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.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address
unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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