Revised firearms laws in Turks and Caicos following detention of multiple U.S. citizens
Recent development occurred weeks after a bipartisan US congressional delegation visited the islands, requesting the dropping of charges for five Americans accused of unknowingly carrying ammunition in their luggage.
It is illegal to bring firearms or ammunition into the territory without prior police approval.
The House of Assembly passed an amendment on June 14, providing courts with the flexibility to impose fines, imprisonment, or a combination of both in rare cases, where appropriate, according to the statement.
Previously, the law enforced courts to impose fines alongside a 12-year prison sentence, though reduced sentences were allowed under exceptional circumstances.
Astwood highlighted that the amendment was designed to address issues with the previous sentencing framework, which strictly handed down both imprisonment and financial penalties for all firearms offenses, without considering the particular circumstances or severity. This often led to overly harsh sentences that didn't always match the crime's nature or the offender's situation.
Bryan Hagerich, one of the five Americans apprehended for carrying ammunition, has returned to the United States following a suspended 52-week sentence and a $6,700 fine. Hagerich was permitted to leave the territory once he paid the fine, as confirmed by his lawyer, Oliver Smith.
Tyler Wenrich admitted to similar charges and was sentenced to the time served and ordered to pay a $9,000 fine, court records show.
Ryan Tyler Watson, another American awaiting sentencing for possession of four rounds of ammunition, is expected to be sentenced on Friday, approximately a month after his guilty plea.
Michael Lee Evans, a 70-year-old Texan found guilty of possession of seven 9mm rounds of ammunition, was scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, though it's unclear if the sentencing took place, based on court records. CNN contacted his attorney for more information.
Sharitta Shinese Grier, a Florida mother, claimed she was unaware of the two rounds of ammunition at the bottom of her luggage when she traveled to Turks and Caicos, according to CNN affiliate WFTV. Grier is awaiting trial and, although she has been released on bail, she cannot leave the island until her case concludes and must report to a local police station weekly, as reported by WFTV. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 5, as the police previously announced.
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The revised firearms laws in Turks and Caicos could potentially impact travelers from around the world, including the Americas, as they now provide courts with more flexibility in sentencing for firearms offenses.
The United States, being a part of the Americas, might see changes in the number of its citizens facing harsh penalties when traveling to Turks and Caicos with firearms or ammunition, due to the revised firearms laws.
