News

Treasure Cay Marina Manager Hunts Down Stolen Boat

Published

7 years ago

December 6, 2016

Nassau, Bahamas, December 5, 2016 – A 34-foot SeaVee center console sport fishing boat, worth $140,000, stolen on Tuesday November 22 from Treasure Cay, Abaco, was recovered in Nassau, thanks to the prompt action and dedication of an Association of Bahamas Marinas member.

On Sunday, December 4th, a second boat was stolen from a Treasure Cay canal residence. The 31-foot Jupiter was found in Baker’s Creek, with engines missing. Police are following up on leads concerning a car license plate.

The hunt for the SeaVee, however, was a 10-day chase across two islands. Captain Cliff Bootle, Marina Manager of Treasure Cay Beach, Golf and Marina Resort, reported the SeaVee missing in the morning of Wednesday November 23rd. The hunt ended when a close friend of Bootle’s found it on Saturday December 3rd, partly covered by a tarp in a lot behind a Nassau Village church.

The hunt was successful, says Bootle, due to the determination of his friend, social media posts—and a fortunate mistake by the thieves who set off a rescue beacon signal, picked up by the US Coast Guard. The sporty Boynton Beach vessel, called Desperado, was found stripped of its twin 250HP Yamaha four stroke engines but otherwise in good shape.

When the boat, owned by a Georgia resident visitor, was discovered missing on Wednesday morning, Bootle started searching the Treasure Cay area and reported the boat to the police. He began calling his industry contacts and his sister spread the association’s alert on Facebook. Days later on Monday the 28th, the post caught the eye of a dock staff worker from a Nassau marina who had seen a matching boat being towed down Soldier Road by a black truck.

Bootle summoned a close friend who, on Tuesday, began canvassing south Nassau. A lucky break came on Wednesday November 30th when the US Coast Guard picked up a signal from the boat’s rescue beacon, accidentally set off by the thieves. The Coast Guard picked up two signals: one in Nassau Village and another in Marshall Rd. Bootle’s friend focused on the Nassau Village signal.

After days driving round, Bootle’s friend’s determination finally paid off. On Friday December 2nd, he spotted it in a Sequoia Road car wreck work yard, off Buttonwood Ave, behind the One Accord Pentecostal Ministries church. He thought it was the Desperado, but wasn’t sure. Captain Bootle caught an early morning flight from Treasure Cay and confirmed Desperado’s identity.

To secure the vessel, Bootle summoned the marina association’s contacts at Nassau-based Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Marine Unit, through ASP Carlton Adderley. PC Jones ordered a wrecker and the boat was secured with armed guards and taken to the police compound for fingerprinting. The engines that were seen on the boat along Soldier Rd on Monday the 28th, had gone.

“Now we have to figure out who stole it. This time we were lucky,” said Bootle who attributes the good result to his determined friend, Facebook and the US Coast Guard.

“This is a case of doing everything possible to help a customer,” said Bootle. “We’ll move heaven and earth to recover any vessel from our marina.”

On reflection, Bootle says the government must do something drastic to stop the thefts. It’s hurting the Abaco economy and reputation.

“The police in the whole of Abaco only have one boat. It should have at least four, one for each area. The thieves know it’s hard to catch them. It’s an easy life and good living for them. We’ve tried to get government’s attention to make the penalties and bail conditions harsher, but the industry feels that the system is ineffective and not doing enough,” says Bootle.

“Although thefts are down 50% from last year, it’s still a major problem,” said the captain. “The laws are way too light. These thieves are caught but the next day they’re on the streets again planning the next one. Giving these guys light bail is a serious problem. They should all be electronically monitored. But even that doesn’t work sometimes.”

At the recovery scene, Pastor Preston Collins of the One Accord Pentecostal Ministries church, said he saw the boat being trailered into the yard behind his church, figuring it was innocently being bought for repairs. A witness saw the boat’s name: Desperado, Boynton Beach.

“The engines were on at the time,” said Pastor Collins, “But now they’re gone. They also sanded off the name. You can see the white marks where the words were,” said Rev. Collins pointing to the hull.

“The boat’s electronics and radar are still there,” said Bootle. “So, the thieves didn’t get everything.”

The marinas association President, Stephen Kappeler, praised his manager Bootle for having the care and dedication to fly all the way to Nassau to make sure the boat was recovered personally and quickly.

“This was superb case of going the extra mile to assist our marina customers. He didn’t have to go, but Cliff wanted to serve his owner-customer in the most safest way. He rushed to the plane with no concern for himself—no clothes, no toothbrush. He had to ask his family to put some clothes on the next plane. We’re proud of Cliff’s dedication and perseverance,” said Kappeler.

“Our thanks also go out to ASP Adderley and his Nassau RBPF Marine Unit and other officers. They came to the crime scene and brought in armed support to protect it from any further loss,” added the marina association chief. “We hope the brazen thieves will be caught, appropriately punished and put out of action, behind bars—with strict terms or no bail.”

Executive Director of the association, Bob Bower says: “Boat theft remains a major threat to boating yachting and fishing tourism in The Bahamas. For a real solution, this must receive attention from the highest levels. In Abaco, the police need to be equipped with more than a single boat for responding or patrolling the entire Abaco chain, where the problem has been more severely felt,” he said.

“An island chain of this length needs a minimum of four active police interceptors: one for Hope Town and Elbow Cay, one for Marsh Harbour, a third for Green Turtle, and one in reserve for repair. In fact, each habited major cay or settlement could use one. That would total about eight patrol craft. And all the police should be trained in boat seamanship and equipped for night interception with night vision and searchlights. Inter-island and inter-settlement communications could do with a major upgrade,” said Bower.

The marinas association is trying to encourage all boat owners to do everything possible to secure their boats and engines. Boaters are urged to install tracking devices, alarms and engine and prop locks and dock owners and marinas are advised to employ bright lighting and video surveillance.

“Nowadays, every boat and engine should have tracking devices. They’re increasingly affordable and easy to install,” Bower said.

Bower, reflecting the opinion of his association’s membership, believes the penalties for boat theft need to be far more severe than they are at present. “The penalties are far too low”, he said. “The association has been asking government for seven years and more to address the boat theft problem. Police catch these life-criminals but easy bail terms let them out to steal their next boat. Bahamians and visitors—as well as the police—are tired of asking and the frustration of nothing getting done.”

“A big, nationwide effort against boat theft needs to be organized,” summed the association’s director. “Every stakeholder needs to be present at the table, and a definite plan made and close follow-up. The police are overloaded and don’t have anywhere near adequate resources.”

The Association of Bahamas Marinas is the united voice serving the Bahamas’ yachting, boating, sport fishing and marina industries.

PHOTO 1: SeaVee stolen boat being recovered Nassau Village Dec 3 (white hull)

Police from Nassau’s Marine Unit tow the recovered 34-foot SeaVee from the car wreck yard found behind a church in Nassau Village. The boat was hunted down over a 10-day period by a friend of Cliff Bootle, Marina Manager at Treasure Cay, a member of The Association of Bahamas Marinas.

PHOTO 2: Jupiter Boat stolen recovered Bakers Creek (black hull)

News

Family of 16 yo Tourist claims negligence in jet ski death; TCI Coroner’s Court hearing evidence

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – The family of a 16-year-old who died in Grand Turk six years ago while on a Carnival Cruise into Grand Turk is a little closer to closure as the Turks and Caicos Islands Coroner’s Court has opened his case for an inquest.

“On Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. Police and Emergency Medical Officials responded to a two-jet-ski collision that left a 16-year-old male dead, near the Cruise Terminal in Grand Turk. Two people were involved in the collision. The second male did not receive any injuries. This incident is under Police investigation.”

That was the brief police report in the aftermath of Nicholas Twyman’s death.

In the comments dozens of residents and visitors claim to have been on the scene that day, as the boy was pulled ashore, some trying to assist while others looked on, horrified.

Coroner Mickia Mills called up the case on March 21, 2024 almost six years after the incident occurred. Mills is in charge of finding out what exactly happened that day in Grand Turk and whether there was any negligence or if it was simply a terrible accident.

That verdict will be for the coroner and her potential jurors to decide. However, the family has shared their version of what happened that day.

A lawsuit filed in Florida Courts in October 2019 (Twyman v. Carnival Corp) detailed the heartbreaking hours that led up to the death of Nicholas. In it, the plaintiffs, listed as Gyjuanna TWYMAN and Michael Twyman, claim that they docked in Grand Turk and were curious about using the jet skis; both parents and the son were told by the Carnival team aboard the ship that there was not a formal shore excursion in Grand Turk involving jet skis, but that jet skis would be available for rent by the hour.

The family from Indiana claims three jet skis were rented, one for Nicholas, another for his father, Michael, and another for a different passenger, while their mother remained ashore. Wet Money Enterprise is listed as the jet ski company.

The family says they were given little instruction on using the Jet Skis, especially their son who was a new rider. The lawsuit maintains that Michael was not given any instructions other than being told where the kill switch was and not to ride too close to the cruise ship.

Sometime during his excursion, the young man crashed into the other jet ski. The family claims that neither Carnival Cruises nor representatives from the jet ski company responded. They say it was his father who spun around on his own jet ski, dived into the water for his son, and brought him to shore.

Once there, it was the young man’s mother, a registered nurse, who started emergency medical care.

When Turks and Caicos’s EMS did arrive after 15 minutes the family claims they were unsure how to use certain medical implements and had to be directed by the distressed mother.

The court documents list the cause of death for the young man as blunt force trauma and drowning, similar to what is listed in the TCI courts.

Coroner Mills, who took up her position in 2024, will oversee the proceedings which continued on Tuesday, April 23rd.

News

Will DPP Office ‘No Show, No Call’ cause criminal cases to be Dropped?

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Wilkie Arthur

Freelance Court Correspondent

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – On a bright and early Monday morning (15th April, 2024) in the Supreme Court before presiding lady Justice Ms. Tanya Lobban-Jackson and before His Honor The Chief Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin in the Magistrate’s Court, both courts were once again unable to proceed on its scheduled commencement time due to non or failure of attendance by the Prosecution of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Given the fact that this has now happened on more than one occasion, in both the Supreme and Magistrate’s Courts, judges and the learned Chief Magistrate have reached its final straw; they have cited the ‘no shows’ as a disrespect and a disregard for prompt and proper time management to be in attendance for legal proceedings.

From this reporters’ perspective, it appears the prosecution shows up when they like, any time they please and some are guilty of not showing at all without a call or message of explanation for the absenteeism. The repeated instances have been called, “embarrassing” for the Office of the DPP, when defense counsel and the accused are present in the courtroom but the prosecutor is a ‘no-show, no call, no text.’

On at least two or three occasions, the Supreme Court judge was forced to return to her Chambers; exiting the court with a strongly worded warning, only to return with there still being no member of the Director of Public Prosecution present in court.

There has also been a promise that even serious cases could be dismissed due to this inappropriate practice.

In the final weeks of April, the country learned of a review by a KC out of the UK, who was looking into case progression at the DPPs office. The Office has also hired a new Director, Philip Bennetts, KC, who takes office in the beginning of June, informed a TCIG media release.

News

Concacaf x Generation Amazing, Turks and Caicos Islands Launch

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – Thursday, April 25, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association with the launch of the Concacaf x Generation Amazing Program. This program, supported by the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education, is currently benefiting 21 public and private primary schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, encompassing both sectors of education. The primary objective of the Generation Amazing program is to educate and certify teachers to serve as volunteer coaches in sports development and safeguarding practices. Through this training, coaches will deliver football programs to children, aiming to catalyze positive social change within our communities that will continue to thrive for years to come..

The program not only emphasizes teaching children the basics of football but also focuses on instilling core values like teamwork, respect, and leadership. The initiative offers children the chance to enhance their physical well-being while nurturing essential life skills that can contribute to success beyond the field.

TCIFA President, Sonia Fulford, conveyed her appreciation to Concacaf, Generation Amazing, and the Ministry of Sports of the Turks and Caicos Islands for their involvement and support. She highlighted the significance of the project, pointing up a positive impact on the Education Ministry. Generation Amazing’s initiative is also seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance both the educational and athletic aspects within the community. “We’ll have more well-rounded teachers, and well-rounded students, not only from an educational standpoint, but a sporting standpoint. For us it’s a big win!” The President expressed excitement for the project, foreseeing an increase in skilled players and coaches, ultimately benefiting the organization significantly.

Jarret Forbes, Director of Sports, commented, “We are excited about the launch of the Generation Amazing programme here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We commend the TCIFA for taking a holistic approach to student empowerment through sports. And we are grateful for the interest and support from CONCACAF and the Department of Education in developing our young athletes.”

Alvin Parker, Deputy Director of Sports, also expressed his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming chance for educators to apply their acquired knowledge. Viewing the term ‘Generation Amazing’ as a rebranding concept for Generation X, it is with high anticipation that the program will inspire and instill optimism within the younger demographic.

A devoted team collaborated diligently to ensure the successful initiation of the program. Spearheading the launch for Concacaf were Jennifer Roche, the Concacaf CSR Coordinator; Andre Virtue, Concacaf Coach Educator; Cristian Cubillas; and Garry Stannecc, the Sport For Development Consultant for Concacaf. The local facilitators comprised Dane Ritchie, TCIFA Technical Director; Olivia Graveley, Director of the Grand Turk Football Program; Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, Director of Women’s Football; and Damien Grant, TCIFA Coach Educator and South Caicos Football Development Officer. The launch encompassed a comprehensive two-day training session for teachers, which will be followed by a mandatory six-week program involving a minimum of 25 students from each school. The program’s execution will be supervised by our Local Facilitators in with the support of Generation Amazing staff. Furthermore, the program will offer support to schools by furnishing footballs and essential equipment.

Jennifer Roche elaborated on Concacaf’s emphasis on Social Impact strategies, highlighting the significance of extending focus beyond on-field activities. “Last year, our CSR brand, ’The Bigger Game’ launched and the ‘Generation Amazing’ Program is one of the programs under the pillars of access to play and coaches education. This program is focused heavily on capacity building and giving tools to teachers, community volunteers, and other community leaders to empower and change lives through our beautiful game.”

Andre Virtue commented, “Obviously, we see the sport and the opportunity it has to grow. But, at the core of it is the coaches and how the coaches engage with our youth. We see the social issues that our youth already have to deal with on a day to day basis, and the dependence on either the parent or some adult to guide them and to mentor them is assumed. And, there is an intentional approach to how we’re communicating life values as it is very important.” Distinguishing between athletic prowess and life skills, Andre indicated that Coach Educating initiative aims to bridge this gap by aligning sports experiences with essential life lessons. The football field, as a dynamic environment, serves as a valuable classroom where the intricacies of life are intertwined with the game’s dynamics. “There are so many things that happen on the football field that are connected to life. The game is a great teacher, but there is an intentional and deliberate attempt to teach those values. It’s just the winning, the losing, the ups and the downs that come out of the game.”

Dane Ritchie further explained that the program also adopts a personalized approach, focusing on individual needs rather than viewing the children as a collective group, thereby maximizing the positive impact on each child. The aspects of conflict resolution, and nurturing respect are deemed integral to the game and are leveraged to impart essential life skills crucial for their development.

CherylAnn Jones, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, communicated the Ministry’s unwavering support for the Concacaf x Generation Amazing program and its potential to bring about significant transformation. The Ministry’s ethos, centered on Human Capital Development, resonates strongly with initiatives like Generation Amazing, which focus on nurturing leadership qualities, teamwork, and community spirit among today’s youth for the benefit of future generations. “A key tenant of the Generation Amazing program is its emphasis on child safeguarding and so this program aligns with our policy of ensuring that children learn, grow and develop confidently in a safe and nurturing environment. We are delighted to be partners with Concacaf and TCIFA, and applaud these organizations and their continued programs among our young people. We also applaud our principals, physical education teachers, and coaches who will be trained as facilitators in our schools to implement the program, as well as the Sports Commission. We believe that that commitment through football will create positive change.”

For more information, please contact TCIFA Office Manager | Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Candia Ewing at 941-5532 or cewingtcifa@gmail.com

Address:

TCIFA National Academy

Venetian Road

Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands