RTC Director

12th TCI POST CABINET STATEMENT

His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, chaired the 12th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 10 May 2017, at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.

All Ministers were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

·         Noted the financial performance of the TCI Government for the period January-March 2017 as submitted in the Fourth Quarter Financial Report and approved the publication of the report as required by Section 36 of the Public Finance Management Ordinance 2012;

·         Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve amendments to the Dormant Accounts Ordinance for forwarding to the House of Assembly;

·         Noted procurement waivers granted for the quarter January - March 2017 in accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of the Public Procurement Ordinance;

·         Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the following appointments to the TCI Higher Education Advisory Board for the year 2017/18 as recommended by the Hon. Minister of Education:

Rosabelle Adams, Chairman

Audley Higgs, Member

Jane Garland, Member

Rowena Roberts, Member

Myrna Pereira, Member

·         Approved a request by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) to host the forthcoming RADO board meeting in TCI from 2-4 June 2017;

·         Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the first registration of approximately 0.45 acres of accreted Crown Land lying seaward of Parcel 60906/167 by the proprietors of Strata Plan No.27 and Ocean Club West Ltd/Ocean Club Management Ltd and to grant a licence to the proprietors over that parcel of land for the purpose of renovating and expanding existing dune walks to the beach and constructing and maintenance of a sunset seating area, beach access for handicapped users and a restaurant dining deck, all subject to Planning approval. Cabinet agreed that a penalty be levied against Ocean Club West Limited for the period of which the occupied land was not formally registered;

·         Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the formal registration of the Crown Land Parcels located at South Suburbs on Grand Turk which were legally vested in the Ports Authority by the Ports Authority Ordinance;

·         Received an information paper on progress with the TCI National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment (National Risk Assessment) project which will conclude with the final NRA workshop on 28-30 June 2017 ahead of an evaluation of TCI's compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in March 2018;

·         Received an information paper on progress on finalising the Companies Bill including the establishment of a central register of beneficial ownership of companies in TCI which is intended to be introduced into the House of Assembly on 30 May 2017, following the final period of consultation;

·         Gave approval for Invest Turks and Caicos to negotiate a development agreement, subject to conditions agreed by Cabinet, between TCIG and Rockwood Holdings Ltd for the development of a seven storey hotel and condo resort to be known as "Le Bisha" on Parcels 60714/16, 121, 199 and 200 on Providenciales;

·         Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs on plans for the temporary change of use of the Green Door on Grand Turk;

·         Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Health on the response of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) to the Chief Internal Auditor's recommendations on the NHIB which have been endorsed by Cabinet;

·         Received a report by the Hon. Premier on her visit to Barbados to meet the Board of the Caribbean Development Bank ahead of their Board meeting in TCI in May;

·         Received a report by the Hon. Minister of Tourism on a meeting with wholesalers in the tourist sector at the Amanyara Resort on 9 May;

·         Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Health on efforts to tackle the problem of mosquitoes on North and Middle Caicos;

·         Received an up-date by the Hon. Attorney General on the situation regarding alleged illegal poachers in custody and currently before the courts;

·         Received an up-date by the Hon. Deputy Premier following his visit to Barbados to sign a MOU with the USA on an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

by RTC Director

Premier congratulates new Prime Minister of Bahamas

Premier Robinson earlier (May 11, 2017) phoned the Leader of the FNM and Prime Minister of the Bahamas to congratulate him on his Party’s success at the Polls.

Premier Robinson remarked that the call was welcomed and well received.

She has also issued a congratulatory letter on behalf of the People of the Turks and Caicos Islands which included the following sentiments:

“It is without a doubt that the people of the Bahamas have spoken and their level of faith in both you as their leader and your government translated in the landslide delivery of thirty five candidates from the Bahamas FNM Party...” She continued in her letter. “…As politicians we have the great responsibility to effectively lay out the promises of our manifestos, hoping that others will share in our vision for our countries, but as Leaders we have an even greater responsibility, to deliver on those promises and fulfill the dreams that we have awaken in our people…”

Premier Robinson wished Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis all the very best in his endeavors and committed to pray for him, his Government and his country.

by RTC Director

Haitian Flag Day 2017 expected to attract huge crowds

ATTENDANCE at Haitian Flag Day 2017 is expected to exceed previous years, according to co-organiser of the event, Clara Lightbourne.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Downtown Ballpark on Thursday, May 18, from as early as 4pm.

Organisers are inviting children as well as adults to come out and enjoy an exciting line-up of cultural performances, poetry pieces, prize giveaways and plaque awards.

Children will be well entertained with a free bouncing castle and face painting.

Lightbourne said that one of the highlights of the event will be the performance of well-known Haitian band, Harmonik.

The group arrived in the Turks and Caicos on Thursday (May 11) and will be performing at Club Pillows on Friday (May 12) during a pre-Flag Day celebration.

They are known for starring in America's Got Talent and touring internationally.

Delicacies served during the celebrations will include cassava, pork griot and legume and suspwa.

Lightbourne said that her main goal is for residents and visitors to enjoy themselves as they celebrate an important day for Haitians worldwide.

She said: "K and C Entertainment [hosting the event] is expecting everyone to just come out and have a good time.

"Whether you are Haitian, Bahamian, Turks Islander, Dominican or Jamaican, just come out and have a good time with us."

This will be the third consecutive year that K and C Entertainment hosts Haitian Flag Day.

There will be a small admission fee of $5 for children and $10 for adults at the gate.

Haitian Flag Day is geared at showcasing the culture and heritage of the Haitian flag, which is emblazoned with the country's coat of arms and the colours red and blue, adopted from the French flag.

Haiti gained its independence from colonial rule in 1804, making it the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to do so, and the second republic to defeat a European colonial power in the Americas.

by RTC Director

Autopsy to be conducted on body of Reina Sanchez -Police issue safety tips for road users

AN AUTOPSY will be performed on the body of Reina Sanchez this Friday (May 12) - a week after she was knocked down by a reversing water truck.

According to police, the incident happened on Bible Street in Blue Hills on Thursday, May 4, at about 9.45am.

A press statement said that while a white Suzuki water truck was reversing, the 55-year-old Dominican woman was hit.

The long-time resident of Providenciales, who lived in Kew Town, was pronounced dead at 9.48am.

The Dominican community has been mourning the death of Sanchez and many took to social media website, Facebook, to express their grief and shock.

Alexandra Hidalgo said: "God, such a hardworking woman. I pray that God receives you in his holy Kingdom. I have always admired you."

Katia Almonte described Sanchez's death as great loss and also referred to Sanchez as a hardworking woman.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call the Police Traffic Unit on 946-2371.

Police press officer Kevin Clarke issued safety tips for road users, explaining that it is important to be distraction free when on the road.

He encouraged pedestrians to ensure that they are using a pedestrian crossing when crossing the street.

He said: "To be more alert, please avoid distractions such as headphones and texting while walking, especially at night.

"If you are at a pedestrian crossing, please make eye contact with the driver before crossing because sometimes you may be under the impression that the driver saw you, but sometimes they do not.

"Also, sometimes the setting of the sun reduces the visibility of drivers."

Clarke added that people should ensure the road is clear before exiting a vehicle.

The officer said that if a driver must text, call, eat or fasten a child's seat belt, they should pull over on the side of the road to do so.

"Drivers should know what to do when an emergency vehicles approaches. Drivers are required to pull off the road.

"Having proper working lights is important and if you are reversing, use your rear mirror to ensure that no one is behind you.

"We would also like parents to teach their children how to adapt good road safety practices, such as recognising traffic safety signals," he said.

by RTC Director

Police recruitment ad attracts more than 2,000 applicants

AN ADVERT seeking experienced police officers to join the Royal TCI Police Force has attracted more than 2,000 applicants from across the region.

Commissioner of Police James Smith shared this news during a press conference at the police headquarters in Providenciales on Thursday, April 27.

He spoke about the recruitment process after one media house alleged that the force had recently recruited dozens of officers from Jamaica.

Commissioner Smith said the jobs were advertised across the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean, and no one has been recruited yet.

He explained that the force is looking for qualified police officers who are ready to go straight to work; whether from Turks and Caicos Islands or any other country.

"We are at the point now where we are beginning to shortlist these applicants to get the very best into the force.

"Not only does that mean we can get our boots on the ground quickly with experienced individuals, that means that we do not have the financial burden and problem of finding somewhere to house them, somewhere to train them and having to worry about the long training period," he said.

He added that it takes about two years to train police officers and an even longer period to train a marine branch officer.

The Commissioner said: "You first get the basic skills, then you get the specialist skills which you will need to be out on the water in dangerous conditions. It is not an easy business.

"My push is to get the best people as quickly as possible, but completely in line with the TCI constitution which says that we will take the best people for the job."

by RTC Director

Joint Operation with the IC & RTCIPF at Labour Dept

The TCI Integrity Commission and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are continuing their collaborative and joint operations in relation to complaints and allegations of acts of corruption and associated crimes which threaten the national security and well being of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As part of these joint operations, officers of both agencies visited the offices of the Labour Department in Providenciales today (Tuesday), May 9, 2017. A large number of documents were seized in connection  with an ongoing investigation of these complaints and allegations and inquiries continue at this time.

Further press releases may be issued in due course.

by RTC Director

Delancy Jr. sentenced to 12 years & Pratt sentenced to 8 years Imprisonment

21 year old Leonard Pratt of Grand Turk, was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment by a Supreme Court judge after he plead guilty to charge of Attempted Murder in connection with a report that was made on Saturday 17th December 2016.

On that date, Police and Medical team responded to the Bay Road area in Blue Hills, Providenciales after reports of numerous gun-shots were heard.  Upon arrival at the scene, a 26 year-old victim was met and confirmed the report.

The victim later told detectives that he arrived home at around 6:30am, while in his vehicle he heard what sounded like two gun-shots and immediately began to feel a pain in his left arm. When he looked outside the vehicle he saw Leonard Pratt standing by his driver door holding a black handgun in his hand. The victim continue to tell officers that Leonard opened the car door and pulled him out of the vehicle and throw him onto to the ground as he searched him. He then placed the gun to his head and pressed the trigger but it did not fire. Another unknown male came placed his gun on the victim’s chest, pulled the trigger and that too did not fire. Both then ran away.

On that same date, Tactical Unit Officers were at the Providenciales International Airport when the suspect was seen, informed of the report and arrested. He later admitted to shooting the victim, and stated that it was retaliation to a previous incident. He was arrested and charged for the offence mentioned above

Also on Thursday 4th May 2017, in the Grand Turk Supreme Court, Colin Delancy Jr. of The Bight Providenciales, was sentenced to 12 years Imprisonment for the 2011 murder of Santa Suarez Ramirez of the Dominican Republic.
It was reported on Wednesday 20th July 2011 shortly after 9 pm that a female was shot at the sailing Paradise Restaurant located in Blue Hills. As a result, Police and emergency services responded where the victim, who was the bar-maid was later pronounced deceased from a gunshot wound.

Investigation revealed that Lavardo Smith armed with a gun along with two other males, dropped off by Colin who was waiting in a getaway car, entered the establishment and while inside Santa Suarez Ramirez was shot and killed. Police later arrested and charged all four males. Two of the men pleaded guilty to their charges and was subsequently sentenced to 4 and seven years respectively for their roles in the incident while Smith and Delancy maintained their not guilty plea.

They both went to a trial in the Supreme Court. In 2013, Smith was charged and found guilty of murder; he was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Delancy was charged and found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years. Both men appealed to the Court of Appeal on a misdirection given by the trial judge which was granted. Hence a retrial was set for 2017.
On Wednesday 1st February 2017, after a retrial for Smith, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment.

by RTC Director

STATEMENT FROM HON. SEAN ASTWOOD, DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER OF BORDER CONTROL AND EMPLOYMENT

We at the Ministry of Border Control and Employment have embarked on our mission of re-branding and revolutionizing the way that we work and the way in which we serve our customers. In our efforts to improve our service delivery, we have begun the streamlining of processes and improving performance and accountability. While there remains many concerns that we are addressing, we also recognize that there are many good things and good people that are existing in the Ministry that we can, and will, build upon and whom we can develop.

However, we will also continue our efforts to eradicate other legacy issues including corruption and other mal-practices from within the Ministry. Today, May 9th, the collaborative efforts of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Integrity Commission saw the seizure of numerous files from the Providenciales office, as a part of their on-going investigations into alleged acts of corruption by members of the Civil Service. These activities will be on-going and we are committed to seeing them through to ensure that the Ministry of Border Control and Employment can operate as a well managed, efficient and responsive organization that consistently delivers on its corporate objectives and responsibilities.

by RTC Director

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MOURN THE PASSING OF TWO STUDENTS

The Ministry of Education expresses condolences to the families of Mario Powell and Brianna Mesidor.

Mario was a 4th Form student at the Clement Howell High School. He was a very jovial young man who cared about his classmates and his friends.  His classmates remember him as the person who made the classroom come alive.  His teachers remember him as a most helpful student.

Brianna was a student at the Oseta Jolly Primary School.  Even though she spent a considerable amount of time out of school seeking medical attention, she lived for the times that she spent with her classmates and friends.  Brianna was a source of inspiration to her teachers, her classmates and her family.

Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Education, extends her condolences to Mark and Marcia Powell and to Marlene and Lejer Alixiant as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.

"The loss a child is never a pleasant experience and our hearts yearns for an explanation.  I commend you to almighty God and pray that He will grant all the relatives and friends strength during their time of grief.  To the Clement Howell High School and Oseta Jolly Primary School family and community, once again I convey my profound condolences. I can only pray that time and the memories with these two precious souls will lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss."

"It is particularly sad when young lives with much promise are suddenly taken away from the community.  May the souls of our beloved departed, Mario and Brianna, rest in eternal peace."

by RTC Director