Government
Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities Launches Parole Board Modernization Project – Initiative Aims to Align Parole Practices with International Standards, Enhancing Transparency and Public Safety
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND UTILITIES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 3 July 2025 – The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, in partnership with the Center for Effective Public Policy (CEPP), has officially launched the Parole Board Modernization Project—a landmark initiative designed to strengthen the parole decision-making process through evidence-based practices, enhanced transparency, and alignment with international standards.
From June 9–12, 2025, the CEPP team conducted the first of three scheduled on-site visits. During this initial phase, they held in-depth consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- Her Excellency the Governor
- The Parole Board
- The Attorney General’s Chambers
- His Majesty’s Prison
- The Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision
- The Border Force
- The Human Rights Commission
- The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force
- Current inmates and parolees
These engagements focused on assessing the current parole framework, identifying systemic challenges, and developing a shared vision for a modern, fair, and data-driven parole system.
Key Components of the Modernization Project
- Policy and Procedure Manual: A new standardized guide to support consistent, transparent parole decisions.
- Structured Decision-Making Tool: Designed to promote objectivity and equity in parole evaluations.
- Training Manuals: Developed to equip Parole Board members and associated agencies with best practices in rehabilitation and reintegration.
The overarching goal is to build public confidence in the parole system while ensuring that decisions balance community safety with the
Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, emphasized the importance of this initiative, “This marks a transformative step forward for our criminal justice system. Our partnership with CEPP will establish a transparent, accountable, and effective parole framework—one that balances public safety with rehabilitation. This initiative reflects our government’s commitment to progressive reform, ensuring returning citizens have the structure and support needed to reintegrate successfully.”
The CEPP team will return for two additional visits in 2025 to finalize draft materials, conduct stakeholder validation workshops, and deliver hands-on training for key personnel.