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CAFFE Election Report says there was Voter Confusion

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Turks and Caicos, April 11, 2025 – Turks and Caicos General Election observers have recommended that all the spoiled ballots from the February 7, 2025, vote be subject to special scrutiny due to the significant number of voters who were confused by the new process.

“We believe that an audit should be done to record what percentage of the ballots were spoilt and had to be redone. Whereas CAFFE did not observe any voter not being able to complete a successful vote, the incidence of re-dos needs to be analysed,” informed the April 4, 2025 report from CAFFE.

Electronic Tabulating Machines were introduced in the recent general election.  CAFFE reports that they noted the use of one ballot paper to capture the two categories of candidates proved problematic for senior citizens.

“Previously the district candidates and all island candidates appeared on separate ballots. Now both were being accommodated on a single ballot. It was pointed out that this could be especially problematic and confusing for older voters. This issue of the potential ballot confusion was borne out as noted in several locations and especially so in South Caicos, where there was a significantly high percentage of the 303 electors that voted who were elderly. Our observer estimated there were 20 – 30% spoilt ballots by this demographic.”

The CAFFE Report said those voters were permitted to vote again.

“They were allowed as per required, a second chance and sometimes with assistance to redo, and the ballots were accepted. It was noted that younger persons across all locations had an easier time with the new ballots. The spoilt and redo ballot scenario was observed in several other locations, with the marking of the ballots incorrectly being the reason. No instances of a voter’s ballot being rejected after a second attempt was observed.”

The issue of one ballot paper and the potential confusion it created is the thrust of an Election Petition filed by the leadership of the People’s Democratic Movement, PDM.  The Supreme Court has ruled that there is a case to answer by the Attorney General and the trial begins May 12.

Unconnected to the legal proceeding, CAFFE articulated that the possible confusion was among the issues raised ahead of voting day, where they noted suspicion was also cast on the voting machines and the likelihood of ballot tampering.

“We noted in meetings with stakeholders that there was a concern, regarding not so much the operation or efficacy of the machines, but the new ballots being introduced. There were several instances observed of machines having a paper jam, which had to be cleared and which created a delay in the voting process.”

From the observers, there was satisfaction that paper jams of the DS200s were immediately cleared, that the process of casting ballots did not appear to favour any party or person and commendation that voting was orderly and peaceful.

What may have been less successful was education of older people on how to vote.

“CAFFE raised the issue of the information campaign regarding the new ballot and processes being heavily social media driven, and may not have fully considered the non-digital demographic. Though pamphlets were available, it is questionable how well distributed they were. It would also have been helpful to have had better images of the format of the ballot on the pamphlets.”

Younger people were in and out of the polling places in no time, offered the report.  Seniors on the other hand, made errors and had to vote again.  This not only raised red flags about the comprehension of the process but the confidentiality of it.

“Whereas the polling booth design of multiple booths separated by a screen all together as part of one foldable free-standing unit is efficient and presumably cost effective, it did present the problem of questionable privacy. The units did not easily accommodate two persons if one needed assistance, especially if they had to speak, as someone on the other side of the screen would be able to clearly hear, and based on positioning, in some instances look over. Presumably there has been considerable investment in acquiring these units, so maybe an option of designing an extension to raise the screen and or limiting the number of voters at a time could be explored.”

This became a glaring issue when the ballot was spoiled or rejected by the tabulating machine.

“…if a ballot was spoilt/rejected by the DS200, the voter was sent back to the clerk to be issued with a new one. In many cases the clerk would have to look at the spoilt ballot to determine what the problem was and instruct the voter accordingly. The ballot was also laid flat to be placed in the rejected ballot envelope. So even momentarily, the secrecy of the ballot could be compromised.”

The CAFFE election observers have also recommended that the Turks and Caicos find an agreeable path to increasing the number of electors; baiting with the prognosis that a more robust democracy would be the win for the British overseas territory.

“The number of registered voters actually voting increased from 6,460 to 6,755. Based on the comparison of the 2021 and 2025 turnouts this however indicates an overall 3.3% decline in registered voter turnout.

As has been pointed out in a previous election observer exercise*, while the voter turnout at over 70% of the registered electors is reasonable, the territory’s population of eligible age is estimated at well over 40,000, which means that the 9,385 enfranchised electors represent less than one-half of the possible eligible adult population.

While the Turks and Caicos Islands may present a special case, the continuation of this situation, in which an increasingly large part of the population is effectively disenfranchised has its own risks for the maintenance of a stable democracy over the medium to long term.

Dialogue with the aim of addressing this situation – even in a gradual way should be seen as a compelling necessity.”

On the ground in the Turks and Caicos Islands for CAFEE were:  Robin Baston; Danielle Dunbar; Everard Owen and Anton Thompson (Team Leader).

Government

Tamica Prospere Appointed Director of Learning and Development

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Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tamica Prospere as the Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Mrs. Prospere holds a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (RQF Level 5), a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and an Associate Degree in Education, also from UWI. She has further enhanced her credentials with certifications and coursework in content delivery, human resource management, talent management, and training and development from esteemed institutions, including Mico University College and CIPD.

With a strong foundation in public service and education in St. Lucia, Mrs. Prospere dedicated over a decade to classroom teaching at the secondary school level, beginning in 2002. During her tenure, she educated a diverse student body across various subjects, including Mathematics, Information Technology, and Life Skills, all aimed at fostering students’ personal and social well-being. She also facilitated community adult learning programs, showcasing her enduring commitment to promoting inclusive and varied educational opportunities.

Her career in public service in the Turks and Caicos Islands began in 2014 as a teacher at Marjorie Basden High School. From 2019, she served as the Learning and Development Manager for the legacy Customs Department and later for the TCI Border Force. In this role, she made significant contributions to improvements and championed a culture of professional growth.

Mrs. Prospere has been a strong advocate for leadership development through several key programmes. She conceptualised and introduced the Leading Effectively through Accountability and Development (LEAD) programme for the management team, which has successfully run for three consecutive years, with its most recent leadership reinforcement event held in 2025. Additionally, she implemented several programmes in partnership with educational institutions, resulting in 27 Border Force officers earning continuing professional development (CPD) certifications in supervisory management from UWI and 10 managers completing the Dynamic Leadership course with the Caribbean Maritime University.

She played a pivotal role in developing operational strategic plans and frameworks for both the Customs Department and the TCI Border Force. Mrs. Prospere spearheaded the creation and delivery of professional programmes, such as the Customs Broker Certification Programme. She introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate scalable learning for aspiring Customs Brokers.

Moreover, she led the implementation of several significant projects, most notably the Regional Clearance System in the TCI and a comprehensive revamp of customs procedures at Howard Hamilton International Airport, which greatly enhanced operational efficiency. She also facilitated key engagements that strengthened partnerships with leading regional bodies, including the Caribbean Customs Legislation and Enforcement Council (CCLEC), the border security team within CARICOM IMPACS, and the customs advisory arm of CARTAC. These collaborations were instrumental in securing vital technical assistance for training.

Speaking on the appointment, Mrs. Prospere said, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the Learning and Development Directorate. I believe that a world-class public service is built together. I’m dedicated to partnering with civil servants at all levels to foster a dynamic learning environment where we can collectively develop the skills needed to be adaptable, exceed standards, and deliver truly exceptional service to the public.”

In congratulating Mrs. Prospere, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams stated, “We are pleased to extend congratulations to Mrs. Tamica Prospere on her appointment as the new Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of training and development, Mrs. Prospere has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to building capacity and strengthening the public service workforce in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her innovative and strategic approach to learning has transformed teams and empowered individuals, ensuring the public service is well-equipped to meet the demands of a constantly evolving landscape.

As the government continues its efforts to enhance service delivery through robust and comprehensive training initiatives, we are confident that Mrs. Prospere’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous growth across the public sector.

Congratulations Mrs. Prospere, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to working with you to shape the future of learning and development in the Public Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

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Government

Melissa Holland Appointed as Public Service Information Officer

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Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Holland as the new Public Service Information Officer within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Ms. Holland holds an Associate Degree in Business from Turks and Caicos Community College, a Creative Suite Certificate in Website Development from StackSkills, and an Administrative Professional Certification from the College of Administrative Professionals. She has also engaged in continuous learning through Coursera.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Holland has accumulated valuable experience in various roles. She began her journey as a Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Education from June 2007 to May 2009 and was promoted to Secretary to the CEO from December 2009 to April 2010. Subsequently, she served as the Assistant to the Director of Sales, Marketing & Rentals at Apes Hill Club in Barbados from May 2011 to July 2014. Ms. Holland then took on the role of Office Assistant at Growing Soul Records in Miami, FL, from August 2014 to October 2015, followed by another position as an Office Assistant at Arrow Electronics in Denver, CO, from November 2015 to June 2018.

In June 2018, she became a Multimedia Specialist at Shop Genesis and later transitioned to the role of Creative Director at Black Sage Analytics from September 2020 to 2022. More recently, she served as an Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Health and Human Services from December 2022 to March 2023, before moving to the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services as an Administrative Officer from March 2023 to August 2025. She acted as the Communications Officer for Border Force in September 2023.

Upon her appointment, Ms. Holland shared her enthusiasm, stating, “My journey from capturing moments through lifestyle photography to creating designs that honor the vibrance of Caribbean culture has been shaped by both creativity and faith. Stepping into the role of Public Service Information Officer is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to unite my love for storytelling with service. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, I trust God to continue directing my path and using my gifts for a greater purpose”.

Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, congratulated Ms. Holland, stating, “We are delighted to congratulate Ms. Melissa Holland on her appointment as Public Service Information Officer and to welcome her to our team in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

In this important role, Ms. Holland will be responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of both internal and external communications related to the operations of the public service, including circulars, notices, appointment announcements and other official updates.

We are confident that Ms. Holland’s diverse background and professional expertise will be invaluable in fulfilling these responsibilities and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will undoubtedly bring to the team.

Congratulations, Ms. Holland, on your new appointment!”

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    Government

    Andy Missick Appointed Juvenile Manager

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    Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy Missick as the Juvenile Manager within the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities.

    Mr. Missick holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Social Work from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

    His professional experience includes serving as a Registration Officer at the Financial Services Commission for three years, a Social Worker for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for one year and as a Probation Officer in the Department of Rehabilitation & Community Supervision from 2023 until his recent promotion.

    Sharpening his skills in the area of rehabilitation, Mr. Missick has completed professional training in the following areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Case Management, Risk Assessment, Intake and Interviewing Techniques, Counseling, Report Writing, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Reentry and Reintegration Planning, Community Resource Networking, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Behavior Modification, and Social Skills Training.

    Known for his contributions to Youth Leadership and Representation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and elsewhere, Mr. Missick currently serves as the Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador since 2023 and is a currently a Youth Parliamentarian having representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 12th Annual Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand; the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in London, United Kingdom and the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.

    In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Missick is involved in community service and volunteerism through the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, where he has been an active member for seven years. He has held various leadership positions, including Sergeant-at-Arms, Foundation Chair, Youth Service Director, Wellness Chair, Fundraising Director, Vice President and currently serves as the President.

    Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Missick stated, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos, I have seen far too many young lives cut short. Some lost to violence, some to poor choices and some to the weight of circumstances they never asked for. Those experiences are etched into me and they are the reason I feel such deep gratitude and responsibility in being appointed Juvenile Manager. This is more than a role; it is a calling to stand in the gap for our youth, to remind them that they are not defined by their mistakes but by the greatness still inside of them. I believe in second chances, I believe in opportunity, and I believe that with guidance, accountability and hope, our young people can rise above their struggles and become the leaders of tomorrow.

    I anchor myself in the words of Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” True leadership is service, and in serving our youth, I serve the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This appointment is not just about today. It is about building a legacy of hope, discipline and purpose for tomorrow”.

    In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mr. Andy Missick on his appointment as Juvenile Manager with the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, within the Ministry of Public Safety.

    The post of Juvenile Manager is a critical role, focused on shaping the future of our islands by supporting, guiding and rehabilitating at-risk youth. The Juvenile Manager plays a key part in ensuring that young individuals are given every opportunity to grow into productive, empowered citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

    Mr. Missick brings to this position a wealth of experience, a deep passion for youth empowerment and a proven track record of service and leadership. His longstanding commitment to the development of young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is well known, having served with distinction as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Youth Parliamentarian and a dedicated member of the Rotaract. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated for youth engagement, policy development and community service, earning the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.

    We are confident that Mr. Missick will continue to inspire and implement innovative initiatives that uplift our youth and strengthen our communities.

    Congratulations, Mr. Missick, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to the positive impact you will undoubtedly make in this vital role.”

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