Zoya Faessler

24 HOURS OF DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The Governor, Peter Beckingham, welcomed leaders from seven of the UK’s Overseas Territories for lunch at Waterloo on 21 July. Commenting on the visit of Territory leaders to TCI, the Governor said,

“I was delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to welcome to the Turks and  Caicos Islands on 20 and 21 July the Premiers, Chief Ministers and Ministers from no less than seven Overseas Territories: Anguilla,  Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Montserrat.  This is also a big honour for TCI, and a tribute to the work of many people here.  The Territory leaders were in TCI to prepare for their annual meeting with the FCO’s Minister for the Overseas Territories and her ministerial colleagues at the Joint Ministerial Council which will be held in London in October.

“I was able to forward to Premier Ewing on the first day of the meeting a letter from the new Minister for the Overseas Territories at the Foreign Office, Baroness Anelay. In addition to her existing responsibilities as Minister of State for relations with a range of international organisations, the Minister has taken on this additional role for working with the Territories and will chair the Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London.

“I was able to talk informally with the Territory leaders about the wider changes which have taken place in the UK recently. The biggest development has been the vote in the referendum in favour of leaving the European Union, closely followed by the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Theresa May. The Prime Minister has in turn made a number of major changes to our Cabinet, including a new Foreign Secretary (who I had the privilege of working with in India on two visits he made as Mayor of London) and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

“It is too early to predict what these changes signify for Turks and Caicos and the other Territories, but Baroness Anelay was at pains in her letter to Premier Ewing to  underline the continued commitment of the UK Government to the Overseas Territories, as well as to involve them in the preparations for negotiations for the UK to leave the EU.

“I was in London in July to attend meetings  with other Governors and Ambassadors in the Foreign Office shortly after the referendum. It is clearly going to be a major task for UK Ministers and officials to prepare the groundwork for the UK’s exit from the EU. But Cabinet Ministers, the Cabinet Secretary and officials all left no doubt that this was a challenge which can be met, and provides opportunities to raise the profile of the UK globally. They were also equally clear that the Territories and Crown Dependencies like Jersey and the Isle of Man will continue to be a part of the new structures of trade and services which emerge from international negotiations.

“As I said to the visiting Territory leaders, the big changes in the governing party in the UK also demonstrated how efficiently and smoothly the democratic systems of government work in the UK, with one Prime Minister departing and another taking over in the space of less than 24 hours. It was, on any reckoning, an extraordinarily dramatic day in British politics, but accomplished in style and dignity.”

by Zoya Faessler

TCI Rising Stars shows outstanding improvement at YBOA 2016 

Providenciales, TCI, 13th July 2016 – Five days, two coaches, and twenty-one young athletes later, the Rising Stars Basketball Club made the Turks and Caicos Islands proud again their 2nd year performance at YBOA’s 27th Annual National Championship Tournament.

The Florida based tournament hosted at the Orange County Convention Centre from July 3-16th saw its usual participation of nearly 50 registered te0ams from different parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico, New Zealand and Turks and Caicos Islands being the only Caribbean represented team in the line-up.

The Rising Stars Basketball Club registered two teams in the 9th Grade (Junior Varsity) division and the 10th Grade (Senior Varsity) division. 

The Senior Varsity team coached by Head Coach and President of the Rising Stars Basketball Club, Mervin Forbes, played under the team name TCI Falcons and the Junior Varsity Team coached by Assistance Head Coach, Trevor Cooke, played under the name TCI Pelicans.

Both teams managed to keep in the Top 5 out of the 22 teams totaled in their pool for the first three days of the tournament. 

In 2015 each of the games these teams played ended with the opposing team having a minimum of a 40pt lead. 

“We are proud of the fact that in 2016, both the Senior and Junior varsity teams managed to keep 20pt, 10pt, and 5pt margin losses in each of their games. 

Although only one game ended in a win, the obvious improvement and display of skill and talent was a reward in itself. It goes to prove how much the program helps cultivate these young athletes,” shared Head Coach Mervin Forbes.

Top scorers from the Senior Varsity team were Rajun Valentine (PG), Derek Rolle (PF/C), Shadarno Clarke (C), Liam Delancy, Frey Merete (SG), and Deshawn Penn (SF). 

Top scorers from Junior Varsity team were Lashano Pierre (SF), Johndee Ashton (C/PF)  and Bradley Louis (SG). 

“The Rising Stars basketball trip to Orlando was really better than I expected. My expectations were going to the stadium play our games, and back to the hotel. I was wrong, after the games we got a chance to go out to amusement parks and water parks and have fun! 

Playing basketball, Coach Mervin Forbes is a really great coach! He has this good program where you are bound to get better at your game and better your skills. Those of you who aren't apart of the club should really join it,” expressed Rolle, Team Captain for the TCI Falcons.

“Thanks to Rising Stars Basketball Club TCI for a wonderful 6 months of training but also show us that life is not all about basketball. Thanks to Coach Trevor M. Cooke for the life lessons and lectures you gave us we really appreciated it. What I really liked about the camp ending in a tournament was so that we could see what our individual skills were and what we need to work on this upcoming season. Can’t wait until next year,” commented Pierre, starting small forward for the TCI Pelicans.

The Rising Stars Basketball Club would like to say a special thank you to Grand Turk native and small forward for the Houston Rockets, Trevor Ariza, for his words of inspiration and wisdom shared with both teams before departing to Orlando to play.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thanks two of our lead sponsors FORTIS TCI and FLOW TCI. Additionally, we would like to thank the TCI Roadrunners, Sun Oil, TWA Law Firm, Alexandra Resort, and all other entities that made this experience possible. 

Next up, the club will be hosting its Annual Evolutions Basketball Camp from August 2nd – 6th, 2016. Registration is open. Boys and girls between ages 9 -16 are encouraged to register immediately, as space is limited.

by Zoya Faessler

Media Release from the Commissioner of Police

ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE

**Immediate Release **

Press Release

As Commissioner of Police it is my sworn duty to lead the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Service and to uphold the law and protect life and property. Anyone who doubts my resolve and determination in this regard has never met me.

Emotions are running high in the country for a variety of reasons and my officers, staff and I are using all the resources available to us to keep people safe and bring offenders to justice. In doing so I have enlisted assistance from colleagues in other overseas territories and partner agencies to provide technical support, ensured that the latest forensic techniques are used to help solve serious crime and gained the expert support of officers from the United Kingdom on short term appointments.

At all times I operate within the limits of the criminal law and the Ordinances of Turks and Caicos when I seek to enlist help or acquire new equipment. I operate within the budget limit set by Government and seek to get the best value for Turks and Caicos. It is for that reason that I recommended to Government that we should continue to work with partners to install CCTV in the country and utilise our limited resources to purchase other much need equipment and support. I am grateful that the Premier now considering allocating additional funding for this important crime prevention and investigation aid. It will of course require to be underpinned by an appropriate Data Protection Ordinance to ensure the privacy of citizens and make evidence admissible in any court proceedings.

Through dedication and hard work my officers and seconded colleagues are arresting criminals and providing quality evidence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Most recently this has resulted in one person being sent to trial for a murder in North Caicos and six persons arrested and charged in respect of a murder at the end of 2014. One more person is sought for this crime and we actively seek to arrest him. Officers have also recently charged a number of offenders for robberies and burglaries. In terms of the most recent murders we are following very positive lines of enquiry, as well as technical help we have received significant assistance from members of the public and together I hope we can bring more offenders to justice.

Last year I recommended the formation of a National Security Council to tackle the major issues facing the country. That body is in place, we will meet again soon to agree some practical measures to impact on crime and the causes of crime. I would however emphasize that the police service alone, cannot be held responsible for all of the ills that currently befall any society. We are a “can do” organization, but we cannot do everything. The support of our partners in law enforcement is vital to us but I know that they too need extra support in their challenging roles. 

Keeping our borders secure is crucial, biometric information and the ability to easily take DNA samples will enhance our capabilities to solve crime and identify perpetrators, updated criminal evidence legislation, a change to the way we manage our roads, vehicles and driving licenses, along with a number of other legislative improvements that I have already discussed with government, should combine to significantly improve safety and security.

From the outset of my tenure I identified the need for a proper Police Headquarters which is a critical building block to enable sustained improvement. A purpose built facility will enable us to do many things much more effectively, such as; provide command and control facilities for all routine and emergency situations;

provide a safe environment for the victims and witnesses of crime; securely keep persons in custody and comply with international law; provide interview facilities ensuring high quality evidence to courts, give officers and staff adequate working space to carry out their daily duties and feel valued in the community, amongst many others. I recognize the funding constraints for Government, but hope that this facility will materialise in due course, possibly with private sector funding involvement. 

The father of modern day policing, Sir Robert Peel, set basic tenets for us to live up to as police officers and they are as relevant today as they were then. Paramount amongst them is that “The police are the public and the public are the police”. My officers are part of the community, they have the same concerns as you all do and the same desire and determination to make a difference. By working together we can change the paradigm and take the fight to the men of violence in our society and those who would harm our family, friends and beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

James Smith

Commissioner of Police

by Zoya Faessler

Four New Senior Legal Appointments

On Wednesday, July 20, 2016, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles announced four new senior legal appointments within the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Three new appointments as Principal Crown Counsel saw Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem becoming the first Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for International matters, Ms. Yaa McCartney as the Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for commercial matters and Ms. Clemar Hippolyte taking the reins as Principal Crown Counsel with responsibility for litigation.

First, Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem, a Grand Turk native, practiced for many years in the Bahamas, first as an Associate and then as a Partner at Evans & Co. Now, she returns home to the Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General’s Chambers, where she became Senior Crown Counsel and then Principal Crown Counsel and lead on commercial matters. Through training and development opportunities, Mrs. Astwood-Tatem has gained quality experience and expertise in commercial law. These include; Development Agreements, land acquisition, public-private partnerships, company law, civil litigation and appeals, industrial relations and employment, probate and wills, real property and conveyancing, personal Injuries. Whilst also offering  legal advice/opinions on a wide spectrum of issues such as; constitutional and administrative law, international compliance, combatting anti-money laundering, and mutual legal assistance.  As lead in this new division on international initiatives which have an impact on domestic law, such as the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and Exchange of information for Tax Purposes, Mrs. Astwood-Tatem’s experience make her best suited to take on responsibility for responding to international requests; advising on international conventions and agreements and advising on various issues which touch and concern international law and international relations.

Second, the daughter of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ sole national hero, Ms. Yaa McCartney has a legacy of public service.  Ms McCartney joined the Attorney General’s Chambers right out of law school and practiced first as a criminal prosecutor for many years prosecuting criminal trials and appeals in all courts in the Turks and Caicos Islands before rising to the level of Senior Crown Counsel conducting civil litigation before all of the courts and tribunals on behalf of the Government and statutory bodies as well as dealing with complex commercial agreements and advices.  Training and development opportunities have contributed to Ms. McCartney’s skills in the areas of criminal prosecutions, civil and commercial litigation, employment law, advice and opinion writing, and the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements which will serve her well in her new role as lead on commercial matters.

Third, Ms. Clemar Hippolyte hails from St. Lucia where she worked first as an Associate at Larcher Barnard & Associates then McNamara & Company thereby gaining a wealth of experience in administrative law, employment law, judicial review, civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, commercial contract negotiation, opinions and mediation before joining the Attorney General’s Chambers as Senior Crown Counsel.  Ms. Hippolyte’s quality experience in litigation matters, especially before the Courts of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a particular asset in her new role.

Finally, as the new Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Michael Dillon is responsible for the management of the legal and administrative work flow within the Attorney General’s Chambers.  Dr. Michael Dillon originates from Dublin Ireland where he authored the first and leading textbook on the law of intoxication, Law of Intoxication as a defence to violent and non-violent offences as an exhaustive and practical analysis of the current law of Ireland, England and Wales, United States of America, Canada, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

 A practicing barrister appearing on a near daily basis before courts, tribunals and decision-makers for many years in Criminal and Civil litigation, Dr. Dillon brings to the Attorney General’s Chambers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, significant advisory experience involving opinion work.  He has expertise in criminal law especially involving any issue of intoxication or mental disorder, significant Judicial review experience, commercial law including franchise law and breach of confidentiality, mental health law, administrative law, professional negligence, financial services law, personal injuries, human rights and civil liberties, and constitutional law.

Dr. Dillon has worked in Ireland, the United States of America, England and Wales, and Australia.

In announcing these new appointments, the Attorney General said; “Over the last few years we have made great progress in developing the professional staff, legal resources and better service delivery standards in the provision of quality legal work. The professional development of the Chambers continues to improve, along with a solid reputation of responsiveness to the legal needs of the public sector."

"As the Chambers continues to evolve, the skills of the professional staff in particular will be critical in managing our operational effectiveness.  These individuals bring to their new appointments the experience and expertise needed to meet the challenges of their new responsibilities through proven track records of quality legal expertise in practice, leadership, team building, financial and relationship management.  I am very pleased with the appointments of these new additions to our senior management team.”

by Zoya Faessler

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES 2016 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services is pleased to publish the complete list of recipients of the 2016 Scholarship awards to complete tertiary level studies.

The Scholarship Advisory Committee met during the period of June and July to review all applications received on or before the application deadline of 30th April, 2016.

The following one hundred and seventy (170) awardees were successful based on the identified priority areas, grade point averages and other policy related criteria. In total, the Educational Advisory Committee considered Three Hundred and forty (340) applications for further study, local, regionally and internationally.

The Deputy Premier & Minister responsible for Education, Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick extends a profound thank you to all the members of the Education Advisory Committee for their dedication to complete this year’s review of applications, and subsequent list of awardees. 

She stated; “I know the caliber of applications received this year made the review of awards very difficult, and I appreciate the due care and attention you gave to each application.

“I also want to thank the staff of the Ministry of Education and Department of Education for their work in assisting with receiving applications, fielding enquiries and general assistance leant to the Scholarship Secretariat during this period.” 

“Congratulations is extended to all of the Awardees, and the Minister expressed All 170 Awardees must know that their Country has made an investment in their academic pursuits, and for that we expect a lot in return on completion of their studies.”

The Ministry urges Applicants who may not have been successful to re-apply to the Secretariat for possible consideration in the future.

Award letters will be available from July 29th 2016 and can be picked up at the Ministry of Education in Grand Turk, the Department of Education in Providenciales, and District Commissioners Offices in South and North Caicos during normal working hours, 8am – 4:30pm.

by Zoya Faessler

GOVERNOR AND POLICE COMMISSIONER DISCUSS SECURITY ISSUES WITH DOMINICAN REPUBLIC COMMUNITY: PLEDGE POLICE'S COMMITMENT TO FIND PERPETRATORS 

The Governor, Peter Beckingham, met separately on 19 July the Premier and Police Commissioner and representatives of the Dominican Republic community to discuss the recent murder of a DR citizen, and developments since then. The Governor said,

"I told Edwin Hernandez, a member of the DR Consulate-General, and members of the community how saddened I was to hear in London, when I was there last week on official business, of the tragic murder of Sorineida Moreno-Arias. Following the earlier murder of another DR citizen this is a tragic loss of a young life. I told the community that we have also reported these incidents to our Ambassador in Santo Domingo.

"I said to the community that I had complete confidence in the Police Commissioner and his team who I knew were doing everything in their power to bring the perpetrator of this awful crime to justice. Commissioner Smith, who joined me for the meeting, and I underlined that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force would leave no stone unturned to arrest the individual or individuals concerned.

"Commissioner Smith and I also said to the DR representatives that we had no objections to the community arranging lawful events to express their anxiety at these recent incidents.  I was grateful for the reassurances of the DR community that any gatherings should be peaceful, and that they regretted the isolated attacks on the police by a small number of their group. 

"The Premier, Minister of Finance, Commissioner of Police and I also had a useful discussion about wider security issues. We agreed that we should consider a number of options to strengthen security measures across the community, as well as providing our reassurance to the public at large that we believed the RTCIPF, who had our full support, were working as hard as possible to solve all outstanding murders in Grand Turk and Providenciales regardless of when they were committed. We will consider options at a further meeting of the National Security Council next week, and subsequently hold a further meeting of the Security Council Advisory Group."  

by Zoya Faessler