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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2016 – SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2016
LOCAL NEWS
Situation at Neptune Villas sparks debate on discrimination A young, local aspiring lawyer took to Facebook last week to expose what he described as discrimination by an expatriate owner of a popular villa rental complex. In a post which garnered tremendous support from followers and sparked heated debate, Devonte Smith wrote the following: “It is a sad day in the TCI. When our people find discrimination in their own country, it is a sad day in the TCI. (I’ll back up the story a little). So last night, to my surprise, Ryesha Higgs and my friends and family had a surprise gathering for me at Neptune Villas (Las Brisas) in a rented villa sending me off to University the right way. “BUT that was not the biggest surprise of the night. The biggest surprise came shortly after I arrived when a woman who introduced herself as the owner, Rachel Azpiri, approached the villa under rage, speaking in a completely rude manner threatening to call the police and refusing to calm down. She accused us of being “abusive” and exclaiming that her hotel is not a “nightclub” (no music had even been playing) threatening that if we were not going to leave immediately that she would have the police move us.” “So, being the aspiring lawyer
to stay there, police officers arrived, who then to Ms. Rachel’s surprise explained that her contract said nothing about visitors. (Surprise surprise). She then tried to tell me that “You should know better if you’re going to college”. Here’s a little information for you Rachel, for the past 4 summers I’ve spent them gaining experience in one of the most respected law firms in the country - I do know better. My people, It is a sad day in the TCI.” “But wait, there’s more, now deciding to leave by our free will, she Devonte Smith refuses to allow us to check out in the that I am, I asked her to show me in night, but says we will deal with it in the contract where it says we cannot the morning, and this morning she have visitors or gatherings at the Villa (of course the contract had nothing of the sort), this is when she proceeded to march to the main gate and lock it shut, refusing to let my parents inside, yes grown folks not 20 year old college students.” “However, after all of this, the worse thing about this was her remark that “This is why we never do business with locals”. And that was when I realised that it had nothing to do with her “visitors policy” but everything to do with a “no locals” policy. Discrimination. IN MY OWN COUNTRY! It is a sad day in the TCI.” “So, after asserting our right
seems to be conveniently “running errands” and has hung up on me and refuses to give a refund after asking us to leave. IT IS A SAD DAY IN THE TCI.” “TCI, I don’t usually take to social media, but this is unacceptable. So my urge to you is, support LOCAL, do not support businesses like Neptune Villas and Las Brisas because locals are not welcomed!” “I’m all in for developing our country, but if it’s coming with racism, discrimination and bigotry then we have to rethink our strategy. My people, IT IS A SAD DAY IN THE TCI Ms. Rachel Azpiri, you should chose your battles more wisely.”
Neptune Villas owner responds to allegations In a statement issued through her lawyer George Misick, the owner of Neptune Villas, has denied accusations of discrimination. The following is the full text of the statement: “We wish to address an unfortunate incident, which occurred at our premises at Neptune Villas on August 28, 2016. The owners of Neptune Villas wish to categorically deny inaccurate reports circulating regarding the facts of an incident involving one of our owners and guests at one of our villas. While we can agree that there was an emotional exchange between parties involved, at no time did our owner refuse service because of alleged discrimination towards local
guests. In fact, we have rented to locals since the inception of the establishment in 2007. We do everything within our power to make the property the best possible for locals and visitors alike, to promote the beauty and hospitality of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” “We wish to advise the Turks and Caicos Islands public that we have always and will continue to do business with locals. Our owners have come to love the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people and welcome and treat every customer with respect and dignity. We also seek to ensure that our customers respect the rights and enjoyment of each other.” “Please note that the owners of this
establishment do not intend to make any further statements on this matter as they believe that any misunderstandings between the parties will be resolved privately and amicably.” Rachel Azpiri has been living in the Turks and Caicos Islands from 2004 and developed the Neptune Villas in 2007. She is a recognized investor in the United States of America. She is also a health professional, who has worked five years with the dying, and another four years with mentally challenged patients, in Nova South Eastern Geriatric Clinic. She has made donations to the Provo Children’s Home, offered services to the Police Department and participated in a number of other non-profitable initiatives.
Police seeking help with car theft investigations Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the reports of nine vehicle thefts that has occurred since the beginning of August 2016. Police spokesman Kevin Clarke said the number of reported car thefts have been reported from different areas of Providenciales which may not seem to be connected. With the exception of the latest report, the stolen vehicles were found with all valuables such as Laptops, Documents, cellphones, etc. where missing, he said.
Vehicle owners are reminded to: * Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away from it, even for “just a minute.” •Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it’s in front of your home. •Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight. ( Anything in plain view that seems vehicle can be an enticement to a thief to break in) •Park in busy, well-lighted area
Clarke said persons are warned of being in possession of Stolen Goods. A person could be charged with handling stolen goods if found in possession of stolen items, whether it be jewelry or electronic items, even if it seems like a legitimate purchase. “The maximum penalty for this offense is 14 years. Police are asking persons to be on the lookout for anyone selling jewelry, laptops, and smartphones. These are some of the types of items that are mainly stolen in burglaries and taken from vehicles,” Clarke said.
Man jailed for three years for keeping firearm On Tuesday 30th August 2016, in the Supreme Court of Providenciales, 37-year-old William Lightbourne of Grand Bahamas plead guilty to keeping a firearm. It was on Thursday 21st April 2016
around 1:10 PM, acting on information, Tactical Unit Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force executed a search warrant at the home of Mr. Lightbourne where a Colt 45 Pistol was found.
As a result of this, he was arrested and charged with the offences and later charged. William Lightbourne is sentenced to five years in prison with two years suspended sentenced.