VOLUME 11 ISSUE 29

Page 1

JULY 31ST, 2015 – AUGUST 7TH, 2015

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 11 - NO. 29

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 339-5879

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Fax: (649) 941-3281

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ILLEGAL FISHING RING BUSTED Miss Teen Turks and Caicos contestants

Six stunningly beautiful young ladies were revealed as contestants of the 2nd Annual Miss Teen Turks and Caicos at the official launch event on Friday, July 24, 2015. The mixer, held on the exclusive penthouse rooftop deck at the Blue Haven Resort, marked the beginning of a long list of events, preliminary competitions, and community service initiatives for this year’s contestants. The six young ladies vying for the title of Miss Teen Turks and Caicos 2015 are: Sonise Laurent, 17, Miss Teen Grand Turk; Gessica Williams, 15, Miss Teen Middle Caicos; Arielle Neely, 16, Miss Teen North Caicos; Leanndra Pratt, 18, Miss Teen Parrot Cay; Amber Hall, 19, Miss Teen Providenciales; and Stephanie Michel, 17, Miss Teen South Caicos. (See Pages 14 and 15 for more photos) By Vivian Tyson

Senior Sun Editor

M

aritime and law enforcement officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) netted one of their biggest catches in recent times when they hauled in 28 poachers from the neighbouring Dominican Republic with more than 2000 pounds of sea food from TCI’s banks.

The men, who were caught in Turks and Caicos Islands waters last Thursday July 23rd, were each fined $5,400 forthwith, or six months in Grand Turk prison, when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner in Court # 1, on Tuesday July 28th and pleaded guilty. Their names are: Ewar Santos, Gencis Martinez, Yoel Polanco,

Pedro Vasquez, Yonatan Germam, Elexi Martine, Belnando Vargas, Framkli Mejiabatista, Josemanuel Garcia, Alex Vasquez Marolo Garlcia, Mario Ulloa, Victor Alfonso, Jose Vasquez, Andres Gonzalez, Rodolfo Felix, Jorge Sisnero, Julio Vazquez, Jose Mendez, Cersa Vasquez, Sedatian Diaz, Miguel Peiva, Yordis Morales, Pedro Medina, Danney Ferrcira, Rafael

Bentura, Wilber Gil and Dionis Morel. They were charged with possession of Parrot Fish, possession of egg-bearing Crawfish, using unlicensed vessel to fish in TCI waters, taking marine product without license, using artificial breathing devices to fish in TCI waters and possession of spear gun while on a vessel. For many years, fishermen from the Dominican Republic have been known to fish illegally in TCI waters. Magistrate Warner also ordered that fishing boats and gear belonging to the men be confiscated and hand over to the state for disposal. The items include 14 small vessels, 14 Yahmaha 15-hoursepower outboard engines with fuel tanks, 14 spear guns, 14 lobster hooks, 15 pair of masks, 14 air compressors and 14 rolls of breathing tubes. The court was told that Department of Environment

and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) officers received information that a number of small boats were seen fishing in several miles off Bush Cay, which is well within the boundaries of the Turks and Caicos Islands. DEMA, officers responded with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, and later apprehended the men. The boats, fishing equipment and the catch, were seized. In their defence, the men told the court that their captain brought them to the spot and released them before sailing away. They further told the court had they known that the spot was TCI waters, they would have urged the captain to take them elsewhere. Prosecutor Clement Joseph said he was pleased with the way the case turned out because he wanted the court to fine the men with the money to be paid forthwith or they go to prison. Continued on Page 2


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VOLUME 11 ISSUE 29 by The SUN Newspaper - Issuu