The Turks and Caicos Islands values its warm relationship with the United States and welcomes over 1 million visitors each year. Our countries have close ties and work in strong partnership to tackle shared threats in the region.
In the spirit of respect for this relationship, the Hon. Premier and I received a US Congressional Delegation to listen to their concerns about five US Nationals charged and on bail for the possession of ammunition offences. US Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s commentary on ABC news following the meeting is highly regrettable. His characterisation of our meeting is not one we recognise. Our discussions were professional and respectful with a focus on clarifying the legal position and the well-being of the individuals.
A mandatory minimum sentence of 12-years and a fine for possession of firearms and/or ammunition is in place to serve and protect all who reside and visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The law provides discretion in exceptional circumstances for the judge to impose a reduced custodial sentence less than the 12-years and a fine that is fair and just for each case. To date, no US National has received the mandatory minimum sentence of
12-years.
We do not target US Nationals and any statements to the contrary are without merit. Our independent justice system upholds the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of nationality, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our Islands. All five US Nationals are on bail with reporting conditions and are receiving US consular support. Three have pled guilty and two will enter their pleas within the next two weeks.
Like the United States, we have a constitutional separation of the executive and judicial branches. There is no remit for the Turks and Caicos Islands Executive nor the UK Government to intervene or comment on ongoing legal cases before the courts.
Law enforcement agencies apply professional standard operating procedures for processing matters through the legal system and will investigate any concerns where it is felt standards were not met. There have been no United Nations sanctions against His Majesty’s Prison Grand Turk. A February 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission report was positive with no findings against prisoner conditions.
I appreciate the Congressman is concerned for his constituent, but the situation calls for respectful dialogue that guards against misrepresentation. It is important there is respect for due process and for public servants to perform their duties without fear or compromise. The rule of law is paramount and all are equal before the law.
The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to welcome all visitors to enjoy our Beautiful by Nature Islands.