Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – “Today we gather at a defining moment in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands made even more meaningful as it coincides with International Human Rights Day,” the words H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI Governor used to set the stage for an auspicious ceremony.

With thanks to the Speaker of the House, Hon Gordon Burton, Her Excellency added, “This amended constitution is more than a legal framework, it is a reaffirmation of our shared humanity. It reminds us that a constitution is not static, it is a living covenant between a people and their ideals, adapting as society evolves to ensure no one is left behind.”

In a rare appearance at the House of Assembly, the governor reminded of the enormous cadre of people who contributed to the success of a constitution, which now more closely resembles and reflects the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It has been roughly 12 years since the 2011 Constitution Order was presented by London to the people of the TCI.  The culmination of a contentious process where islanders indisputably demonstrated their disdain for the document.  It had been vocally rejected, set ablaze and burned to ashes before being reported to the international community – from CARICOM to the United Nations – as “regressive”.

“As we sign this proclamation, we honour our nation’s past while embracing the promise of its future,” explained Daniel-Selveratnam.

The Amendment Order has now been accepted in bi-partisan fashion by members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly.  The gains were generally viewed as substantial and number at least 12, according to information recently communicated by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

“The Draft 2024 Order proposes several amendments to the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In particular, it –

• changes the name of the House of Assembly to Parliament and Ordinance to Law;
• with effect from the next dissolution of the Parliament, changes the maximum Parliamentary term from four to five years;
• abolishes appointed members of Parliament other than the Attorney General;
• clarifies that the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet has autonomous capacity with respect to domestic affairs; sets out matters relating to external affairs that the Governor must delegate;
• makes provision for the Governor to appoint a greater number of Ministers than the six normally permitted in addition to the Premier, with the total cap being higher than that brought in by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order 2021;
• establishes several new bodies: a Cabinet Office and a Cabinet Secretary, a Police and Defence Service Commission, an International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution and provides that a Constitutional Commission may be Established;
• makes constitutional provision for some entities and items already in existence: the National Security Council, the TCI Regiment and the National Crest;
• removes the regulation of international financial services from the Governor’s special responsibilities and establishes an independent body for the regulation of financial services;
• provides a power for a referendum to be held on matters of national importance;
• makes amendments to the composition of the Electoral District Boundary Commission and to its functions;
• revokes the Turks and Caicos Islands (Electoral District Boundary Commission) Order 2011.

Signing the proclamation were the Governor, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam; Hon Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Hon Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition.

Members of the House passed the Amendments on Thursday October 17, 2024.  The Order took effect in early November.

“On International Human Rights Day, let us be reminded that the pursuit of justice and freedom is a universal endeavour.  Let this moment inspire us to continue striving for a democracy that reflects the highest aspirations of its people.  A nation guided not by power, but by principles.

Together we have demonstrated that Constitutional Reform is a profound act of strength and renewal.”

Deandrea Hamilton
Editor

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – The recently held Special Needs Conference hosted by the TCI Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) exposed participants to three dynamic speakers with the aim of ushering in an era of progress and change in special education.

In her remarks to open the event which was held on November 22 at Brayton Hall, Dr Anya Malcolm, SENS Director said the event is a reflection of the audacity and success of the department since its inception at the start of the year.

“This conference is about so much more than just presentations, it’s about breaking barriers, shifting mindsets and building a future where no child is left behind,” said Dr. Malcolm.

Dr. Sally Rogers, Mrs. Yolande Robinson, and Mrs. Sheryl Patterson were named as the speakers, tackling the topics: Understanding Autism: Evidence based interventions and practical strategies for home and classroom; Understanding Learning differences: Cognitive, Emotional aspects of Special Education Needs and Collaborative Approaches to Supporting Students with Special Needs.

“These individuals are not just experts, they are trailblazers in their fields and we are deeply honoured to have them with us today. They will challenge us to think differently, inspire us with their insights and arm us with strategies to better serve the children and families at the heart of our work. A special education conference like this is not just relevant, it is urgent.”

The theme for the conference was: “Inclusive Education, Bridging Gaps, Building Futures.”

The director explained the timeliness of the event, announcing that the demand for quality special needs education is growing in the Turks and Caicos; she described the focus on improving these offerings as urgent.

“When I took on the role of director, I saw both the potential and the challenges. Special Education wasn’t celebrated, it was sidelined.

The SNAP center had children but no real structure, no principal and two teachers. Today, we have 21 remarkable children enrolled, a growing waiting list, a dedicated principal and five passionate special education teachers. What was once stigmatised is now a source of pride. Now it’s celebrated as it should be,” informed the director.

Today, the SENS Department has served more than 250 children in therapy and special camps since its inception. Additionally, eight professional teams have conducted assessments, evaluations and interventions within the islands.

“Some of these children have waited years to be seen.”

The director informed those registered for the conference that the department is committed to getting things done.

“This is not boasting, this is confidence. Confidence built on results, on teamwork, on a vision that refuses to settle for less than excellence. And let me be clear, this is not a one woman show. It takes a village, and I am proud to say that we have built one. To my team, you have worked tirelessly to make today and every initiative since January 2024, a success.”

Director, Dr. Anya Malcolm reiterated her message that the infrastructure for special needs education is under robust construction; no child, she said, will be left behind and all children in the education system of the Turks and Caicos will be given the opportunity to shine

The Bahamas, December 9, 2024 – In June of 2022, Prime Minister Philip Davis attended the Summit of the Americas, where regional migration was one of the items on the agenda.

During the Summit, countries were asked to sign a declaration on migration, which included language suggesting that countries support and host undocumented migrants.

The Bahamas did not sign this declaration, although 20 countries in the region did.

The Prime Minister made it clear to President Jo Biden that our country will not bear this burden.  We need to devote Bahamian resources to solving Bahamian problems.

Earlier this week, NBC News and other media reported that the Trump transition team is proposing a list of countries to which it may deport migrants, and that The Bahamas, along with other nations in the region, was included on the list.

Our office released a statement in response to the list and proposal as reported by the media, and restated our country’s position, which is that we are unwilling and unable to accept migrants.

To be clear, our office responded to the proposal as characterized by the press, rather than any formal proposal made to us by President-elect Trump’s transition team, with whom we have not discussed the matter.

Our countries have long enjoyed a strong, productive relationship based on mutual interests.

We look forward to engaging constructively across a range of important issues with the incoming Trump Administration.