News
UnRedacted: Integrity Commission Poor Review opens door to Strengthening, Sanctions and International Partnerships
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
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.”
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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