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UnRedacted: Integrity Commission Poor Review opens door to Strengthening, Sanctions and International Partnerships 

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Turks and Caicos, December 18, 2024 – Fourteen years of existence and a new report released by the Office of the TCI Governor reveals, the Integrity Commission is currently not achieving its purpose, lacks a clear vision and requires reform.

H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands commissioned the comprehensive review, which was carried out by Crest.

An unredacted document was made public along with comments from the Governor and Chair of the Integrity Commission; a working group is now being set up to initiate the reforms.

Crest interviewed over forty individuals, representing a cross-section of residents including elected officials, senior public servants and members of the public.

“This review aimed to address whether, as far as is compatible, with the duties imposed by law, the IC achieves its objectives and is relevant to the broader TCI governance landscape.”

The report exhaustively points to an Integrity Commission which falls short.

The admission, though not completely a surprise, is still startling.  Now residents can take in, for themselves, what are listed as areas of weakness including that the Integrity Commission is unable to fulfill its mandate effectively, suffers from a lack of clear role definitions and does not enjoy public trust.

Ironically, accountability is also cited as inadequate and operationally, the Commission is in dire need of more skilled staff.

Chair of the Integrity Commission, Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson is now tasked with turning things around; her working group is already assembled.

Optimistically, the review team explains that it “…has confidence that a truly effective public standard anti-corruption body will emerge from these reforms – one capable of meeting the complex challenges of promoting integrity and combating corruption in today’s landscape.”

This modernisation of the vision and functionality of the Integrity Commission is crucial, as the review informs a haphazard shift in focus has inadvertently blurred the mission.

“…the Integrity Commission (IC) has expanded its remit beyond its original mandate of addressing corruption, resulting in ‘scope creep’.  Initially, the IC’s primary goal was focused on eradicating corruption in the wake of the 2009 Commission of Inquiry.  Aligned to the constitutional provision, stakeholders expect the IC to lead in promoting public standards including cultural change, through education, compliance and enforcement.  There is a lack of consensus, even within the IC itself, about how to balance these three pillars,” said the report.

The report informs that the IC must refine its mission in order to reconcile this concern and has listed eight areas as vital to establishing clear-eyed focus.

The Review Team’s eight key findings call for attention to determining:  Purpose, Vision and Mission; Internal Structure and Governance; Ordinance and Legal Framework; Independence and Accountability; Investigations and Enforcement; Compliance and Declaration Process; Public Education and Awareness and Capacity and Capability and an understanding of context.

In a further breakdown, Justice Lobban Jackson will have to ensure the IC can agree on its purpose and aims.

“There will need to be refreshed in consultation with key stakeholders – including government officials, civil society organisations and the public,” explained the review team.

In her comments on the report, which will face House of Assembly scrutiny and was published on Monday December 16, Justice Lobban-Jackson, Chair said: “This independent review has provided a sobering but necessary assessment of the Integrity Commission’s performance. While the findings are difficult, they present an opportunity for growth and renewal.”

Accountability from the Integrity Commission will require formal reporting structures, clear metrics and standards which should be published and formal reports to the Governor and the House of Assembly on delivery of its duties.

A rolling 3-5 year strategy should be produced by the IC and alongside this, “a set of operational procedures and guidance should be developed to outline how the strategy will be operationalised,” details the review.

When it comes to investigations and enforcement, the review team and its recommendations are unequivocal.

“The IC must develop clear thresholds at which the IC will initiate investigators.  These thresholds should specify the criteria for referring cases to the IC and circumstances under which cases will be investigated by the IC or where appropriate.”

This could lead to a reduction in time wasted, avoidance of weak or frivolous cases and in the long run engender greater public trust.

“Once sufficient evidence has been collected by the IC, the case should be handed over to a specialist agency who can take it forward to charge and prosecute.”

A legislatively stronger Integrity Commission is also recommended.

“The IC must develop a comprehensive framework for graduated sanctions that can be applied at all levels of public service.”

Sanctions would certainly work as a deterrent to corruption and bestow upon the Commission new powers.

To improve public perception of the IC’s commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability, the recommendations suggest, “The IC must confirm with the public when an individual has been cleared of wrongdoing following an IC investigation.”

For compliance activities, the recommendation is to launch fresh consultations to ensure there is understanding and meaningful engagement.  The ability to achieve compliance should also be a streamlined process, offers the report.

An introduction of stronger partnerships might help the staffing challenges at the Turks and Caicos Integrity Commission.

“Where it is agreed that activities outside of the IC’s remit or it is recognised that the IC does not have sufficient capacity or expertise to take an aspect of possible corruption, the IC must widen appropriate partnership working as part of a whole system approach to good governance.”

Regional and International partners, coupled with a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise among government bodies were listed as ways to broaden capacity without adding to staff directly.

Staff Recruitment was the final feature in the 26-page document.

“The IC staff should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the IC’s current and future staffing needs, with a particular focus on identifying areas where specialist skills or expertise may be required.”

In sharing the review, Her Excellency the Governor said:  “The findings of this review make clear that the Integrity Commission requires significant reform to regain public trust and deliver on its mandate effectively,” said Daniel-Selveratnam speaking on behalf of herself and the Chair, she added, “Together, we can work to restore public confidence and ensure the Commission fulfils its vital role with integrity and effectiveness.”

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Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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