Government
On International Human Rights Day – December 10 – Turks & Caicos Leaders sign historic Proclamation on Constitutional Reforms
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.”
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Kingston, Jamaica, January 18, 2025 – Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Jamaicans have access to affordable housing solutions.
He noted that there is an imbalance between housing supply and affordability, with many qualified individuals struggling to find solutions within their income bracket.
“The issue is not the finance; it’s that people who qualify can’t get the houses that are available on the market,” he pointed out, while addressing a recent meeting with the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee at the Office of the Prime Minister.
He explained that the market is producing homes primarily for those with higher income, leaving a gap for low and middle-income families.
In addition, he noted that houses priced at $12 million are often sold for $18 million due to market demand dynamics.
“What we want to do is to get the market to produce houses in all categories,” he said, stressing the need for affordable options alongside high-end developments.
“We need developers who can build houses at scale to bring down costs and make housing more affordable,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister noted the role of the National Housing Trust (NHT) in financing low-income and achievable housing projects.
“We’re doing everything to create what is called effective demand,” he said, noting that the Guaranteed Purchase Programme was introduced as a strategic measure to mitigate market risks for developers.
“We say to developers; you build the houses, we buy them at a specific price and then we sell them at an affordable price,” he detailed.
This approach aims to encourage developers to construct homes without fearing financial losses.
“Government can’t build houses; what we can do is use resources to finance affordable housing and say, ‘you can only get this finance if you sell at this price’,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister cited other initiatives aimed at making housing more affordable, including reducing the interest rates on mortgages, with some low-income borrowers benefiting from a zero per cent interest rate.
Efforts are under way to deliver 43,000 houses over the next few years as part of a broader strategy to meet housing demands.
CONTACT: ANDREW LAIDLEY
Release: JIS
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