LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Turks & Caicos constitutional achievements should be commended

Wednesday,  October 19, 2005

Dear Sir,  

A very interesting Editorial recently appeared in the Cayman Net News titled “Constitutional Imprudence” which in part mentioned the successful talks that were held between the United Kingdom Government and the Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Hon. Dr. Michael Misick.  The talks resulted in a modernised constitution for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Hon. Chief Minister should be highly commended on his achievement, which will result in more power and responsibility being given to the democratically elected Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The agreement which has been arrived at will enable the Government of the Turks and Caicos to further establish its authority over significant areas of the institutions of government, which will enable it to more successfully implement its policies and programmes in the interest of the people.

Some of the most important aspects of the agreement involve the post of Chief Minister being changed to that of Premier. This is important, in that this new title carries greater legitimacy and political weight in terms of the authority which comes with it. For example, whereas previously the areas of defence and foreign affairs resided with the Governor, the Premier will now have to be consulted on these issues. It means more exposure for the country’s leader to these important sectors, and a greater say in the actions to be taken.  This also means greater respect for the country, its institutions, and the new Premier both at home and abroad.

Furthermore, the Executive Council will be replaced by a Cabinet, which brings the TCI into step with the independent countries of the Caribbean, and gives more force to the policy decisions of the Government. We can expect to see more sophisticated issues being brought to the Cabinet for decision, and a greater depth of deliberation being exercised. Cabinet Ministers will also consider their work more seriously, as well as the implication of decisions for the country. In addition, a Cabinet Secretary will replace the Clerk to Executive Council. This Office will follow through on Government’s policy and co-ordinate its implementation. This is a superb accomplishment.

Another area of agreement is the abolition of the Office of Chief Secretary. This is significant since in the past, this Office exercised enormous authority, which could impact undesirably on the capacity of the elected Government to achieve its policy objectives. It means more accountability now, since a Minister of Government would be responsible for the Public Service, dealing with policy matters, which ensures that the policy goals of the Government would now be given more serious consideration and effected more robustly. And with an enlarged and strengthened Public Service Commission, which would be fairly constituted, a more effective and efficient governance would be ensured.

A further achievement is the change of the Legislative Council to that of House of Assembly. This puts the TCI in league with such countries as the Bahamas and Barbados. The name change suggests a higher level of political and psychological authority, since this body will consist of an enlarged number of elected members from 13 to 15, with 7 of these being Ministers, the latter number previously being 6.  There will also now be 4 appointed members where there were previously 3. An appointed member could also become a Minister of Government, since this person could possess important knowledge and skills which could be beneficial to the Government. This person would therefore not have to go through the rigours of an election campaign. Jamaica, the Bahamas and Trinidad also have this constitutional provision. The appointed member could not become Premier, or be the Minister for Finance, however.

The talks agreed to the new post of Deputy Governor who will be a belonger. This is significant in that this person will have exposure to the higher levels of Government activity, and will be able to influence decisions as a result of having a local perspective on the issues to be discussed. This is important also, in that it brings the machinery of Government closer to the unique needs of the population as a whole.

The draft constitution will be widely discussed in order to educate the Turks and Caicos public about its contents. The consultations are for educational awareness alone, since the constitutional document has already been officially agreed on. It will then be given a legal framework.

The Hon. Chief Minister, soon to be Premier has performed exceptionally well since being elected two years ago.  The economy is booming, the TCI population has a renewed hope in the country’s future, and there is a sense of excitement, optimism, and great expectation for what lies ahead. With the agreement with the U.K. Government on a modernised constitution, the Hon. Dr. Michael Misick has laid the foundation for sustained prosperity, and a stable and much admired democracy. 

 Oliver Mills (M.A., M.Ed.)

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