Justice

The Director of Public Prosecutions has formally discontinued all human trafficking and prostitution-related charges against Oren Walkin and his wife, Maria Alexandra Pineda de Walkin. This legal action concludes the high-profile criminal proceedings in the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court, which were set to face a defence challenge regarding abuse of process on October 9th, 2026. A nolle prosequi was entered before Mr. Justice Chris Selochan on October 8th, 2026, effectively ending the prosecution of the couple without an acquittal. The final indictment had accused the pair of controlling prostitution for gain, keeping a brothel, and trafficking in persons, charges they consistently denied since being initially charged in March 2025. The prosecution provided no official reason for its decision to drop the case, which followed a lengthy series of evolving indictments originating from a police operation at the Red Bar on South Dock Road, Providenciales, in October 2024. Following the court’s decision, the couple's bail conditions have been lifted, and their travel documents, including passports, are to be returned. While the court indicated it would entertain an application for legal costs, the defence has not yet confirmed if they will pursue this option. The case, which began with the discovery of several women at the establishment in 2024, is now considered closed by the judicial system.

On October 7, 2026, Justice Tunde Bakre sentenced two Five Cays men to life imprisonment for the 2024 murder of Evason Walkin. Jevano Arthur and Archley Forbes must serve at least 28 years before becoming eligible for parole. The Supreme Court convicted the pair for the October 10, 2024, killing in the Club Med Yard area of Providenciales. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) stated the sentencing concluded a complex investigation and remains committed to “pursuing justice for victims of violent crime.”

Two additional suspects have been charged in connection with an aggravated burglary at Aqua Blue Villa in Blue Hills, Providenciales, bringing the total number of defendants to three. These charges stem from an investigation into the incident that occurred on September 6, 2026. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) identified the new defendants as Maia Ashley Shenique Cox, charged on September 24, 2026, and D'Angelo Delancy, who was charged on October 4, 2026. The investigation involves allegations of handling stolen goods, theft of a chose in action, and obtaining property or pecuniary advantage by deception. Police stated they remain committed to prosecuting all individuals involved, though they provided no further details due to the ongoing court proceedings.

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) charged Wilkie Arthur of Providenciales with perverting the course of public justice. Police allege Arthur submitted a false document to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on October 8, 2026, claiming a complainant wanted to withdraw a criminal case. The Serious Crime Unit investigation concerns a case involving threatening letters to kill from March 2026. That matter remains before the Supreme Court; Arthur appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on October 9, 2026.

The Crown is pursuing confiscation orders against former Premier Michael Misick, former Cabinet minister McAllister “Piper” Hanchell, and attorney Thomas Chalmers “Chal” Misick that could exceed a combined $129 million. Proceedings for the three men, convicted in the Turks and Caicos Islands earlier this year, are scheduled for October 26, 2026. The amounts include approximately $40 million from Michael Misick, $6 million from Hanchell, and over $83 million from Thomas Chalmers Misick. Under the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 1998, the court will set final amounts and may impose up to ten additional years in prison for non-payment. This time would be served after completing their current sentences. Serving time does not cancel the debt, which continues to accrue interest, and the Crown may seek to increase orders within six years of conviction if additional criminal gains are identified. While the hearing is set for later this month, a replacement judge has not been appointed following the exit of Mr. Justice Rajendra Narine. This vacancy, alongside the lack of a confirmed date for the men's substantive appeals, creates uncertainty. Defendants may apply to reduce the order through a certificate of inadequacy if assets are insufficient, a process requiring formal court approval.

The Barbados government is preparing to appeal a High Court ruling issued on September 23, 2026, which overturned a magistrate's decision to send former CLICO Life Insurance Company chairman Leroy Parris to trial. The court order effectively halted the prosecution of Parris regarding BDS$3.3 million in alleged theft and conspiracy. Justice Michelle Weekes quashed the committal, citing that the magistrate acted unconstitutionally and against natural justice principles. The ruling also prevents the Director of Public Prosecutions from proceeding with the indictment against Parris, who was originally charged in 2012 with stealing funds between 2008 and 2009. King’s Counsel Roger Forde, representing the state, maintained the case remains active, stating, “The matter is not yet over.” Defense attorney Hal Gollop KC said his client was pleased the court gave the case a “stamp of disapproval.” The state intends to file an appeal to challenge the High Court's decision. While the court has yet to issue its full written reasons for the ruling, it will hear submissions regarding damages and costs early next year. The matter has been formally adjourned until February 23, 2027, when legal proceedings are scheduled to resume.

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne is criticizing Caribbean judicial sentencing, arguing that leniency regarding gun crimes threatens regional safety. On September 29, 2026, he stated that mandatory sentencing is necessary because judicial discretion has led to repeat offenders, while lawyers in Jamaica simultaneously protested against mandatory minimums. Prime Minister Browne claimed that criminals caught with illegal firearms often receive short prison terms, enabling them to commit further violent acts. In contrast, lawyers in Kingston staged a silent protest against the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, arguing that mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years prevent judges from considering individual case circumstances. The protest, titled ‘Enough Is Enough – Silent Protest: A Fairer Firearms Act for a Safer Jamaica,’ saw attorneys calling for a review of these provisions, which they claim restrict judicial independence. Jamaica’s Justice Minister Delroy Chuck expressed disappointment regarding the protest but confirmed his willingness to engage in dialogue. The government is currently considering the matter, with a meeting scheduled to address the attorneys' threat to abandon the courts during the week of October 5, 2026, if their demands for a sentencing review remain unmet.

On September 23, 2026, attorneys in Jamaica held a silent protest outside the Supreme Court to demand a review of mandatory sentencing requirements within the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022. The legal professionals argue that the current law, which imposes a 15-year minimum sentence for certain offenses, unfairly strips judges of their discretion. President of the Jamaica Bar Association Tenneshia Watkins stated that the current sentencing regime fails to account for individual case circumstances or guilty pleas, creating systemic injustices. While Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has indicated that repealing these mandatory minimums is unlikely due to the legislation’s role in reducing violent crime, the protesting lawyers maintain they are not opposed to fighting gun violence. King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie emphasized that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions supports reviewing the law, noting that the protest is not politically motivated. The lawyers are now calling for a meeting with government officials to discuss potential amendments. If their request for dialogue is ignored, they have threatened to withdraw their services from the courts beginning the week of September 27, 2026.