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 – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
