Turks and Caicos Police recently charged an American woman, Sharitta Shinise Grier, with ammunition possession, a crime that carries a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. Grier, 45, was visiting the country with her daughter for Mother’s Day when officials allegedly found two rounds of illegal ammunition in her luggage during a routine search at the Howard Hamilton International Airport. Grier was arrested and charged, with her daughter later being released. She is expected in court on Thursday, and attorney information for the defendant is not yet available. This incident is the fifth time this year that an American has been charged under Turks and Caicos’ gun laws.
Two years ago, Turks and Caicos tightened their gun laws, prohibiting civilian firearms or ammunition and imposing a minimum 12-year prison sentence for offenders. It is illegal to transport firearms or ammunition to or from any Caribbean country without a license, according to U.S. laws. Grier’s situation comes amidst calls from several U.S. governors for the release of three men who have been jailed in Turks and Caicos over similar charges. The governors’ letter to the island’s governor urged the release of the detained men to create mutual recognition of laws and improve relations between the U.S. and Turks and Caicos.
Other Americans charged under Turks and Caicos’ gun laws this year include Bryan Hagerich from Pennsylvania, who pled guilty to possession of 20 rounds of ammunition after being arrested in February, claiming he forgot the hunting ammunition was in his bag. Michael Lee Evans from Texas also pled guilty to possession of seven 9mm rounds of ammunition in his luggage and is awaiting sentencing. Additionally, Tyler Scott Wenrich, 31, was charged in April after officials found illegal ammunition in his baggage during a checkpoint at Turks and Caicos while he was traveling on a cruise. These incidents have led to criticism from the defendants’ families and U.S. officials who claim the island’s laws and penalties are too strict.
Ryan and Valerie Watson from Oklahoma were charged in Turks and Caicos after hunting ammunition was found in Ryan Watson’s carry-on bag before they flew home. While Valerie Watson’s charges were dropped, Ryan Watson was released on bond but remains on the island as his court case continues. Watson denied knowing the ammunition was in his bag. The involvement of U.S. citizens in cases related to firearms and ammunition in Turks and Caicos has raised concerns about the enforcement of laws and the severity of penalties. The U.S. governors’ letter calling for the release of the jailed men reflects a broader effort to address these issues and ensure fair treatment of American travelers.
The incidents involving Americans charged under Turks and Caicos’ gun laws highlight the potential consequences of violating firearm and ammunition regulations in the country. The importing or possessing of illegal firearms or ammunition can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. The cases of Grier, Hagerich, Evans, and others shed light on the challenges faced by travelers who may unknowingly violate local laws and face legal consequences as a result. The efforts by U.S. governors to advocate for the release of detained individuals demonstrate a commitment to upholding justice and goodwill between the U.S. and Turks and Caicos.
