News
You can now VOTE ELECTRONICALLY in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Garfield Ekon and Deandrea Hamilton
Editorial Staff
Turks and Caicos, December 2, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), can now legally go ahead with Electronic Voting, following the November 27 passage of the Elections Amendment Bill 2024, by the House of Assembly.
Attorney General, Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles, KC moved the Bill, reminding the Speaker and the gallery of the factors which would have necessitated amendments to the legislation including: recommendations by election observers and the Supervisor of elections, enactment of amendments to the Constitution and follow through on electronic voting, which had been passed in the House ahead of the 2021 General Elections, with the implementation deferred to a later date.
“The House having voted funds to support the Supervisor, ensuring that at this next election, we have electronic voting and so there are some changes in the Bill that would reflect that. These machines, of course, have well-established credentials. They are used around the world,” she said.
An electronic voting system will streamline the voting process and delivers efficiency and accuracy by electronically tabulating each vote, and leveraging the system, voters can expect reduced waiting time at polling stations, and presenting rapid results, as well as facilitating analysis of the voting process.
“I believe that we should have another demonstration prior to polling day, and as many as we can have, so that people are good as to how these machines work,” stated Opposition member of the House, Hon Alvin Garland who addressed the House, during the recent debate over the Bill.
The new legislation is aligned with the 2020 Elections Amendment Ordinance, aimed at enhancing the electoral process through modern technology, and underscores the commitment of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government to conducting elections that are efficient and uphold the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.
House of Assembly members also supported Advanced Polling, which goes beyond the current Priority Voting.
“So in relation to that, the Constitution Team that negotiated with the United Kingdom would have been told by the United Kingdom that it was not necessary to have a specific provision in the Constitution to empower the making of advanced voting,” said the AG, who added, “but they have pointed out to us that it is not necessary because there is nothing in the constitution that prohibits advanced voting and so because the constitution empowers the legislature to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of these islands, the Elections Ordinance can be amended to include advanced voting.”
Electronic voting a form of computer-mediated voting in which voters make their selections with the aid of a computer. The voter usually chooses with the aid of touch-screen display although audio interfaces can be made available for voters with visual disabilities.
Ballot casting, recording, and tabulation are routinely done with computers even in voting systems that are not, strictly speaking, electronic. Electronic voting in the strict sense is a system where the first step, ballot composition (or choosing), is done with the aid of a computer.
Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.
The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.
The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats
facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.
These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.
“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of
TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”
The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities
South Caicos
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.
This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.
North Caicos
The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.
Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.
Middle Caicos
EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”
The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.
Blue Hills
For further information, please contact:
Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc
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