2026 TCI Status Commission Inducted and Fully Equipped to Advance Adjudications

The Ministry of Home Affairs convened an Induction and Orientation Training session for the 2026 Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission on Thursday, June 11, 2026, completing the final administrative step ahead of the Commission’s adjudication of applications for the current cycle.

Established under Part III of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance (Cap. 5.05), as amended, the Commission is the independent statutory body responsible for reviewing applications for the grant of Turks and Caicos Islander Status, the highest expression of belonging to these Islands. For the 2026 cycle, it will consider the sixty-nine (69) applications received during 2025, with its decisions to be communicated in writing to Her  Excellency the Governor by October 31, 2026, in accordance with section 13 of the Ordinance.

The proceedings opened with a brief ceremony at which the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Akierra Missick, delivered remarks and presented members with their official Instruments of Appointment. The members of the 2026 Commission are:

• Hon. Karen L. Delancy, Chair

• Mr. Kenneth Adams Jr., Member

• Ms. Hyacinth Swann, Member

• Hon. Goldray Ewing, Member

• Mr. David S. Been, Member

• Ms. Latisha S. Williams-Bruce, Member (Attorney-at-Law)

• Ms. Terrica Walkin, Secretary to the Commission

The training was facilitated by a team from the Attorney General’s Chambers: Dr. Gogontle Gatang-McCartney, Chief Parliamentary Counsel; Mr. Clemar Hippolyte, Principal Crown Counsel, Civil; and Ms. Motheba Linton, Senior Crown Counsel, Commercial.

The session provided members with legal guidance on the adjudication process, covering the statutory functions, powers and duties of the Commission; confidentiality and conflict of interest obligations; and the procedural standards and reporting timelines that will govern its deliberations. With the induction complete, the Commission is fully equipped to proceed with the substantive consideration of the applications before it.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Missick stated:

“The bestowal of Turks and Caicos Islander Status is among the most significant decisions our country makes, and our people rightly expect a process that is rigorous, fair and transparent. With this induction complete, the 2026 Commission is fully equipped to carry out its work with integrity and in strict accordance with the law.

“ I thank the members for their willingness to serve and the Attorney General’s Chambers for their partnership, and I am confident the Commission will discharge its mandate with diligence and well within the timelines prescribed by the Ordinance.”

The constitution and induction of the 2026 Commission reflect the Ministry of Home Affairs’ continued focus on efficient, responsive, and trusted public services for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.