Male Charged with Dangerous Driving
A 59-year-old visitor, MARK CLAYTON HEBB, has appeared before a Magistrate after being charged with Dangerous Driving.
Mr. Hebb pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted $5,000 cash bail with one surety. The case has been adjourned to March 24 for further proceedings.
The charge stems from an incident on February 28th on Sandcastle Drive, near the entrance of IGA Gourmet supermarket in Grace Bay, where Mr Hebb allegedly collided with a 58-year-old pedestrian while driving.
The pedestrian received initial medical attention before being airlifted to New York for further treatment.
LUKINSON LEGER found guilty for the murder of Sevano Wilson Jr.
A GUILTY verdict has been passed on a 22-year-old Grand Turk male for the 2023 murder of SEVANO WILSON JR.
LUKINSON LEGER, 22, of West Road, Grand Turk, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, 2025.
Acting Superintendent Grantley Williams, Head of Serious Crimes, Safeguarding and Public Protection, stated that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force welcomed the verdict.
“Justice has been served. This has been a challenging case for us. From the very beginning, officers have been steadfastly pursuing the case from its inception to the present. The evidence collected supported the investigation.
I wish to thank the officers and the prosecution team involved. Though the verdict cannot bring Mr. Wilson back, I hope it will offer comfort and solace to his loved ones.
“The circumstances surrounding the murder were indeed tragic, and I implore young people to recognise that there are alternatives to violence for resolving disputes. Secondly, do not rush your decision-making. Do not gamble with your life. I wish to extend my gratitude to those whose faith in the police never wavered during the investigation and to the families still awaiting justice for the loss of their loved ones; we have not forgotten you. We are committed to ensuring that you may find comfort.”
Mr. Wilson, 21, of South School Lane, Grand Turk, was fatally wounded on the evening of September 29th, 2023, during a celebratory event at Governor’s Beach, Grand Turk. Following the incident, officers at the scene rushed Mr Wilson to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre, where he died while undergoing medical treatment.
Following a thorough investigation and consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Leger was charged on October 4, 2023.
Historic Sport Psychology Workshop in Turks and Caicos to Advance Mental Health Across All Sports
The Turks and Caicos Sports Commission, in partnership with the Department of Behavioural Health Services and the Department of Education, is hosting a Sport Psychology Workshop on March 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex. This event will highlight the critical role of mental health in sports performance and well-being.
The workshop will feature two leading experts in the field of sport psychology: Dr. Derick Anderson and Dr. Sara Hickmann, both of whom have extensive experience working with elite athletes, professional sports teams, and high-performance organizations.
Dr. Sara Hickmann is a Clinical Performance Psychologist for the Los Angeles Kings professional hockey team and has previously worked with the LA Clippers, New York Jets, and Brooklyn Nets. She has served as a mental health consultant for the National Football League (NFL) and was a psychologist for Naval Special Warfare Group ONE, supporting Navy SEALS and their teams. Her expertise includes performance psychology, stress management, dealing with injuries, and teaching mindfulness techniques. Dr. Hickmann is also the founder of Blue Mind Psychological Services, a private practice in San Diego that integrates water-based therapy for mental well-being.
Dr. Derick Anderson is a licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in sport and performance psychology. He currently serves as the team psychologist for the Miami Heat and Florida Panthers, as well as the Director of Behavioral Sciences for the Houston Astros. His past roles include working with the Miami Dolphins, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Browns, and the New York Mets, where he developed one of the most comprehensive sport psychology programs in baseball. Dr. Anderson has also contributed to the development of the NBA’s Mental Health Program and was the primary in-person mental health resource in the NBA Bubble.
This workshop is designed for athletes, coaches, and parents, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in sports. Attendees will gain insights into managing stress, improving focus, handling competition pressures, and supporting athletes' mental well-being.
"Athletes dedicate years to physical training, yet their mental health is just as important for long-term success," said Dr. Hickmann. "By addressing mental performance, we can help athletes build confidence, resilience, and overall well-being."
"The demands of competitive sports require more than just physical skill," added Dr. Anderson. "Understanding mental toughness and emotional regulation can make a significant difference in an athlete's career and personal life."
Director of Sports Jarrett Forbes expressed his enthusiasm for the workshop, stating, “We are proud to introduce this initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to athlete development in the Turks and Caicos. Mental health is often overlooked in sports, yet it plays a crucial role in performance, recovery, and overall success. This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for our athletes, coaches, and parents to gain expert insights into managing the psychological demands of competition.”
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister with Responsibility for Sports, also emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Mental well-being is a vital component of an athlete’s success, both on and off the field. We are committed to ensuring that our athletes receive the necessary support to reach their full potential. This workshop is an important step in equipping them, along with their coaches and families, with the tools to navigate the mental challenges of competitive sports.”
This workshop is open to national athletes, coaches, and parents who want to better understand the role of mental health in athletic performance.
Israel block on Gaza aid coordinated with Trump administration, Israeli source says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Sunday said the country imposed a blockade on all humanitarian aid heading into the Gaza Strip, following the expiry of phase 1 of Israel's ceasefire deal with Hamas and with negotiations regarding phase 2 still ongoing.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease," Netanyahu's office said, accusing Hamas of refusing to accept the outline for continued talks set out by President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
An Israeli source told ABC News that "the Israeli decision to halt aid into Gaza was coordinated with the Trump administration."
The Israeli statement came after weekend negotiations regarding phase 2 of the ceasefire in Cairo, Egypt. Hamas was not directly involved in the talks and was represented by Qatari and Egyptian officials, who spoke with U.S. and Israeli delegations.
Hamas said in a Sunday statement that "Netanyahu's decision to stop humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime and a blatant coup against the agreement."
Source-ABC
UK prime minister announces framework for peace plan after summit with Zelenskyy
European leaders gathered in London on Sunday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following a tempestuous White House meeting that thrust United States-Ukraine relations further into crisis.
During a news conference, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said "we have to learn from the mistakes of the past" and can't "accept a weak deal" that Russia can break. All European countries must contribute to making a strong deal and "step up their own share of the burden," Starmer added.
Starmer outlined a plan to support Ukraine, including continuing the flow of aid to Ukraine and keeping up economic pressure on Russia. He said any lasting peace agreement must ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and security, and Ukraine must be at the negotiating table.
In the event of a deal, Starmer said Europe will continue to help Ukraine militarily to deter any future military action by Russia. He also said there will be a "coalition of the willing" to help defend Ukraine.
Starmer said that for a deal to work, it will need strong U.S. backing.
When asked by a reporter about whether President Donald Trump would support the plan's framework, Starmer said he spoke to Trump and that he "wouldn't be going down this road if I didn't think it had a chance."
Evacuations ordered as 175 wildfires erupt across South and North Carolina
Firefighters were battling 175 wildfires that erupted across South and North Carolina over the weekend amid windy and dry conditions, threatening homes and prompting evacuations, authorities said.
There are ongoing response operations to more than 175 wildfires that have burned a combined 4,200 acres across the state, the South Carolina state fire marshal said Sunday.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order on Sunday declaring a state of emergency to support ongoing response to wildfires ravaging his state. The order enhances ongoing emergency response efforts as firefighters work to contain the wildfires affecting various regions.
"This State of Emergency ensures that our first responders, who are working tirelessly and risking their lives to protect our communities from these wildfires, have the resources they need," McMaster said in a statement.
Source-ABC
Charges Laid Following Attack on Officers
Two male suspects are expected to appear before a Magistrate later this week charged with firearm-related offences.
KEANU TAJAY WILSON, 18, and JAEL De JESUS RIGBY, 18, were charged on March 01st with several offences related to shooting at police officers.
The accused have been jointly charged with the following offences following consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Discharging a Firearm
Discharging Ammunition
Possession of a Firearm
Possession of Ammunition
Grievous Bodily Harm
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force can confirm that both accused are well known and are persons of interest in other serious matters that are actively being investigated.
The accused were charged following investigations by the Serious Crimes Unit into an incident between 11:30 p.m. on February 1st and 12:30 a.m. on February 02nd, 2025.
At the time of the incident, officers were on mobile patrol along Walter Cox Drive in Kew Town when they had reason to stop a vehicle with occupants behaving suspiciously, using the police siren and lights.
Following certain actions, an officer was injured, and a high-speed chase ensued, ultimately concluding in Blue Hills.
Investigation into Hit and Run
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident that occurred today (03 March) on Waterloo Road in Grand Turk.
Shortly after 9 am, officers responded to the scene, where Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were attending to a 20-year-old male who had been riding an electric scooter.
Preliminary investigations revealed a collision had taken place between an SUV and the scooter rider.
The victim was taken to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre for further medical attention.
Following the incident, officers conducted investigations and found the SUV parked at another location. The driver was subsequently located at a business establishment on Front Street.
This remains an active investigation.
Here are the winners for Oscars 2025
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, aired live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2.
Anora was the night's big winner, taking home five Oscars including best picture, best director for Sean Baker and best actress for Mikey Madison.
Here are the winners:
Best supporting actor
Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
Best animated short film
In the Shadow of the Cypress
Best animated feature film
Flow
Best costume design
Wicked, Paul Tazewell
Best original screenplay
Anora, Sean Baker
Best adapted screenplay
Conclave, Peter Straughan
Best costume design
Wicked, Paul Tazewell
Best makeup and hairstyling
The Substance
Best film editing
Anora, Sean Baker
Best supporting actress
Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
Best production design
Wicked
Best original song
"El Mal" from Emilia Pérez
Best documentary short film
The Only Girl in the Orchestra
Best documentary feature film
No Other Land
Best sound
Dune: Part Two
Best visual effects
Dune: Part Two
Best live action short film
I'm Not a Robot
Best original score
The Brutalist, Daniel Blumberg
Best international feature film
I'm Still Here (Brazil)
Best cinematography
The Brutalist, Lol Crawley
Best actor
Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
Best director
Sean Baker, Anora
Best actress
Mikey Madison, Anora
Best picture
Anora
TCI Youth Represented at the UK Overseas Terrirtories Association's Youth Summit
Three students from the Turks and Caicos Islands were among delegates from the UK Overseas Territories at this year’s United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association’s Youth Summit on “Diversity and Inclusivity within the Overseas Territories”.
Chyenne Astwood, an engineering student at the University of Nottingham, Salomon P. Dormeus, a law student at the University of Manchester, and Demari Fulford, a music and philosophy student at the University of Nottingham were among representatives chosen to participate in the annual youth summit organised by the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA).
The summit, focused on Diversity and Inclusivity in the Overseas Territories, offered a valuable platform for the discussion of important issues such as neurodiversity and disability in education, LGBTQIA+ rights and representation as well as immigration and migration from the perspective of young citizens of the Overseas Territories.
On her participation at the summit, Ms. Astwood said “Representing my beautiful island is always an honour, and this summit exceeded my expectations. It was inspiring to see young people actively engaging in discussions, networking, and taking their rightful place at the table. The youth are not just the future—we are the present. Sharing perspectives from the TCI while learning from the approaches of other Overseas Territories was invaluable, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change. The open dialogue on critical issues, particularly policies and initiatives in other OTs, highlighted valuable opportunities for TCI to adopt similar strategies and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Overall, it was a 10 out of 10 experience!”
Mr Solomon stated: "Attending the UKOTA Summit was an enriching experience that allowed me to engage in meaningful discussions on issues affecting the Overseas Territories. It was a privilege to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands, collaborate with like-minded peers, and explore the legal and policy frameworks that shape our governance."
The other Overseas Territories represented at the summit were Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, and Montserrat.