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PM Christie Remarks at at ‘Yes’ Bahamas Campaign Referendum Launch

Published

10 years ago

June 6, 2016

Remarks by The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie Prime Minister Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the Launch of the YES Bahamas Campaign “Equal Rights for our Sons and Daughters” on Sunday, April 10, 2016 Harry C. Moore Library College of The Bahamas:

It is my very great pleasure to be here today in order to welcome — with excitement and with gratitude — Lady Sharon Wilson and Lynn Holowesko, as the official Co-Chairs of the YES Bahamas Campaign.

I look out at this room and I see people from all of the nation’s political parties, happy and excited to work together in service of this great cause – and it underscores for me the importance of what is at stake. All of us here today are in full agreement that some things are bigger than politics – equal rights for our sons and daughters certainly meets that standard.

Although he couldn’t be here today, I want to thank the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Minnis, for his unquestionable commitment to equal rights for Bahamian citizens. He has worked with the Constitutional Commission, he and I have sat with church leaders, and he worked with me to recruit the very impressive Co-Chairs we are introducing today. I thank him for his resolve and his determination.

He and I agree that the YES Bahamas Campaign must be one that brings Bahamians together. Already, so many people have asked how they can help – we have heard from students and teachers, mothers and fathers, leaders in the church, artists and athletes, Bahamians from across our islands.

The YES Bahamas Campaign will bring people together in common cause, and the Co-Chairs who will run the campaign will bring their very considerable determination, experience, and energy to this historic movement for change.

Lady Sharon Wilson has been a teacher and a Chief Magistrate, runs one of the nation’s leading law firms, and is currently serving as President of the Senate. She is active in her church, the recipient of awards too numerous to list here today, a member of multiple boards, and known for her considerable philanthropic and charitable work.

Mrs. Lynn Holowesko has served as a Senator and as President of the Senate, Chaired both the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission and the National Trust, Co-Chaired a Panel of Experts on Environmental Law for the United Nations, and is – clearly — a very distinguished member of the Bahamian Bar.

In other words: these women are formidable and outstanding leaders! They have already done so much to contribute to our country, but clearly they are not content to rest on their laurels – their presence here today shows their deep patriotism and their dedication to building a more just Bahamas. They will be supported by an excellent team lead by former Senators Cheryl Bazzard and Heather Hunt who will act as Co-Executive Directors. Both of these ladies represent the next generation of outstanding leaders. Each in their own right continues to serve our nation well.

Thank you all so much for bringing on board your enthusiasm and your expertise. I am confident that under your leadership, the YES Bahamas Campaign will both educate and inspire.

Before I turn things over, I want to take a moment to outline how we arrived at this moment – to put this referendum in context, and explain its purpose and importance.

The Bahamas Independence Order of 1973 was an Act of the British Parliament that provided for The Bahamas to become an independent sovereign nation, and our Constitution is an appendix to that Act. The 15 Bahamian men who attended a Constitutional Conference in London in December of 1972 are known as the Framers of our Constitution. To this day, the students in our schools learn of their leadership and contributions.

They created a Constitution which prevented Parliament from passing laws which would discriminate based on race or creed or place of origin – but they did not include sex – that is, they did not insert any language in the Constitution which would prevent Parliament from passing laws which discriminate against men or women.

This referendum is simply about bringing our Constitution up to date to reflect our shared values as a society. Men and women will always be different, and no law or change to the Constitution could or should ever change that – in fact, we celebrate our differences – but we do believe that as citizens who share the same responsibilities, the time has come for men and women, our sons and daughters, to share the same rights.

I know this is a value shared by Bahamians because a long process of consultation has led us to this moment. The Constitutional Commission, appointed in 2012, has traveled far and wide throughout the country, holding town halls and meeting with citizens. The Commission consulted not just widely but deeply, holding extensive meetings with lawyers, academics, church leaders, and many other citizens who wanted to share their views. I acknowledge in particular the very substantial role that was played in the process by the late Dr. Myles Munroe, the founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries. He and other Leaders met many times with the Constitutional Commission and me. They gave excellent suggestions, were very energetically involved, and very committed to seeing the Constitution reformed so that men and women could achieve equal rights as citizens.

Earlier this month, the bills received overwhelming support in the House of Assembly, and then passed unanimously in the Senate. So now they go to the people – and this is a constitutional referendum, so the people’s word is final and binding.

On Tuesday, June 7th, Bahamians will be asked to vote YES on four common sense changes to our Constitution, so that Bahamian men and women are able to pass citizenship to their families in the same way, and so that it will be impossible for any future Parliament to pass laws discriminating against either men or women.

I want to be clear: these bills do not propose radical change. Instead, this is about making sure that the supreme law of the land reflects our values and our commitment to fairness.

The First proposed Amendment would allow children born abroad to obtain Bahamian citizenship from either their Bahamian father or mother, in those circumstances where the other parent is not Bahamian. Right now, only Bahamian men are entitled to pass their Bahamian citizenship to their children born abroad in these situations.

This amendment says: Bahamian mothers and their children should have the same rights as Bahamian fathers and their children.

Amendment Two would enable a Bahamian woman who marries a non-Bahamian man to secure for him the same ability to apply for Bahamian citizenship – following the same steps, and subject to the same considerations – currently afforded to a Bahamian man married to a non-Bahamian woman.

I would like to emphasize that the second bill would NOT make citizenship automatic for foreign husbands of Bahamian women, just as it is not currently automatic for foreign wives. It merely grants those spouses the same right to apply for citizenship, following the same very long process.

There is nothing easy or quick or convenient about becoming a citizen this way – the process typically takes more than 10 years, and involves interviews and inspections to ensure the marriage is legitimate.

Immigration officers are given the same investigative powers as police officers as they determine whether a marriage is legitimate. And as of 2015, it is now a criminal act to participate in a fraudulent marriage, punishable by a fine or jail or both.

Thus, amendment two is designed only to help real Bahamian families, and its purpose is to give Bahamian women the same rights as Bahamian men.

Amendment Three would correct that provision in our Constitution that currently discriminates against men. The change would mean that an unmarried Bahamian man could pass on his Bahamian citizenship to a child fathered with a non- Bahamian woman, if he is able to prove by DNA evidence that he is the father. This right currently belongs only to women.

We are ready for a Constitution that supports fathers who want to keep their children close.

Amendment Four would update Article 26 of the Constitution, so that it would become unconstitutional for Parliament to pass any laws that discriminate based on sex, which is defined as “male or female”.

There have been some questions about the intent and the possible effects of this change. The purpose of this amendment is only to ensure that Bahamian men and women are equal under the law.

I am going to emphasize that in The Bahamas, by law – under the Matrimonial Causes Act — marriage must be between a man and a woman, and this amendment will not change that.

In fact, the lawyers who drafted the language of the amendment went out of their way to protect traditional marriage, by defining “sex” as meaning “male or female”. The language is clear, and the intent of Parliament – which any future court is likewise obliged to consider – is also crystal clear.

And I am advised that there have been NO cases in Commonwealth countries like ours, with a Westminster-style Constitution, in which the right to non- discrimination on the basis of sex led to a judicially-created right to same-sex marriage.

I repeat: this referendum will not cause same-sex marriage to become legal in The Bahamas. Marriage in The Bahamas will be legal only if it is between a man and a woman, and male and female are determined at birth.

I am so emphatic because it is so important for Bahamians to vote on what is really at stake – equal rights for our sons and daughters – and not let false rumours or incorrect information hold sway.

This referendum does not seek to change Bahamian society or our traditional values – instead it seeks to change the Constitution so that it more clearly reflects those values, and our shared belief in fairness.

And so with full confidence, with immense gratitude, and with great anticipation — the baton is passed – to these very distinguished Co-Chairs, and to the many Bahamians who believe in equal rights.

I know the coming weeks will see a great celebration, an outpouring of support from those who are excited to make history, and in particular, the involvement of first-time voters, who have become eligible to vote since the previous election.

The YES Bahamas Campaign will be relying on Bahamians young and old for their creativity and enthusiasm, visiting each of our islands, and providing information to Bahamians on each of the amendments. And the Constitutional Commission will continue a very intense schedule of information sessions, which will also be held across the islands, where Bahamians can ask their questions in person and receive answers and information from legal experts.

In carrying out this work the Commission will continue to operate independently and with neutrality. Its job is to educate not to advocate for a Yes or No vote.

I want to share a conversation I had recently with an old-timer in my constituency. He asked me about the referendum, and I explained it the way I’ve done so here today. I’m not sure he was completely with me, though, until I asked him to think about his grandchildren who were playing near us in the street. Did he think that his grandsons and his granddaughters should have different rights as Bahamian citizens? He was indignant at the very thought. He wants the best for all his grandchildren – his dreams for the girls are no less grand than his dreams for the boys. And so he agreed — he wants them to grow up in a country where they are equal under the law.

I know this gentleman will be voting YES on June 7th, and that in this he will be joined by Bahamians from all walks of life, across our beautiful islands. Because there are moments to unite as a nation, moments when we come together to do the right thing, and this is one of those moments.

News

Building a Stronger Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force through Change and Capacity Building

Published

1 week ago

September 4, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 4, 2026 – As the world continues to advance, the nature of policing continues to evolve. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, technology is changing rapidly, and the expectations placed upon law enforcement agencies have never been greater. If we are to remain effective in protecting our communities, we must be prepared to evolve alongside these changes.

It is against this backdrop that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has embarked on a journey of organizational transformation and modernization. Change is not always comfortable, nor is it easy. It requires us to challenge old ways of thinking, review longstanding practices, and sometimes make difficult decisions in pursuit of a better future.

We recognize that change often brings uncertainty and resistance. However, strong institutions cannot remain static. They must continuously adapt to changing circumstances while remaining true to their core mission and values. Our responsibility as a Police Force is to build structures, systems, policies, and capabilities that will endure long after any individual officer leaves the organization.

This transformation is not simply about responding to today’s challenges. It is about building an institution that is resilient, sustainable, and capable of serving future generations.

Central to this transformation is capacity building.

For too long, discussions about organizational effectiveness in policing have focused primarily on equipment and infrastructure. While these remain critical, true organizational strength comes from knowledge, competence, leadership, and institutional capability. Our objective is not merely to fill positions but to develop professionals who possess the expertise, confidence, and leadership skills necessary to navigate increasingly complex policing environments.

The Royal Turks ans Caicos Islands Police Force have made substantial investments in training, leadership development, specialist expertise, and knowledge transfer across the Force. ACP Dr. Terrance Bent, drawing on more than 30 years of policing experience and professional knowledge, will play a pivotal role in driving this organizational transformation. These investments are intended not only to enhance individual capability and performance, but also to strengthen the institutional resilience and effectiveness of the Force. Every officer who undertakes advanced training becomes a valuable source of expertise, mentorship, and leadership, creating a lasting ripple effect that benefits colleagues, teams, and the wider organization.

In this way, capacity building becomes far more than professional development. It becomes the foundation upon which long-term organizational success is built.

Between October 2025 and August 2026, the RTCIPF delivered 63 training courses and programmes, recording 1,289 participant attendances across a broad range of professional development initiatives.

The Junior Command Programme, our flagship leadership development initiative, continues to strengthen supervisory and leadership capacity and offers certification and accreditation for further learning opportunities. Four(4) cohorts have successfully completed the programme since its reintroduction, with the fifth cohort scheduled to conclude on 11 September 2026. To date, fifteen (15) persons from the RTCIPF and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force have completed the programme, while six participants are currently undergoing training. An additional 32 personnel remain engaged in ongoing professional development activities.

These investments in our people are already producing measurable results. We are building stronger leaders, enhancing operational capability, improving investigative capacity, and creating a more professional and adaptable workforce. These improvements are helping us create a police service that is better equipped to meet today’s challenges while preparing for those that lie ahead.

Encouragingly, these efforts are being reflected in our operational outcomes. Over the past year, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has recorded a steady decline in serious reported crime, including significant reductions in violent offences and homicides. Murders have fallen from a record high of 48 in 2024 to 27 in 2025, and to just three(3) recorded murders by the end of August 2026. This represents a reduction of 43.8% in 2025 and 93.8% in 2026 when measured against the 2024 baseline. Collectively, this equates to approximately 66 fewer homicides recorded over the period compared to what would have occurred had the 2024 murder rate continued.

Serious crime has also continued on a downward trajectory, decreasing from 551 offences in 2024 to 502 in 2025, with 210 offences recorded by the end of August 2026. Based on current trends, serious crime is projected to end 2026 at approximately 315 offences, representing a reduction of 42.8% compared with 2024.

These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our officers, the support of our partners and the cooperation of the communities we serve. The results demonstrate the positive impact of sustained investment in our people, targeted enforcement initiatives, intelligence-led policing and strong community partnerships.

While we are encouraged by this progress, it would be disingenuous not to acknowledge the challenges that remain.

Our officers continue to operate under demanding circumstances. There are genuine concerns regarding facilities, technology, equipment, uniform supplies and other resources necessary to support effective policing. These are not mere inconveniences; they are operational realities that can affect our ability to deliver services at the standard both the public and our officers deserve.

We acknowledge these concerns and are committed to addressing them. To support this effort, the Force has engaged Mr. Rohan Richards as Chief Operations Officer. Drawing on his extensive expertise and operational experience, Mr. Richards will provide strategic guidance and oversight to identify areas for improvement, strengthen organizational efficiency, and help drive the changes necessary to enhance the effectiveness, resilience, and capability of the Force.

The acquisition of modern technology, fit-for-purpose workspaces, specialized equipment and adequate operational resources remains essential to achieving our modernization objectives. Budgetary constraints continue to present challenges, and we will continue to advocate strongly for the investments required to equip the Force for the future.

However, while we pursue the resources we need, we cannot allow the absence of resources to define who we are. Our identity is shaped not by the equipment we possess, but by the professionalism, dedication, and resilience of the people who serve.

Every success achieved by this Force has been made possible through the determination, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who serve this organization and by extension, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Too often, the public sees the uniform but not the person behind it. They do not always see the long hours, the missed family occasions, the difficult decisions, or the emotional burden that policing can impose. Yet every day, our officers continue to answer the call of duty with professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment.

As an organization, we have a responsibility to support our people by investing in their development, recognizing their contributions and creating opportunities for growth. Morale is strengthened when individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to succeed.

That is why our modernization programme places people at its heart. Every course completed, every skill acquired, every leadership opportunity created, and every improvement in working conditions is an investment in the people who make this organization successful.
While building capability and reducing crime remain essential priorities, public trust and police legitimacy are equally important.

The appointment of an Inspector General Alison Woods reinforces our commitment to ensuring that accountability is not merely an aspiration but a reality. It provides an independent mechanism through which allegations of police misconduct can be examined fairly, impartially, and transparently. This oversight role strengthens public confidence while supporting the professionalism and integrity of the overwhelming majority of officers who serve honourably each day.

At the same time, it is important to recognize the dangers that officers continue to face in the execution of their duties. Criminals remain willing to confront law enforcement, particularly during responses to firearms-related incidents.

A recent shooting involving several underage males serves as a stark reminder of this reality. Incidents such as these highlight the complex environment in which officers must operate, balancing accountability and transparency while confronting individuals who are often armed and prepared to engage in serious criminal activity.

For this reason, our focus has increasingly shifted from short-term gains to long-term sustainability. The true measure of success is not whether crime falls during my tenure as Commissioner. Rather, it is whether the systems, structures, and capabilities we are building today are strong enough to sustain that success long after my tenure has ended.

Building institutional resilience also means investing in the next generation of police officers. While developing our existing workforce remains a priority, we continue to focus on attracting talented individuals from within our own communities. Recruitment remains an important part of this effort, and we continue to encourage suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders, Permanent Residency Certificate holders and British Overseas Territories citizens to consider a career in policing.

The future of this organization depends on our ability to identify, develop and retain individuals who are committed to public service, professionalism and integrity. By bringing new talent into the organization while continuing to develop those already serving, we are creating a sustainable foundation for long-term success and ensuring that the progress we achieve today can be maintained well into the future.

My goal is clear: not simply to reduce crime today, but to create the conditions that will keep crime low, communities safe, and public confidence strong for years to come.

Change does not happen overnight. It requires patience, discipline, commitment and collective effort. It requires the support of our officers, our partners, our Government and the communities we serve.

As we prepare for the reopening of schools, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will maintain an increased presence on the nation’s roads to help ensure the safety of students, parents and all road users. Motorists are urged to comply with all traffic laws and exercise patience during peak travel periods. Drivers who create unnecessary congestion or are found in violation of traffic regulations may face enforcement action and prosecution where appropriate.

Together, we are building more than a modern police service. We are strengthening an institution, safeguarding our progress, creating opportunities for our young people, and laying the foundation for a safer and more secure Turks and Caicos Islands for generations to come.

The men and women of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are our greatest asset. They remain the driving force behind every success we achieve today and every success this organization will achieve in the future.

Stronger Together, serving the citizens, residents and visitors of these Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

Starlink Gets 15-Year TCI Licence; Commission Reveals Fees, Future Flow and Digicel Partnerships

Published

1 week ago

September 3, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — Starlink has been granted a 15-year telecommunications licence in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the satellite internet provider required to pay an initial licensing fee of approximately $112,600, followed by annual payments tied to revenues and spectrum use.

The details were provided directly to Magnetic Media by Kenva Williams, Director General of the TCI Telecommunications Commission, following the August 27 formal licensing ceremony.

Williams said Starlink will pay seven per cent of gross annual revenues for its network licence, a $23,600 annual spectrum fee, and a further 1.8 per cent of annual gross revenues as a regulatory fee. The licence carries conditions and runs for the same 15-year period afforded other service providers.

The Telecommunications Fee Structure Regulation was also amended to create a category for satellite services.

For consumers, Williams confirmed that Starlink operates independently of Flow and Digicel, meaning residents do not require either provider to access its regular satellite internet service. He also confirmed that areas shown in blue on Starlink’s availability map indicate that service is available.

However, the relationship changes with Direct to Cellular (D2C) technology.

“For Direct to Cellular services, they will partner with Flow and Digicel,” Williams told Magnetic Media.

The Director General described Starlink as a complement to terrestrial telecommunications, capable of facilitating internet access in locations and circumstances where conventional infrastructure has been difficult or impossible to deploy.

That need helped drive a licensing process Williams said took two years.

Speaking at the ceremony, he explained that the Commission found no Caribbean regulatory framework it could simply replicate and therefore undertook consultation with existing operators, satellite providers, stakeholders and the public.

Williams said a Commission survey found 80 percent of respondents wanted Starlink, but acknowledged concerns from existing operators about the impact of a global satellite provider entering the TCI market.

“We’re going to ensure that policies are in place to keep the terrestrial services alive,” Williams said, stressing that Flow and Digicel maintain critical physical and mobile infrastructure. He also urged government not to abandon plans for a national fibre network, describing it as “a must.”

For Starlink, however, the licence represents more than commercial entry into another market.

Rebecca Hunter, Director of Market Access for Starlink, described August 27 as “day one of our relationship with the Turks and Caicos Islands,” promising that the company intends to become a long-term community partner.

“We look forward to contributing in the proper ways, following all the rules and requirements… and we look forward to giving back to the community,” Hunter said.

She identified resilience, government continuity, maritime services, disaster management, healthcare and education among areas where Starlink believes its technology can contribute.

“However we can contribute, we want to be part of your story,” Hunter told the gathering.

The entry is particularly significant for an archipelago where smaller and sparsely populated islands have historically presented challenges for traditional telecommunications infrastructure.

For the Commission, Starlink therefore adds another layer of connectivity rather than replacing existing networks — expanding consumer choice today while creating future opportunities for satellite-to-mobile connectivity through TCI’s established operators.

News

Flow Strengthens Network Leadership in TCI

Published

1 week ago

September 3, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos Islands – Leading telecoms provider Flow TCI has announced enhancements to both its fixed and mobile networks, delivering faster speeds, expanded coverage and greater capacity for customers across the country.

The latest improvements include the activation of a new mobile site in Long Bay, enhanced broadband speeds for residential customers, and independent recognition from Ookla for the performance of the company’s fixed network.

“Together, these developments reflect our continued focus on building the digital infrastructure needed to support the evolving needs of households, businesses and the wider economy,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Our continued network enhancements are focused on delivering a better experience for our customers while ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands has the digital infrastructure needed to support economic growth, innovation and opportunity.”

The newly activated mobile site in Long Bay delivers improved coverage, increased network capacity and faster mobile connectivity to one of the fastest-growing communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Further mobile network expansion is planned through late 2026 and into 2027, strengthening Flow’s ability to meet growing demand and ensuring more communities can benefit from high-quality connectivity.

Flow has also enhanced the experience for its residential broadband customers. Effective August 1, eligible customers received significant upgrades, with internet speeds on selected plans doubled or tripled. Some customers also benefited from a reduction in their monthly bill.

The strength of Flow’s fixed network has also received independent international recognition. Flow Turks and Caicos Islands was awarded the Ookla Speedtest Award for Fastest Fixed Network in the Turks and Caicos Islands, based on data from Speedtest Intelligence.

The award provides independent validation of Flow’s network performance and gives customers tangible assurance that the network they rely on for work, entertainment, education and everyday life delivers leading speeds.

“Reliable, high-performing connectivity is no longer simply a convenience. It is fundamental infrastructure for modern life and for national development,” added Missick.

“The recognition from Ookla is particularly meaningful because it independently validates the performance of our fixed network. For our customers, it reinforces what these investments and enhancements are designed to deliver: faster, stronger and more dependable connectivity for the things that matter most in their lives and businesses.”

These network developments form the foundation of Flow’s new nationwide campaign, ‘This Is TCI’s Network’, which highlights the company’s long-term commitment to the Turks and Caicos Islands and its role in connecting communities and supporting the country’s continued development.