OT 438: E-mail to the Chair of the Committee from Lanze Gardiner, Turks and Caicos Islands

 

Democracy in Turks & Caicos Islands

 

I am a UK citizen and Belonger of the Turks & Caicos Islands seeking the help of your good offices in getting the UK Government to redress the grave injustices taking place in Turks & Caicos Islands. As you know, the Islands are a British Overseas Territory, and have enjoyed full internal self-government since 1976. However, following allegations of corruption affecting four of the 21 members of the local House of Assembly, the FCO (who have responsibility for the Territory) suspended the local constitution, and instituted direct rule through a Governor appointed by the FCO in August 2009.

 

The FCO said at the time that many in the TCI welcomed the intervention. However, after 7 months of direct rule from London, it has become clear that the local Turks & Caicos islanders are being marginalised in their own homeland. For example, in March 2010 a constitutional review group was constituted by the FCO to write a new constitution, revise electoral laws, and determine the criteria for getting Belonger status in the TCI (with the right to vote, etc).

 

It is most ironic that not one member of the group is a TCI Belonger. The consultation that is due to follow any proposals that emerge will "include Belonger stakeholders", according to the Governor, but "will not be a negotiation". What is the UK Government's action plan for protecting (instead of diluting) the rights of the indigenous TCI people, who are already a minority in their own country? How will this be integrated into the constitutional modernisation process?

 

On 8 March, the TCI people demonstrated in their thousands for a return to self-rule. Both of the two main political parties, representing virtually 100% of current voters led the march. The local Governor seems to have ignored this completely. What is the British Government's response to this - especially since when self-rule was suspended it said this move was supported by the majority of the TCI population?

 

The entirety of the local media are extremely critical of the secretive way in which the interim government is being run. For example, during a recent round of Town Hall meetings, the press were prohibited from filming or taking a verbatim record of proceedings. In fact, a member of the press was assaulted by the Royal TCI Police when found to be filming. Can you please ask for an explanation of this, and secure assurances from the Overseas Territories Directorate at the FCO that the people of TCI (via the Press) will be given access to information on how the government is being run?

 

 

14 March 2010