Government
Home Affairs Local Government Survey
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 11, 2023 – The Ministry of Home Affairs is calling for residents to share their opinions on Local Government in the Turks and Caicos Islands as they attempt to set up a system in the country.
The 32 question survey quizzes residents on a variety of topics including:
- whether a local government is necessary
- Which islands should get local a government with the possibility of only giving it to islanders with a particular
- How representatives should be appointed
- How powerful the representatives should be and whether they should receive salaries
Bisected by water, the Turks and Caicos islands have seen a lopsided development not only in tourism but in the distribution of government services. Residents have complained in the past about having to travel from one island to another for necessary services and expressed a desire for local government representation.
North and Middle Caicos residents were particularly vocal on the issue in a 2022 town hall. At the time, Washington Misick, TCI Premier, had said it was unlikely that a local government would make it to the twin islands but with the survey open, they can now make their opinions heard.
The Turks and Caicos government has been conducting research with The Bahamas on their own local government structure which TCIG believes, could work locally given their similar geographical makeup.