News
Imagine Turks & Caicos Represented in UK Parliament; New Report Favours It
LONDON, ENGLAND — October 22, 2026 — The last time the Turks and Caicos Islands went on the record about having a representative in the UK Parliament, then-Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said there was no local appetite for it.
She made the statement on December 5, 2018, while giving evidence before the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee during its inquiry into the future of the British Overseas Territories.
“There is no appetite in Turks and Caicos for it,” she told the committee.
Magnetic Media research reveals that Caribbean British Overseas Territories have never demonstrated unanimous support for direct representation at Westminster. However, in a press release received on Thursday, October 22, 2026, a group called Conservative Friends of the Overseas Territories (CFOT) revealed proposals for all 14 British Overseas Territories to receive dedicated representation in the House of Lords.
The proposal revisits a longstanding constitutional question on which Caribbean territorial leaders have expressed differing views. Some have favoured direct parliamentary representation, while others have preferred existing arrangements for engaging with British parliamentarians.
The latest proposal differs from earlier discussions about elected representatives in the House of Commons. CFOT is advocating dedicated representation in the House of Lords, intended to strengthen the territories’ influence without replacing their elected governments.
The proposal forms part of a wider strategy that CFOT hopes will influence the policies of a future Conservative government.
The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch since November 2024, is currently the second most popular political party in Britain, according to the latest YouGov opinion poll. It remains in opposition but has shown signs of recovery in public support. The October 18–19 survey placed the Conservatives at 23 per cent, ahead of Reform UK at 22 per cent, while the governing Labour Party led with 27 per cent. Conservative support has risen from 20 per cent earlier this month, although the party’s position varies across different polls. The improvement comes as Badenoch’s party seeks to rebuild its political standing following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
The newly released report, A New Era of Partnership: Sovereignty, Security and Sustainability – Redefining the UK Relationship with the Overseas Territories, was launched earlier this month at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, attended by Shadow Overseas Territories Minister Wendy Morton MP, Conservative parliamentarians and Peers.
A VOICE AT WESTMINSTER
Under the proposal, every British Overseas Territory would have dedicated representation in the House of Lords, providing a consistent parliamentary voice on constitutional rights, security, international relations and economic development.
The report stresses that such representation should strengthen, rather than replace, the democratic authority of territorial governments and their elected legislatures.
It also recommends parliamentary safeguards requiring approval before fundamental changes to a territory’s sovereignty, constitutional status or territorial integrity could take effect.
Another major proposal would establish a Cabinet Committee on the Overseas Territories, chaired by the British Prime Minister.
This would place territorial affairs under direct oversight at the highest level of UK government, with participation from Overseas Territory governments and regular reporting to Parliament.
A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH BRITAIN
CFOT is also advocating a long-term UK–Overseas Territories strategy, jointly developed with territorial governments, within the first year of a future Conservative administration.
The strategy would be supported by individual agreements setting out priorities, responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
A proposed “no surprises” commitment would ensure territorial governments are consulted early and kept informed about British legislation, international negotiations and decisions that could materially affect their interests.
The report also proposes a permanent UK–Overseas Territories Security and Resilience Partnership, with stronger intelligence-sharing, maritime surveillance and cooperation against organised crime and illegal fishing.
Other priorities include protecting critical infrastructure, improving disaster preparedness and strengthening food, water and energy security.
Economic recommendations include improved access to banking services, greater participation in international markets and support for financial and professional services, artificial intelligence, digital assets, emerging technologies and sustainable tourism.
The report also proposes multi-year environmental conservation funding and reforms to the Darwin Plus programme, giving territorial administrations a more direct role in managing conservation projects.
Greater participation in international diplomacy, improved access to UK education and public-service training, and annual parliamentary reporting are among the additional recommendations.
CFOT: TERRITORIES DESERVE STRONGER PARTNERSHIP
Giles Roca, Chief Executive of CFOT, said the existing relationship between Britain and its Overseas Territories was fragmented and relied on a strategy that had not been updated in 15 years.
“The Overseas Territories deserve a relationship with the United Kingdom that reflects their strategic importance, respects their democratic self-government and gives them a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their future,” Roca stated.
He identified dedicated House of Lords representation and prime ministerial oversight as central elements of the proposed reforms.
CFOT was established in September 2024 as a Conservative-affiliated special interest group. It says its membership includes more than 50 Conservative MPs and Peers.
The organisation argues that the territories should be treated as partners with their own democratic institutions, economic circumstances and constitutional arrangements, rather than having their interests managed through disconnected British government departments.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The proposals arrive ahead of the next UK–Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council meeting in November, when territorial leaders are expected to continue discussions about their relationship with Britain.
Caribbean Overseas Territory leaders have already called for a new UK White Paper to replace the 2012 framework, seeking clearer commitments on consultation, constitutional development and the future of the relationship.
The CFOT recommendations, however, are not UK Government policy and have not been formally adopted by the Conservative Party or Overseas Territory governments.
The report is intended to influence future British policy discussions, including the development of a more structured relationship with the territories.
For the Turks and Caicos Islands, the proposal raises a practical question: whether having a dedicated representative inside the British Parliament would provide greater influence over decisions affecting the territory.
It remains to be established which Overseas Territory governments were consulted in developing the CFOT proposals and whether they would welcome the particular model of House of Lords representation now being recommended.
Find the full report here: https://www.cfot.co.uk/
By Deandrea Hamilton
The Cassandra I remember never backed down from a fight.
She had an effervescent personality and was fiercely committed to her family—and that included her church and her friends. She deeply
appreciated the people God had given her, drawing on their love and support to push through circumstances no child, no teenager, should have to face.
Today, voters in a country far from where she grew up have trusted her to champion more accessible communities and better responses to people facing mental health and developmental challenges.
It speaks volumes about what happens when we believe in our children. When we refuse to set limits on who they can become, regardless of how they started. When we recognize God’s hand on their lives and support their ability to contribute and make an impact, wherever He places them.
Cassandra Toussaint is now councilwoman-elect for Ward 1 in Avon, Indiana, after defeating Republican Doug Elmore in the November 3 election. She ran as a Democrat. (youarecurrent.com)
Of Haitian heritage, she grew up in Turks and Caicos, attending Oseta Jolly, briefly Maranatha, and then TCIPS.
Her connections remain strong: friends, family and Lady Turks Gift Shop, a boutique venture she created with her best friend, Novie, from an idea they shared as teenagers.
Her family includes her father, Eliezer Toussaint, and her brother, Stoycov Toussaint, who graduated from Indiana University. Stephane Ambroise is playing basketball in Canada. Her mother, Ertha Etienne, died when Cassandra and her siblings were children.
In Turks and Caicos, her cousins Brenda, Steven, Lendcy and Sarah Cenary are, she says, successful and passionate about helping young people and giving back to their community. Their mother, her aunt Rose Philomene Cenary, has worked in the Islands’ hotel industry for years and holds a special place in Cassandra’s heart.
“My aunt is the glue of my family,” Cassandra said, describing her love for the family and how she has always done her best to support them all.
A registered behavior technician, Toussaint says her childhood experiences inspired her to advocate for children who feel misunderstood.
Her campaign priorities included improved roads, accessible parks and facilities, and police training to better recognize and respond to autism and intellectual disabilities.
With limited money and little preparation time, she took her campaign directly to residents, knocking on doors and connecting at community events.
“Every resident deserves to be met with understanding,” she wrote.
The young woman I remember is preparing to bring that conviction into public office.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (November 6th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes Porter Airlines as it begins its service to the destination with its inaugural Toronto (YYZ) to Providenciales (PLS) route on Friday, November 6th. The airline will service the route five times weekly from the Toronto Pearson International Airport.
On December 17th, Porter will launch its Ottawa to PLS flight, a new route for the Turks and Caicos Islands. That route will be serviced twice weekly from Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly said the expansion of air service from Canada reflects the growing strength of that market to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Canada is showing strong and growing interest in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we are pleased to see that reflected in the expansion of air service from the market. Porter Airlines’ new nonstop flights from Toronto and Ottawa strengthen our connectivity with Canada and give travellers more convenient options for reaching our islands. Canadians have always shown a genuine appreciation for the culture, heritage, natural beauty and, of course, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Perhaps it is that shared warmth and friendliness that keeps bringing them back, and our partnership with Porter will simply make it easier for Canadians to continue showing their love for our Beautiful by Nature islands. Toronto builds on an important existing market for us, while Ottawa opens an entirely new gateway to the Turks and Caicos Islands. This increased access will make it easier for more Canadians to discover and enjoy our destination, while supporting the continued growth of this important market.”
Hon. Arlington Musgrove, minister responsible for aviation, Turks and Caicos commended his team at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) for developing this relationship with Porter.
“The launch of Porter Airlines’ new services from Toronto and Ottawa to the Turks and Caicos Islands is another important milestone in strengthening our connectivity with the Canadian market. Canada remains an important source market for our tourism industry, and these new routes will give Canadians more choice and easier access to the warmth, beauty, and hospitality of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I
commend the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority for leading this initiative and for its continued efforts to develop air service and build strong relationships with our airline partners. I also extend our sincere appreciation to Porter Airlines for its confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and for choosing our destination as part of its growing network of sun destinations. We warmly welcome Porter, its passengers and crew to our shores and look forward to a successful and lasting partnership,” he said.
To celebrate and promote the new flights, Experience Turks and Caicos hosted a reception in Ottawa for travel advisors and media. Organised by VoX International, our marketing agency in Canada, the event featured remarks by Market Intelligence Manager, Sharissa Lightbourne and Chairman of the TCIAA, Dwayne Gardiner. Nikeva Ariza, Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Public Engagement was also in attendance.
The new flights are operated by Porter’s 132-seat Embraer E195-E2. The aircraft features a two-by-two seating configuration, meaning no middle seats for any passenger. Porter’s elevated onboard experience includes complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, premium Canadian snacks, and free, fast WiFi for every passenger.
To book your flight, visit www.flyporter.com.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (November 4th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands recorded its highest number of stayover arrivals for the third quarter of the year, with approximately 130,000 visitors welcomed between July and September, representing a three percent increase over the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures from Experience Turks and Caicos show that the destination recorded 514,670 stayover arrivals for the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 25,048 visitors, or five percent, compared with the same period last year. Growth was recorded in every month from January through September, underscoring the destination’s continued appeal among travellers and the sustained demand for its tourism product.
Stay Over Arrivals by Quarter (2025/2026)
September closed the quarter on a positive note, with 20,204 stayover arrivals, seven percent more than the 18,795 recorded in September 2025. The year-to-date total of 514,670 is the highest number of stayover arrivals ever recorded for the January-to-September period.
Commenting on the record stayover arrivals, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly said: “These record arrivals are an encouraging achievement for the Turks and Caicos Islands and a reflection of the continued confidence visitors have in our destination. However, I’ve always maintained that the true measure of tourism’s success cannot simply be the number of visitors arriving on our shores. It must also be measured by the opportunities we create for our people.”
“Our vision is to build a stronger, higher-value tourism industry where Turks and Caicos Islanders are not simply employees, but entrepreneurs, business owners and active participants in the economic opportunities tourism creates. This is why our recent Community Connect meetings across the sister islands were so important. We want to engage directly with our communities, understand their challenges and ensure that as our tourism industry grows, the opportunities for our people grow alongside it. Ultimately, tourism must do more than bring people to our shores. It must improve the lives of the people who call these islands home.”
Cruise arrivals reflect return to regular itineraries
Cruise passenger arrivals at the Grand Turk Cruise Port followed a different trend during the first nine months of 2026, with figures reflecting a return to more typical cruise itineraries following an unusually strong period in 2025.
Last year, cruise lines added Grand Turk to their itineraries, resulting in exceptionally high passenger volumes and cruise calls. With itineraries returning to more regular patterns this year, cruise passenger arrivals declined year over year throughout the first nine months.
The destination received 62,095 cruise passengers in September, a 22 percent decrease from the 79,341 recorded in September 2025. From January through September, total cruise passenger arrivals stood at 838,533, compared with 1,016,532 during the same period last year, representing an 18 percent decline.
Cruise Arrivals by Quarter (2025/2026)
While the cruise figures reflect a normalisation from last year’s elevated numbers, the continued growth in stayover arrivals provides a positive indicator of the destination’s performance in its overnight visitor market.
It is projected that the month-on-month increases in stayover arrivals will continue into the upcoming winter season, especially with the additional airlift expected from new and existing gateways in Canada and the US.
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