TCI News
Turks and Caicos Judicial Appointments announced by Governor
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands — Thursday, 20th February 2020 Ensuring there is a vibrant Judiciary that not only dispenses justice, but provides balance to the Executive, is an essential element of democratic law-abiding society.
I’m announcing today three new judicial appointments: the next Chief Justice, a second Judge and the appointment of a new Chief Magistrate for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Over the next month or so I’ll be announcing further judicial appointments linked to the Appeal Court.
In keeping the public informed, let me start by saying something about the process as well as the result.
In making judicial decisions the Governor is not alone. He has outstanding counsel. He makes his decision based on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; a group of three very senior and experienced Judges.
The Commission who advise the Governor are: Justice Sir Michael Barnett, a former Chief Justice of the Bahamas and now a Judge on the Appeal Court of the Bahamas. Justice Hilary Philips, President of the Court of Appeal of Jamaica and Justice Zaila McCalla a former Chief Justice of Jamaica.
It is the JSC who sift the applicants and then choose which applicants they will interview. It is the JSC, and not the Governor, who conducts the interviews. Using the role of Chief Justice as an example the role was advertised internationally, not just regionally, and the JSC received a very strong field of applications.
From this field the JSC chose to interview seven candidates. They don’t ask the Governor’s views on individual candidates either before the sift or before the interview. They did consult with the President of the local Bar and they did canvass individuals to see if there was interest from members of the senior Bar in TCI; no local candidates chose to put themselves forward this time for the role of Chief Justice.
The JSC also canvassed the Governor’s view, not in terms of named candidates but any special requirements the Governor might identify. I said that beyond being an excellent Jurist, and having an independent spirit, TCI needed a Chief Justice with the energy and experience of taking through change in the Justice Sector.
The blue print for that change has been crafted by our outgoing Chief Justice with significant support from those in the wider criminal justice stakeholder group. As a result, all those interviewed were provided with a copy of the Strategy and interviews included questions about approach and implementation.
With regard to the appointments I am now announcing, I have acted on the advice of the JSC, not only in terms of the appointment of a successful named individual, but also in terms of the type of contract that underpins the appointment.
The Islands new Chief Justice will be Mrs Justice Mabel Agyemang.
Mabel Agyemang of Ghana
Justice Agyemang has worked as a Superior Court Judge in three Commonwealth Jurisdictions. At present she is a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Ghana.
She is a product of the University of Ghana and the Ghana School of Law, she was in private legal practice from 1987 to 1991 when she joined the Judiciary of Ghana. In 2002, she was appointed a High Court Judge.
From 2004 to 2014 she was seconded to the Commonwealth Secretariat as an expert to the Judiciaries of The Gambia and Swaziland where she worked as a High Court Judge. She was then appointed an expert Judge of The Gambia Court of Appeal. From 2013 to 2014 she was the Chief Justice of The Gambia. She took up her present role in 2015.
It is worth saying something about her departure from her role in the Gambia. This is a badge of significant honour. She stood up to an autocrat – one of Africa’s most notorious strongmen – Yahya Jammeh – whose 22-year rule only ended in 2017. Through integrity and courage, she attempted to protect the Judiciary from an overarching executive.
It’s probably best I give, as but one example, evidence provided by the Bar Council in the Gambia.
Justice Agyemang was elevated to the position of Chief Justice, a very difficult position to hold in an autocratic regime. The Bar welcomed her appointment as we strongly believed in her independence and capacity to steer the justice system. During her tenure as Chief Justice, she had firm control of the judiciary, as well as the support of the judges, the Bar Association and the judicial staff. She instilled a culture of discipline and professionalism in the Judiciary. The attitude to work by judicial officers dramatically changed, and they became more professional and effective. Punctuality was expected of everyone and she led by example. She introduced reforms to ensure access to justice to litigants and to minimize the unnecessary delays in the dispensation of justice. She initiated the amendment of the Rules of Court to ensure expeditious determination of cases. She was a driver of innovation and reform, introducing ICT solutions to Judges for case law research amongst other things.
It was regrettable that despite her excellent and successful tenure, the President at the time unlawfully terminated her services to the dismay and disappointment of the entire legal fraternity. At that period of the time, the then autocratic President was doing everything possible to control the Judiciary. Indeed, the departure of Justice Mabel Agyemang was sorely felt, as she left an indelible mark in our judicial sector.
The new Chief Justice herself asked the JSC that she be employed on a three-year contract and that was the JSC’s recommendation to me, which I have accepted.
The Islands new Puisne Judge will be Ms Tanya Lobban-Jackson.
Ms Tanya Lobban-Jackson has been the extremely effective Chief Magistrate of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Magistrates Courts, where the vast majority of cases are heard have had conviction rates of 80% that mirror the UK’s and they have a reputation for efficiency.
Ms Lobban-Jackson was appointed to the post of Chief Magistrate of the Turks and Caicos Islands in August of 2016. In that post she was ex officio Coroner and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty Authority.
Prior to being appointed to the Magistracy, Ms. Lobban-Jackson was a Senior Prosecutor in Jamaica and Senior Crown Counsel in the Cayman Islands gaining eighteen years’ experience in advocacy in the Magistrate’s Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Trained in the areas of Child Safeguarding, Human Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Case Management; she was first appointed to act as Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands in December of 2018 and has done so periodically since then.
Ms Lobban-Jackson as Chief Magistrate alongside her now colleague Mr Justice Aziz, who remains with us in TCI, have both been instrumental in building a consensus in the TCI Judiciary that has resulted in the strategy that the new Chief Justice will drive forward.
The JSC’s recommendation was that Ms Lobban-Jackson should be appointed with tenure until she reach’s the age of constitutional retirement. A recommendation that I have accepted.
Mr Jolyon Hatmin will be the next Chief Magistrate of TCI.
Mr Hatmin was appointed Resident Magistrate in the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2012. Prior to this he was the Managing Attorney of the Legal Aid Authority in his native Guyana, representing clients at the civil and criminal bar. He also worked as a Legal Advisor to the Guyana Sugar Corporation and was a public prosecutor for several years. He was first admitted to the Bar in 2000.
Mr Hatmin has built a reputation for sound judgements in his role as a Magistrate and his promotion will also allow him a seat at the senior stake-holders group that will take forward reform of the Justice sector and is to be welcomed.
In Summary: We will have in TCI a reforming Chief Justice, a Chief Justice who has won the respect of the Bar and Bench in multiple Commonwealth jurisdictions, a Chief Justice highly regarded by the Commonwealth Secretariat, and a Chief Justice who stood up for the Judiciary against an extremely powerful autocratic Executive.
Working with her we will have two excellent Judges, Justice Aziz and Justice Lobban-Jackson who have been instrumental in building the strategy that our new Chief Justice will take forward. The appointment of Mr. Hatmin as Chief Magistrate – and the elevation of Justice Lobban-Jackson -should reassure TCI that a drive for improvement, through change, will not be at the expense of continuity.
PRESS RELEASE FROM TCI GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – Public reaction across the Turks and Caicos Islands was immediate and, in some cases, heated after the Government confirmed in the House of Assembly on Friday, March 13, that it is exploring a move from Associate Member to full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The announcement, delivered by Acting Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services Jamell Robinson, sparked strong concern among residents, particularly over fears that full membership could require the territory to accept free movement of labour or weaken its immigration controls.
Social media commentary over the weekend questioned why there had been no public consultation and whether the move signaled a shift in
the country’s political direction.
However, a review of the official statement and follow-up remarks made by Robinson this week shows the proposal is not sudden, is not final, and would require approval from all fifteen CARICOM member states before the Turks and Caicos Islands could become a full member.
NOT A NEW IDEA
In his ministerial statement to Parliament, Robinson confirmed that discussions about full membership have been taking place within regional forums for some time.
“As an Associate Member of CARICOM, the Turks and Caicos Islands also participated in caucus meetings and discussions among Overseas Territories and Associate Members regarding regional cooperation and the continued advancement toward full membership within the CARICOM Community,” he told the House.
He added that full membership would allow the territory to engage more directly in decisions affecting the region.
“Full membership in CARICOM would present meaningful opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It would strengthen our ability to engage more fully in regional decision-making… and ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands is better positioned to benefit from collective advocacy and coordinated action on issues of common concern.”
The idea of deeper integration is not new. Since the return of elected government in 2012, successive administrations have promoted stronger ties with CARICOM.
Former Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing regularly attended Heads of Government meetings and spoke openly about the importance of regional cooperation, even suggesting that long-term political development for the territory would likely place it closer to the Caribbean than to Britain.
Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson also maintained active participation in CARICOM during her term, focusing on security cooperation, economic recovery, and regional partnerships, though her administration did not pursue full membership.
Under the current administration, Premier Charles Washington Misick has repeatedly said stronger regional integration is necessary for economic stability, security cooperation, and food supply resilience.
FREE MOVEMENT FEARS ADDRESSED
Much of the public backlash centered on the belief that full membership would force the Turks and Caicos Islands to accept the CARICOM free movement of labour provisions.
Speaking Monday to Cheryl Forman, host of First Edition on Radio Turks and Caicos, Robinson said that is not the position being taken by the Government.
“We’re looking for full membership, and just to be clear right off the bat, the Turks and Caicos is not looking to sign on to the free movement
of labour portion of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” he said.
He noted that other British Overseas Territories and even some CARICOM members have negotiated exemptions.
“Just like Bermuda, just like the BVI… The Bahamas did not sign off on that portion. Free movement across the region does not even exist in the way people think. It applies only to certain skills and professions.”
Robinson stressed that any agreement would be negotiated and would not remove the territory’s ability to control immigration.
“The full membership process isn’t going to be a case where we lose our ability to determine our immigration and labour policies. Those are things that will form part of our negotiated position.”
WHY GOVERNMENT WANTS FULL MEMBERSHIP
Robinson outlined several reasons the administration believes deeper integration could benefit the territory.
One argument is that Associate Members can participate in discussions but do not have voting power.
“You can think of it as being part of a club. As an associate member, you don’t get all the benefits. You can sit in the room, but you don’t always have a final say in decisions that may impact you.”
He also said regional partnerships have already proven critical in national security.
“If it were not for the ability of our Premier to pick up the phone and speak to Prime Minister Davis in The Bahamas and Prime Minister Holness in Jamaica, our crime situation would be completely different,” Robinson said, referring to the deployment of tactical officers from both countries to assist local police operations.
He added that closer ties could also help reduce the cost of living through regional trade.
“In some cases, the very same products we import from the United States originate in the Caribbean, go to the US to be repackaged, and
then come back to us. If we can trade more directly within the region, that could help bring down prices.”
Robinson also pointed to discussions within CARICOM about improving regional shipping, food production, and transportation links, including plans for Guyana to become a major agricultural supplier for the region.
NOT A GUARANTEE
Despite the public debate, Robinson emphasized that full membership is not automatic.
Any application must be negotiated and approved by all CARICOM member states, meaning the Turks and Caicos Islands cannot simply decide to join on its own terms.
That reality, he said, is why the Government is still developing its negotiating position, including work on population policy, immigration strategy, and labour planning before any final step is taken.
The debate now unfolding across the territory reflects more than a policy proposal.
It highlights a deeper question that has existed for more than a decade — whether the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies primarily with the United Kingdom, or increasingly with the Caribbean region to which it is geographically, economically, and culturally connected.
For now, full CARICOM membership remains only a possibility — but one that has clearly stirred strong emotions in a country still deciding how far regional integration should go.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – Women serving across the Turks and Caicos Islands’ national security agencies were honoured
during a special International Women’s Day observance hosted by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, highlighting the growing role of women in law enforcement, defence and border protection.
The Governor hosted the second annual Women in Uniform Brunch, bringing together female officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, Border Force and His Majesty’s Prison Service for a morning of recognition, reflection and inspiration.
Delivering the keynote address was Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, who is widely regarded as one of the region’s most accomplished military leaders and one of the first women in the world to head a national armed force.
Her address focused on leadership, discipline and the importance of resilience in uniformed service, encouraging women to pursue advancement in fields traditionally dominated by men. Attendees responded with a standing ovation, as the Vice Admiral spoke about the responsibility of women in security services to lead with courage, professionalism and integrity.
The event formed part of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ observance of International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated globally under the
theme of advancing equality, strengthening opportunity and recognising the contributions of women in every sector of society.
Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam said the service of women in uniform plays a critical role in strengthening institutions, protecting communities and building public trust, noting that their leadership continues to inspire the next generation of officers across the territory.
In addition to the keynote address, participants attended presentations on financial empowerment and personal wellbeing, aimed at encouraging women in service to invest in their personal development alongside their professional responsibilities.
Several officers were also recognised for outstanding contributions.
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Meshelle Jennings received the Selfless Service Award, while Police Sergeant Desiree Hunt-Forbes was honoured for building community trust.
Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment Marine Kentoya Parker received the Integrity in Leadership Award, and Senior Border Force Officer Marylee Wilson and Prison Officer Aloida Henry were both recognised for resilient service.
Officials said the event reflects a continued commitment to supporting women across the territory’s security services, at a time when regional cooperation and strong leadership remain essential to maintaining safety and stability.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
News
Statistics Authority Highlights Trade Data as Turks & Caicos Records $227M in Imports for Q4 2025
Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority is highlighting the importance of reliable
economic data following the release of its latest Trade Statistics Bulletin, which shows the country recorded approximately $227 million in imports during the fourth quarter of 2025.
The detailed report provides a clear breakdown of where goods entering the Turks and Caicos Islands are coming from, the types of products being imported, and the revenue generated from trade-related activity. The figures offer valuable insight into the level of economic activity across the country and the continued demand driven by tourism, construction, and consumer spending.
According to the bulletin, the United States remained by far the largest supplier of goods, accounting for more than $200 million in imports during the quarter. This represents the majority of all goods entering the Turks and Caicos Islands and reflects the territory’s long-standing dependence on U.S. markets for food, fuel, machinery, building materials, and consumer products.
The Dominican Republic was the second largest source of imports, supplying just over $4.1 million in goods, while The Bahamas ranked third, with approximately $1.8 million in imports recorded for the period. The report also noted increasing trade with
countries such as China, Panama, Switzerland, Poland, and India, showing that businesses continue to expand their supply networks beyond traditional partners.
In terms of the types of goods being imported, the bulletin shows strong activity in categories such as food and live animals, mineral fuels, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals, all of which are essential to supporting the tourism industry, infrastructure development, and everyday life in the islands.
The report also tracks revenue collected from international trade, including fuel tax, customs processing fees, and motor vehicle licensing, providing another measure of economic performance during the quarter.
Officials say the quarterly Trade Statistics Bulletin is an important tool for government, businesses, and the public, offering accurate information presented through clear tables, charts, and graphics that make complex data easier to understand.
For a small, import-dependent economy like the Turks and Caicos Islands, access to reliable statistics remains critical. By continuing to publish detailed trade reports, the Statistics Authority helps ensure that decisions about growth, investment, and development are based on sound information.
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