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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Youth ambassadors appeal for illegal guns to be turned in AS THE gum amnesty period comes to an end, the country’s two Youth Ambassadors, Phildreka Mayham and Dekkel Simmons, have called for illegal guns to be turned in. Mayham said: “As an active ambassador for the youths of the TCI, I would like to see the appeal of firearms among our youths greatly reduced. “But in order to reduce the appeal of firearms, it is critical to understand the reasoning behind the desire to obtain such a potent, deadly weapon. “To a vulnerable and easily manipulated teenager, guns can offer a sense of security and strength. “At present, a number of teens feel as if their ownership of a handgun will preserve their lives and protect them from threatening individuals. "Many youths in the TCI live with the idea that they will fight or die; that their innermost perseverance is shattered should they not fight their own battles directly. “Many of our fellow peers are seemingly driven by the motto that violence is a foolproof solution for all dilemmas. "An open field of communication between the police and teens will not only promote a greater respect for established laws regarding firearms, but also reduce the emphasis on violence and force in the face of a difficult situation. "Additionally, counselling for at-risk teens is imperative, as this preventive measure can eliminate some of the emotional hardships and environmental fears that drive teens to guns in the first place.
“It is also incredibly crucial for teenagers to recognise the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm. "While films, television, video games and music lead teens to believe that the ability to fire a weapon is simplistic, the sheer magnitude and power that is contained in one bullet is not to be taken lightly. "An initiative that demonstrates such awing and potentially Earthshattering results can aide a teen in making better decisions regarding the temptations of illegal firearms. “Informative videos, demonstrations, and lectures can give teens a fresh viewpoint and a lot to think about, eliminating their own stubborn resistance to long-winded sermons or absurd reprimands. “In order for teenagers to avoid the appealing nature of illegally obtained firearms, they must be fully educated and instructed. “Without this information, it is all too easy to take a highly damaging step in the wrong direction. "Juveniles should be made well aware of the tragic accidents, horrific circumstances, and life-altering disasters all made by one single finger movement and a blast of gunpowder. “Perhaps, the formerly incarcerated or those directly affected by the use of firearms can explain to teens the consequences of making such terrible decisions and encourage them to consider all of the repercussions before obtaining an illegal firearm….the youth can only be the future of our country if we remain alive to see the future. "Now more than ever our country
Norman Benjamin Saunders Jr. faces money laundering charges THE SPECIAL Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) have charged another in their ongoing investigations. Norman Benjamin Saunders Jr., 44, appeared at the Magistrates Court on Wednesday (June 26) before Judge Jolyon Hatmin charged with three counts money laundering. The matter was sent to the Supreme Court for a sufficiency hearing on August 2. In a statement, Saunders said: “I am shocked at the SIPT's decision to charge me. I have not committed the offences for which they have accused me, their charges are unfair, and I will strongly contest them. “I am grateful for the messages of support that I have already received from friends, clients, and professional colleagues. My hope now is that a trial with a jury
Norman Saunders Jr.
of my peers can soon proceed , so that I can put this matter behind me and my family, and so that we can return to a normal life. “I do not intend to make further statements. Saunders was released on bail.
needs us as youths to do the right thing. “If you have any illegal weapon, please turn it in before the gun amnesty ends.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Simmons, who said: “Teenagers can be incredibly impressionable and subject to influence from not just their peers and parents, but additionally, the media, street culture, and the world around them. "It is no surprise then, that the appeal of illegal firearms is nearly irresistible for many of our young people. “The allure of weapons to the average teenager is far too great and we must seek to put an end to this. "As we attempt to mature in an environment where violence has been idealised, many find themselves enticed by the seeming power and potency that firearms represent. "As a result, teens throughout our islands are becoming enchanted with the promise of dominance and strength that the purchase of an illegal firearm appears to offer. “I am appealing to you… our young people to get involved in programs to educate you and give you positive outlets for your aggressions, fears, and anxieties in order to prevent you from wanting an illegal firearm in the first place. “Secondly, I am appealing to our government to set up an alliance between law enforcement and teenagers to explain the dangers and responsibilities that come with ownership of a weapon, emphasising the tragedies that have occurred from the lack of both knowledge and accountability. “Thirdly, I am calling on the TCI business community to become better corporate citizens by setting up programmes in our community to differentiate popular media stereotypes from the bitter truths of reality, dispelling myths regarding the idolising of firearms. “These initiatives would establish a firm connection between the youth of our country and the police department, allowing for open communication between the two groups. "Hand in hand, teens and officers throughout the TCI could work together to reduce the appeal of illegal handguns and foster a sense of liability and assurance. “Lastly, the youth of the TCI have been given a second chance to turn in illegal firearms through a gun amnesty…as a Youth Ambassador, I am calling on youths throughout the TCI to do the right thing and turn in your illegal firearm if you possess any. “Who knows, not only may you be saving the life of another but also you may be saving your very own life. It is time to turn in that illegal firearm now.” The gun amnesty ends on Monday, July 1.
June 29 - July 5, 2013
Inconsistencies with GSAT results prompt review – Divesh Aswani moves to second place THE STUDENT that placed sixth among the country’s top Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) performers, Divesh Aswani, now holds second place. The Precious Treasures student was previously marked with an 87.41 pass. His parents requested a review of his mathematics paper one scores, which was 33 out of 50. According to his mother, Kirti Aswani, the youngster performs particularly well in mathematics and the low score in the paper one was surprising, particularly since he scored some 91 out of
100 in the more difficult paper two. The review resulted in an increase from 33 to 43 and the change in the position. The top 10 students remain the same, with Divesh’s movement to second place, pushing the other students down one place respectively. Education officials had no comment other than to confirm that the review of the scores was done and the Precious Treasures student is now the holder of second place in the 2013 GSAT exams.
Street sign vandalised REPRESENTATIVES from 911 Emergency and Public Works Department were in Blue Hills, last Friday, erecting street signs. They observed that the street sign at Snake Hill Avenue was broken out of the bracket, removed it and left the post and bracket behind. Tammika Lall of 911 said: “It is extremely disappointing that someone or a group of persons would deliberately damage the street signs which enable emergency responders to locate persons requesting assistance from police, fire and medical personnel.” Residents are reminded that under the Streets (Naming and Addressing) Ordinance 2010 that anyone who wilfully destroys, removes, defaces or obliterates a street sign name plate that
has been set up in accordance with the Street Naming and Addressing process commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000. Police are asking for any information on the vandals. During the next few weeks, personnel from 911 and Public Works Department will continue erecting the remaining signs throughout Blue Hills and residents are urged to remain vigilant so that the signs will remain intact. Lall said the 911 Unit is grateful to Fortis TCI for their generous donation to purchase the signs, as well as Gordon Solie Williams, of Provo Electric who donated cement to erect the signs, and Garvin Thomas of Public Works Department.
Police appeal for information on Magistrate’s Court burglary IT HAS been almost two weeks since the Providenciales Magistrate Court on Old Airport Road was the target of a burglary that resulted in the office being vandalised and a sum of cash missing. And the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are still investigating the incident. The police, on Monday (June 24), made an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone who may have any information about this incident is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Department by calling 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837 or use the untraceable, anonymous Crime Stoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. No names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police.
Two teens arrested for theft A CHARGE of theft has been laid against a 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old boy from Providenciales. The charge on each teenager is relating to an incident, which is alleged to have taken place on Saturday, June 15, in a business
place in Blue Hills. It has been reported that two individuals entered a supermarket and stole a quantity of items. Both teenagers are presently out on bail to appear at Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, July 3, to enter a plea.