Citizenship and Naturalization Department Partners with Attorney General’s Chambers to Strengthen Expertise in Regulatory Frameworks

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 19 February 2025: The Department of Citizenship and Naturalization, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, participated in a two-day training seminar on 13 -14 February 2025 in partnership with the Attorney General’s Chambers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen organizational capabilities, ensuring the department remains agile in an evolving operational landscape. By enhancing employee competencies, standardizing procedures, and addressing resource needs, the department is improving efficiency, productivity, and overall service delivery.

Facilitated by Senior Crown Counsel Ms. Motheba Linton and Senior Legislative Drafter Dr. Gogontle Gatang-McCartney, the sessions focused on key legal and policy matters, including:

• The evolution of the law from Belonger Status to the current Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance
• Interpretation and application of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance
• The treatment of dependents erroneously granted Turks and Caicos Islander Status
• Services and products under the HomeAffairs portfolio within the Immigration Ordinance
• The impact of the Border Force Ordinance on immigration functions and responsibilities
• Limitations of affidavits in establishing paternity and identity for status claims
• Drafted policies addressing the rights of surviving spouses of Turks and Caicos Islanders and the separation of Permanent Residence provisions from the Border Force Ordinance

Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, lauded the initiative, stating, “Building a highly competent and responsive public service requires continuous investment in our people. This collaboration strengthens our ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.”

All officers from the Citizenship and Naturalization Department were in attendance, ensuring full engagement with the critical discussions. The training also included participants from the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Customer Service Division, highlighting the importance of cross-agency collaboration in strengthening service delivery. A special thanks is extended to the Attorney General’s Chambers team for their invaluable support in making this initiative a success.