Turks and Caicos is making changes to its firearms law after a recent incident involving several Americans who unknowingly carried ammunition into the British Overseas Territory. The House of Assembly member, Edwin Astwood, announced the revision on Friday.
Following a visit from a bipartisan US congressional delegation, the territory decided to drop charges against five Americans who had inadvertently brought ammunition into the region. It is illegal to bring firearms or ammunition into Turks and Caicos without prior permission from the police.
The amendment to the law, passed on June 14, gives courts the discretion to impose fines, custodial sentences, or a combination of both for firearms-related offenses. Previously, the law mandated a 12-year prison sentence along with a fine, with exceptions for 'exceptional circumstances.'
According to Astwood, the revision aims to address concerns about the inflexibility of the previous sentencing framework, which often led to disproportionately harsh penalties that did not align with the nature of the offense or the offender's circumstances.
One of the Americans involved, Bryan Hagerich, received a suspended 52-week sentence and a $6,700 fine. Another individual, Tyler Wenrich, was sentenced to time served and fined $9,000 for similar charges.
Ryan Tyler Watson, who pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition, is awaiting sentencing. Michael Lee Evans, a Texan in his 70s, faced charges for possessing ammunition and was scheduled for sentencing. Sharitta Shinese Grier, a Florida mother, is currently awaiting trial after unknowingly carrying ammunition in her luggage.
Grier was released on bail but is required to stay on the island until her case concludes, reporting to a local police station weekly. Her next court appearance is set for July 5.
