Government
Fresh feel for Turks & Caicos House of Assembly in return to NJS Francis Building
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – Renewed and better than ever the NJS Francis building has once again been christened as the home of the House of Assembly following a March 21 reopening ceremony.
“As we gather on this auspicious occasion I am filled with a sense of pride, duty, hope and determination. Across our islands we are
Williams detailed the history of the establishment The NJS Francis building served as the home of the House of Assembly for 11 years, from 2006 when the Legislative Council was changed to the HOA until 2017 when it sustained heavy damages during Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The following year the auditorium of the HJ Robinson High School was appointed the meeting place for the House of Assembly and repairs began at the NJS Building. Those repairs have only just been completed and the members are back in the true home of the Assembly.
“I believe it is fair to say that some five years and four months later we had overstayed our welcome,” Williams said. She continued “Following significant investment it is with great pride that the House of Assembly is now able to return to the NJS Francis building in the nation’s capital and to once again proclaim it is the official House of Assembly on the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Williams urged those in the HOA to fight for justice progress and the common good.
Washington Misick, TCI Premier, raised a motion of thanks, which was seconded by Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, acknowledging those who had worked to make the building renovation a reality.
Thanked were Olympic Construction, Gordon Burton, House Speaker; Tracey Parker, the HOA Clerk, the HJ Robinson High School body, the Ministry of Physical Planning and others.
“This honourable House thanks the public for their patience during the period that the House of Assembly was away,” Misick maintained.
Stressing the importance of architecture, he said:
“I have a deep sense of pride to be back in the people’s house after five years— the authority we exercise here is given to us by the people, and we must never forget it.“
The police band was on hand to add to the festivities as Members on both sides of the house expressed excitement about the
“To my colleagues whose first time it is in this chamber, take it in, take your pictures and enjoy this moment, this is an amazing moment,” said Akierra Missick, Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and chair of the Commonwealth Women’s Parliament TCI Branch.
The House of Assembly has traded the warm interior walls for a fairer shade and the decision for a brighter lighting treatment in the decor appears to let the sunshine in on the people’s business. What has returned is the classic emerald green carpeting and wood finished furnishings. There has been an upgrade in the utilities and as is customary, photos of previous leaders and Speakers of the House adorn the hallowed walls.