GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS, 18 APRIL 2024 – Section 61 of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution relates to the appointment of an Electoral District Boundary Commission. On 26th February 2024, Her Excellency the Acting Governor Mrs. Anya Williams. appointed a Boundaries Commission to review and alter the present boundaries and make changes, if necessary.
The following persons were appointed as members of the Committee:
Rev Dr. Julia E Williams Retired Civil Servant and Methodist Minister (Chairman)
Hon Justice K Neville Adderley M.B.
(Member)
Ms Tremaine R S Harvey LLB(hons) Attorney at Law (Member)
The Constitution also stipulates that a Commission after appointment may regulate its procedure and, with the Governor acting in her discretion, may confer powers and impose duties on any public officer, or any authority of the Government for the purpose of discharge of its functions.
For the purpose of discharge of its functions , the Commission
- May invite views from members of the public.
- Shall consult the public about the draft of its report; and
- May seek advice as it considers appropriate.
The Commission and its members , under the Constitution, shall NOT be subject to the direction and control of any person or authority.
The Commission will review the boundaries of the Electoral Districts, and submit to the Governor and House of Assembly, a report on their findings.:-
- Stating that in the opinion of the commission, no changes to these boundaries is required, OR
- Recommending the changes in those boundaries specified in the report.
In determining its recommendations, the Commission under subsection (1) (b), and in determining whether or not to recommend any changes in the electoral district boundaries, the Commission shall ensure that the electoral districts contain, so far as is reasonably practicable, approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
In order to be successful in its deliberations and produce an efficient report to HE the Governor, the Commission will visit ALL islands, have discussions with members of the public and have public meetings.
Deliberations will commence as follows:-
WEEK BEGINNING 8TH -12TH APRIL 2024
Meetings with Chief Statistician
Meeting with Director of Survey and Mapping
Meeting with Supervisor of Elections
( Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually)
DRAFT REPORT COMPLETED BY 30TH APRIL 2024
6THto 10TH MAY 2024
Courtesy calls – HE the Governor
Hon Premier
Hon Leader of the Opposition
Hon Attorney General
(Secretary to make appointments for meetings to be held virtually)
MEETING WITH GROUPS FACE TO FACE – 13TH -16TH MAY 2024
13th May 2024 Salt Cay in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
Grand Turk in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
14th May 2024 South Caicos at 6.30 pm
15th May 2024 North Caicos in the evening at 6.30 p.m.
16th May 2024 Middle Caicos in the morning at 10.00 a.m.
17th May 2024
During the afternoon the Commission will visit the electoral boundaries in Providenciales with an officer from the Lands and Survey Office Meeting in Providenciales at 7.00 p.m.
(Secretary to make appointments for travel, meeting places, transport, accommodation in Salt Cay, Grand Turk. South Caicos, Middle Caicos , North Caicos and in Providenciales)