Turks and Caicos officials have criticized remarks from US lawmakers pressing for the release of Americans arrested on ammunition charges, facing potential 12-year sentences.
Premier Washington Misick, in a House of Assembly address, called US Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s accusations against the Turks and Caicos government and people “diabolic falsehoods.”
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Reschenthaler had claimed that Americans were being wrongfully detained in the islands every third week. He also highlighted concerns about the prison conditions flagged by the UN.
A US congressional delegation visited the islands to advocate for the release of five Americans charged with possession of ammunition. The Americans, including Michael Lee Evans, Bryan Hagerich, and Tyler Wenrich, have pleaded guilty. Hagerich’s sentencing is imminent, while others await court decisions.
Reschenthaler demanded that the Americans receive no jail time, arguing their actions were innocent mistakes, typically resolved with fines in other countries.
Premier Misick emphasized the necessity of applying the law evenly, noting that out of 195 firearm-related sentences in six years, only seven involved US citizens. He reiterated that importing firearms or ammunition without police permission is strictly forbidden, carrying a minimum 12-year sentence.
Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratna affirmed the strong US-Turks and Caicos relationship and criticized Reschenthaler’s misrepresentation of their meeting. She highlighted the legal provisions for reduced sentences in exceptional cases, noting no US citizen had received the full 12-year sentence to date.
Misick underscored the island’s commitment to safety and security, citing the increasing influx of firearms. Opposition member Alvin Garland supported the governor’s non-interference in ongoing cases but suggested that the Americans’ cases might qualify for reduced sentences under exceptional circumstances.
The US and Turks and Caicos continue to cooperate on issues like narcotics, terrorism, and money laundering, despite differing legal frameworks.
