Courtesy Calls, Historic Tour, Parliament Opening & Prime Minister’s Soiree; TCI Delegation attends Opening of Parliament in The Bahamas

#TheBahamas, October 8, 2021 – The TCI delegation to The Bahamas for the Opening of Parliament in New Providence was more than a set of seats in the audience but a string of opportunities which strengthened diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Led by Speaker of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, the Hon Gordon Burton, upon the invitation of the new Government of The Bahamas, the party of five made courtesy calls, visited the 292 year-old Parliament and attended a reception hosted by Prime Minister Hon Philip Davis.

“During the four day visit the delegation was treated very well by the Bahamian Government and people and the delegation received the highest level of protocol from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Prime Minister and the House of Assembly, informed Hon Burton, “On Monday, 4th October the delegation made a courtesy call on the Hon. Phillip Brave Davis and a number of members of his Cabinet and staff.  On Monday, the delegation also made a courtesy call on the new Speaker Elect of the House of Assembly, M’s. Patricia Deveaux.  The delegation then met with the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr. David Forbes and was given a tour of the House of Assembly (which is undergoing renovations) and the Senate Chambers.  The Clerk then gave the delegation a history lesson on House and Senate throughout the years of their existence.”

The Opening of Parliament and ceremonious reading of the Speech from the Throne was held, for the first time away from Parliament and Rawson Squares due to ongoing construction, the need for physical distancing in accordance with Covid-19 public health protocols and inclement weather, informed a government issued statement.  The Convention Center of the Baha Mar Resort proved the ideal setting for the auspicious event.

Thirty-nine members of parliament and 16 senators were duly sworn in and the Speech from the Throne, which dictates the Government’s legislative agenda and culminates campaign promises made to the Electorate, were read by His Excellency, Hon Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General of The Bahamas.

It was reported that some 1,200 people attended the posh event.

“An invitation was extended by the House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to the House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands to attend the opening of Parliament held Wednesday, 6th October.”

The delegation informed the Speaker was comprised of himself, Hon Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition; Hon Shaun Malcolm, 5th All Island Member and the Clerk to the HOA, Mrs. Tracey Parker made up the official delegation. The Speaker’s wife Zaneta Burton also attended the event.

“After the public ceremony the delegation was then invited to attend the private proceedings in the House Chamber. On the conclusion of the House Sitting the delegation was invited to attend a reception hosted by the Hon. Prime Minister Davis. In the evening the delegation also was able to spend time with the Hon. Jobeth Coleby-Davis, the Minister of Transportation and Housing.

Traditionally, members of the Cabinet, led by the Turks and Caicos Premier would be in attendance on the occasion; however, a previously scheduled TCI Cabinet retreat on the island of South Caicos prevented that happening.

The TCI House of Assembly delegation left on Sunday, 3rd October and returned today 7th October 2021.