TCI delegation to Bahamas gains exceptional Local Gov’t insight  

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff writer 

#TurksandCaicos, April 6, 2023 – The Government is continuing its journey to strengthen Local Government in the Turks and Caicos as a recent TCI delegation visited the Bahamas for a “comprehensive fact-finding mission on Local Government structures.” 

Comprehensive is a perfect descriptor for the jam packed 10-day visit, which saw the delegation meet with top government officials but also participate in cultural activities.

The four-man team of Mr. Fredrico Johnson and Ms. TeAnn Thomas, Deputy Permanent Secretaries for the Ministry of Home Affairs; Mrs. Yvette Cox, District Commissioner; and Mrs. Bernadine Smith, administrative support, became active participants in The Bahamas’ Local Government system.

A press release from the Government issued on April 4^th, indicated they had sat in on town committees, as well as appointed boards throughout different islands and cays.

Having an efficient Local Government system is important for all countries, but especially so for countries like The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos, as the different islands and cays are separated by water. This separation can slow down decision making in times of emergency; it can mean slow infrastructural development and cause communication issues. A good Local Government structure allows the legislature to vault those hurdles with ease.

Dependent as the country is on tourism, and the nuances of culture between each island, the delegation also had opportunities to experience the culture of the country through its festivals, cuisine, tours of its islands and more. The Government says these experiences were intentionally chosen ‘to expose the team to different ways local councils could utilize resources within their communities to generate revenue and enhance their communities.’

In addition to that, the delegation met those at the highest level of government including the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, the Minister of Local Government, the Parliamentary Secretary (Supervisor of Elections), various council and town committee members, and Family Island Administrators.

“These meetings provided great insights into the electoral process, the benefits and challenges of local governance, as well as the relationship and synergy between District Councilors and Family Island Administrators – which is critical to the success of Local Government,” the press release explained.

Residents in the family islands, North Caicos in particular, have been agitating for Local Government systems to be put in place for them.