News
Opposition Leader has warning as he debates Constitutional Changes
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2024 – The Leader of the Opposition is generally in support of the suite of changes to the parts of the TCI Constitution which will impact general elections, constituency boundaries, the parliament, the role of the governor and the size of the cabinet he said, but during debate on the 2024 Draft Constitution Amendment Order, Edwin Astwood shared that he had reservations as well.
“While endorsing the entire package asked of the UK, there are things that I had differed with and during the town hall meetings I had pointed it out,” shared the LOO who stood after Washington Misick, TCI Premier presented the Order for debate on October 17.
There was no objection to the House of Assembly graduating to Parliament status, no issue with the elected government having greater autonomy when it comes to decisions with domestic impact and no objection to the cabinet having up to nine ministers, but on the method of appointing a Cabinet Secretary, which is a new role within the governance structure, Astwood raised his dire concerns.
“Where we differ a lot, not in whether there should be a Cabinet secretary, is the appointment. We see in the Cayman Constitution it says, the Cabinet Secretary shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the premier.
Now my thing is, if one premier appoints a cabinet secretary why is it that the next premier cannot appoint a Cabinet Secretary. So that initial Cabinet Secretary, whoever premier appoints that person, they’re going to be in it for the long haul.”
The Turks and Caicos constitutional changes, which are now passed by the House of Assembly establishes a Cabinet Office to be led by a Cabinet Secretary and in the draft document circulated to the general public during the consultation phase, it is not stated how the role would be filled.
“Mr. Speaker, we know in certain democracies, when the government changes, the attorney general changes…. everybody changes and the work goes on. But they make it that in our context, we can’t change anybody. Whoever was there for one government, is to (be there for)
the next government, every government… ‘y’all little people down there, you gatta work with whoever we give y’all’ and I don’t like that Mr. Speaker.”
“Who is the Cabinet Secretary really answering to? Is the Cabinet Secretary answering to the premier or is the Cabinet Secretary answering to the governor and deputy governor? Think about it Mr. Speaker. While we may not see any pre-perceived conflicts, there can be conflicts.”
Astwood spend considerable time on the point, explaining his view that the role is sensitive and the inability of each premier to appoint a new Cabinet Secretary could present a problem, due to the potential for personal biases.
“Like how it is with Speaker of the House. The Speaker of the House is really selected or appointed by the premier and his team. Just like the speaker of the House the cabinet secretary should come and go with an elected government. We do it for Speakers. You are under no false pretenses that if you party lose you go… I believe the Cabinet Secretary should be the same way,” explained Astwood.
Astwood warned that the lack of a provision for a newly elected premier to select his own team could prove problematic.
“This is the person who is following up on your agenda. This is so core to the functions of your cabinet and for instance, Mr. Speaker, imagine if you were the premier and you come into office and you realise the cabinet secretary is your ex-girlfriend, somebody who really hates you and wants to see you fail, even though they have all of the qualifications and should be professional … imagine the issues you will have getting your agenda, your government, what the people had selected you to do, to get your work done. That is why I was hoping the Cabinet Secretary could be an appointed position by the premier.”
There were other misgivings articulated by the Opposition leader as well.
“Who is this Cabinet Secretary answering to? While it may not happen in this current situation, that doesn’t mean that it cannot happen. Mr. Speaker I have lived long enough and I have been in the House long enough and in Cabinet to work with two governors who were night and day. One tried to help and in my opinion, the other tried to hinder you.”
Within the official proposal, the Cabinet Secretary, is expected to play a non-partisan role; specifically, the draft document explained: “The Cabinet Secretary would – (a) provide frank and politically neutral advice to the Governor, the Cabinet and the Premier on matters of policy; (b) monitor and coordinate the implementation of policy between departments and ministerial portfolios and across the wider Government sector to ensure that Government policy is developed coherently; (c) provide for administrative and secretarial support for the Cabinet and the Premier in order to facilitate government; high-quality and effective (d) arrange the business for, and keeping the minutes of, the meetings of the Cabinet or any Cabinet committee and conveying the conclusions reached at the meetings to the appropriate person or authority; and (e) such other functions as the Governor, acting.”
Members of the Turks and Caicos House of Assembly passed the 2024 Draft Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order on Thursday, October 17.
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.
