News
Expands, Extends and Establishes; Constitutional Changes get Unanimous Support in HOA
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2024 – Constitutional change in the Turks and Caicos is passed in the House of Assembly and among other things, the amendments expand the elected members of the Assembly and the potential size of the Cabinet, it extends the time a duly elected government will serve in office and it establishes the House as a parliament.
“Whereas the Order makes several amendments to the constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, particular it changes the name of the House of Assembly to Parliament and in effect from the next dissolution of the parliament, changes the maximum parliamentary term from four to five years and abolishes appointed members of parliament.
It clarifies that the Turks and Caicos Islands cabinet has autonomous capacity with respect to domestic affairs and sets out matters relating to external affairs that the Governor must delegate.
It makes provision for the Governor to appoint up to nine ministers,” read Washington Misick, TCI Premier in presenting the Order on Thursday October 17.
It took the Turks and Caicos Islands exactly 3,684 days to cement these constitutional changes which are generally counted as advancements by members on both sides of the democratic aisle.
“These amendments have had cross party participation and I am happy with the work we have done, Mr. Speaker. As you know, this was
long in coming as a lot of the work had started before the pandemic, even before then, Mr. Speaker and we are happy to reach at this place,” said Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition.
On September 16, back in 2014, a bi-partisan Constitutional Committee led by the late Daniel Malcolm launched its national consultative tour in the country’s capital, Grand Turk at the NJS Francis Building.
Ten years on, the constitutional amendments were, at the very site where those community meetings began, confirmed as no longer an elusive dream but the widely ratified change to the overarching law of the land.
“It establishes several new bodies.
A Cabinet Office and a Cabinet Secretary. A Police and Defence Service Commission an international center for alternative dispute resolution and provides that a Constitutional Commission be established,” continued Honouable Misick.
Some new confirmations, he shared, had already been instituted including the National Security Council, the TCI Regiment and the national crest.
Other listed amendments include: replacing the TCI Governor with an independent body as the regulator of the Financial Services sector; Referendums can now be held on matters of national importance and the Boundaries Commission has been redefined and its 2011 boundaries have been revoked, informed the Premier.
“And whereas Mr. Speaker the Hon Premier and the Hon Leader of the Opposition have endorsed the package and the United Kingdom has confirmed its satisfaction that the endorsement of the House of Assembly will demonstrate that there is sufficient mandate for change in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The 2024 Draft Turks and Caicos Islands Amendment Order was passed just before 3 p.m. on Friday October 17, and was supported fully by all Members of the House of Assembly who were present at the session.
Next stop for the Order is the Privy Council in early November.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
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