuals have expressed interest however they are reluctant because they say they don’t want or can’t compete with the illegal jitneys,” Caley explained. 

Technically, as the DMV head pointed out, jitneys are illegal but the gray area of necessity vs law has created a space for them and in that murk, predators are hiding. 

In the past several years both adults and school children have suffered at the hands of vulturine men using their position as drivers to assault.  

Even tourists who usually get ferried by designated taxis have reported abuse at the hands of jitneys angering legitimate taxi drivers who say they’re shouldering the blame for the actions of a wholly separate group. 

It’s now up to the government to breathe new life into the Community Cab initiative and populate the country’s roads with clean, safe, traceable vehicles rather than leave travelers at risk. 

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Experience Excellence at the 2024 Christie’s International Real Estate Masters Circle & Agents Summit

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June 24, 2024

 

We are thrilled to announce our participation in the prestigious 2024 Christie’s International Real Estate Masters Circle & Agents Summit, set against the iconic backdrop of Beverly Hills. This remarkable event represents an unparalleled opportunity for our team to immerse ourselves in a treasure trove of educational resources, cutting-edge tools, and invaluable networking experiences.

At this summit, we will be at the forefront of the latest developments in the luxury real estate sector. We are eager to learn from industry leaders and experts, gaining insights that will enable us to elevate our services to new heights. From innovative marketing strategies to state-of-the-art technology, we will be exploring a myriad of ways to enhance our clients’ experience.

Connecting with our global network and the foremost figures in the luxury real estate world will allow us to exchange ideas and collaborate on best practices. This global interaction is essential for us to continue to provide our clients with exceptional service, informed by the latest trends and global market dynamics.

The knowledge and connections we gain from this event will not only empower our team but also reinforce our commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of our business. By attending the Masters Circle & Agents Summit, we are not just investing in our growth but in the continued satisfaction and success of our clients.

We look forward to translating this enriching experience into unparalleled service and extraordinary results for our esteemed clientele. Stay tuned as we bring back the finest insights and innovations from Beverly Hills, setting new standards in luxury real estate.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and achieving new milestones together.

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Three Generations Bring Books to Life at Oseta Jolly Primary School

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MEDIA RELEASE

 

 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, June 12, 2024 — What could be better than a Reading Road Trip experience where vacationers get to visit a local school to read to children? A Reading Road Trip featuring three generations of family members! This unique experience recently unfolded when travel agent and Chairman’s Royal Club (CRC) member Renee Rice and her family vacationed at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

A key highlight of their vacation was the highly anticipated visit to Oseta Jolly Primary School. In honour of the school’s 50-year anniversary, the family donated approximately fifty (50) pounds of school supplies. Renee was joined by her husband Bruce, daughters Cheyenne, Brigitte, and Marily, and grandchildren Kyla, Kinsley, Banks, Jackson, and Evey. The group was also accompanied by a team of Sandals Foundation ambassadors.

This is just one of many contributions Rice and her family have made to schools in the Turks and Caicos, their home away from home. These generous donations have been facilitated through the partnership between the Sandals Foundation and the U.S.-based nonprofit Pack for a Purpose initiative. This partnership allows guests staying at Beaches or Sandals resorts to bring educational supplies for local communities, making a meaningful impact.

The donated items included pencils, folders, crayons, markers, washable paint, and activity pads. Vice Principal Sharonica Grant accepted the items on behalf of the school, expressing her gratitude. “We thank you for visiting us to help us celebrate our golden year. Your time with us is invaluable. Our students had a blast during the reading sessions, and they will continue to benefit from the school supplies after you’re gone,” she shared.

Marilyn Burke, one of Rice’s daughters and a Special Education Coordinator for the Oxford City Schools in Alabama, chose to read to the Special Needs class with her daughter Kinsley. In line with the Sandals Foundation’s theme of promoting food security and healthy nutrition, they spent time teaching the children about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. Special Education teacher, Tevynn Lewis remarked, “my children always enjoy having visitors, and we are always happy to welcome people from our community who are willing to share with our children. It was evident that they enjoyed the stories that were shared.”

A heartwarming moment occurred when eight-year-old Evey James took charge of a group of six kindergarteners, reading to them, explaining concepts, and guiding them through their worksheet and colouring activity.

Orville Morgan, Public Relations Manager, was thrilled with the success of the event. “I am happy we were able to make this Reading Road Trip a reality despite the unfavourable weather earlier in the day. The students enjoyed the visit, and the family has already formed bonds with the children, promising to return next year. These are the moments that I live for. I was particularly impressed by how well the teens and grandkids handled themselves. They were very much in control of things while being patient and comical in their interactions,” he noted.

For 15 years, the Sandals Foundation has positively impacted communities across the Caribbean through the pillars of education, community development, and environmental conservation. The Rice family’s visit to Oseta Jolly Primary School is a testament to the lasting and meaningful connections that can be formed through such initiatives.

Photo Captions: 

Header: Oseta Jolly vice principal Sharonica Grant (3rd right) accepts the gifts from Renee Rice

1st insert: These boys share a keen moment with their work sheet

2nd insert: Evey James, grand daughter of Renee Rice goes through the paces with students during one of the activities at the Oseta Jolly Primary School

3rd insert: One of the students at the Oseta Jolly Primary shares his creative skills with one of Renee’s granddaughter

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Minister of Tourism leads delegation to CTO Caribbean Tourism Week in NYC

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MoT and Experience Turks and Caicos sponsor Smart Destination Management Luncheon, Experience Turks and Caicos Co-Chair interviewed on CBS News

 

Minister with Stacy and Donna

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (June 18th, 2024) – Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly led a delegation comprising representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York from June 17th to 21st.

The delegation comprised Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Wesley Clerveaux, Assistant to the Minister, Ms. Leandrea Missick, Mr. Alvin Hegner, co-Chair of Experience Turks and Caicos Ms. Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer of Experience Turks and Caicos, Ms. Laura Dowrich, Public Relations Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos and Mrs. Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotels and Tourism Association.

This year’s Caribbean Week was centred around the CTO’s 35th anniversary theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity” and included events designed to spark conversation aimed at driving development within the Caribbean tourism industry.

Interviews at media market

Experience Turks and Caicos and the Ministry of Tourism sponsored the Smart Destination Management luncheon on the final day. In her welcome address at the luncheon, Minister Connolly spoke of Experience Turks and Caicos’ use of data to drive strategies and inform the tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Our vision for Experience Turks and Caicos is to be a trailblazer in the realm of Smart Destination Management. While we are still in the nascent stages of this journey, our aspirations are clear and compelling. We aim to harness the power of technology, innovation, and collaboration to enhance the visitor experience, protect our natural and cultural assets, and ensure sustainable growth for our islands,” she said.

Speakers for the discussion were Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association, Jeremy Jones, Corporate Director, Resort Operations, Jamaica, Sandals Resorts International, Carl Gordon, Director, Government Strategies Growth, MasterCard and Chelsea Collier, Founder, Digi. City.

Minister in interview 2

While in New York, Experience Turks and Caicos Co-Chair Mr. Hegner was interviewed on CBS News on the issue of the five Americans who were held for the possession of ammunition.

Mr. Hegner reassured the American public that the relationship between the Turks and Caicos Islands and the US remains strong and the destination remains welcoming and peaceful to all.

Mr Hegner also welcomed the removal of the mandatory minimum 12-year sentence for persons guilty of firearm offenses.

On Friday, June 14, 2024, the House of Assembly unanimously approved the bill, which clarifies that where the court finds exceptional circumstances in cases of illegal possession of firearms and/or ammunition, they can impose a fine, a custodial sentence, or both a fine and a custodial sentence.  The amendment was put in place to address marginal cases of exceptional circumstances for both residents and visitors and ensure the sentence is proportionally consistent with those circumstances.

Header: Min of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly with TCI delegation

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