News
UnRedacted: Integrity Commission Poor Review opens door to Strengthening, Sanctions and International Partnerships
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, December 18, 2024 – Fourteen years of existence and a new report released by the Office of the TCI Governor reveals, the Integrity Commission is currently not achieving its purpose, lacks a clear vision and requires reform.
H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selveratnam, governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands commissioned the comprehensive review, which was carried out by Crest.
An unredacted document was made public along with comments from the Governor and Chair of the Integrity Commission; a working group is now being set up to initiate the reforms.
Crest interviewed over forty individuals, representing a cross-section of residents including elected officials, senior public servants and
members of the public.
“This review aimed to address whether, as far as is compatible, with the duties imposed by law, the IC achieves its objectives and is relevant to the broader TCI governance landscape.”
The report exhaustively points to an Integrity Commission which falls short.
The admission, though not completely a surprise, is still startling. Now residents can take in, for themselves, what are listed as areas of weakness including that the Integrity Commission is unable to fulfill its mandate effectively, suffers from a lack of clear role definitions and does not enjoy public trust.
Ironically, accountability is also cited as inadequate and operationally, the Commission is in dire need of more skilled staff.
Chair of the Integrity Commission, Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson is now tasked with turning things around; her working group is already assembled.
Optimistically, the review team explains that it “…has confidence that a truly effective public standard anti-corruption body will emerge from these reforms – one capable of meeting the complex challenges of promoting integrity and combating corruption in today’s landscape.”
This modernisation of the vision and functionality of the Integrity Commission is crucial, as the review informs a haphazard shift in focus has inadvertently blurred the mission.
“…the Integrity Commission (IC) has expanded its remit beyond its original mandate of addressing corruption, resulting in ‘scope creep’. Initially, the IC’s primary goal was focused on eradicating corruption in the wake of the 2009 Commission of Inquiry. Aligned to the constitutional provision, stakeholders expect the IC to lead in promoting public standards including cultural change, through education, compliance and enforcement. There is a lack of consensus, even within the IC itself, about how to balance these three pillars,” said the report.
The report informs that the IC must refine its mission in order to reconcile this concern and has listed eight areas as vital to establishing clear-eyed focus.
The Review Team’s eight key findings call for attention to determining: Purpose, Vision and Mission; Internal Structure and Governance; Ordinance and Legal Framework; Independence and Accountability; Investigations and Enforcement; Compliance and Declaration Process; Public Education and Awareness and Capacity and Capability and an understanding of context.
In a further breakdown, Justice Lobban Jackson will have to ensure the IC can agree on its purpose and aims.
“There will need to be refreshed in consultation with key stakeholders – including government officials, civil society organisations and the public,” explained the review team.
In her comments on the report, which will face House of Assembly scrutiny and was published on Monday December 16, Justice Lobban-Jackson, Chair said: “This independent review has provided a sobering but necessary assessment of the Integrity Commission’s performance. While the findings are difficult, they present an opportunity for growth and renewal.”
Accountability from the Integrity Commission will require formal reporting structures, clear metrics and standards which should be published and formal reports to the Governor and the House of Assembly on delivery of its duties.
A rolling 3-5 year strategy should be produced by the IC and alongside this, “a set of operational procedures and guidance should be developed to outline how the strategy will be operationalised,” details the review.
When it comes to investigations and enforcement, the review team and its recommendations are unequivocal.
“The IC must develop clear thresholds at which the IC will initiate investigators. These thresholds should specify the criteria for referring cases to the IC and circumstances under which cases will be investigated by the IC or where appropriate.”
This could lead to a reduction in time wasted, avoidance of weak or frivolous cases and in the long run engender greater public trust.
“Once sufficient evidence has been collected by the IC, the case should be handed over to a specialist agency who can take it forward to charge and prosecute.”
A legislatively stronger Integrity Commission is also recommended.
“The IC must develop a comprehensive framework for graduated sanctions that can be applied at all levels of public service.”
Sanctions would certainly work as a deterrent to corruption and bestow upon the Commission new powers.
To improve public perception of the IC’s commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability, the recommendations suggest, “The IC must confirm with the public when an individual has been cleared of wrongdoing following an IC investigation.”
For compliance activities, the recommendation is to launch fresh consultations to ensure there is understanding and meaningful engagement. The ability to achieve compliance should also be a streamlined process, offers the report.
An introduction of stronger partnerships might help the staffing challenges at the Turks and Caicos Integrity Commission.
“Where it is agreed that activities outside of the IC’s remit or it is recognised that the IC does not have sufficient capacity or expertise to take an aspect of possible corruption, the IC must widen appropriate partnership working as part of a whole system approach to good governance.”
Regional and International partners, coupled with a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise among government bodies were listed as ways to broaden capacity without adding to staff directly.
Staff Recruitment was the final feature in the 26-page document.
“The IC staff should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the IC’s current and future staffing needs, with a particular focus on identifying areas where specialist skills or expertise may be required.”
In sharing the review, Her Excellency the Governor said: “The findings of this review make clear that the Integrity Commission requires significant reform to regain public trust and deliver on its mandate effectively,” said Daniel-Selveratnam speaking on behalf of herself and the Chair, she added, “Together, we can work to restore public confidence and ensure the Commission fulfils its vital role with integrity and effectiveness.”
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).
CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing
Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.
To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.
To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.
During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.
Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.
Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.
Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.
“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.
To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
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