TCI Parliament Passes Landmark Status Amendment Bill With Unanimous Support
- Vivian Tyson, NewslineTCI Editor
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
In a rare show of unity, the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly on Friday passed the Turks and Caicos Islands Status (Amendment) Bill 2025 with unanimous support from both Government and Opposition members. The Bill, championed by Hon. Otis Morris,
Minister of Public Service and Utilities, represents a pivotal change in how Islander status is granted — placing the power more firmly in the hands of the elected government.
The amended law seeks to restore public trust, protect national identity, and ensure that only individuals with genuine and meaningful connections to the Turks and Caicos Islands can become Turks and Caicos Islanders. Central to the change is a shift in who ultimately approves the granting of Islander status. Under the new law, the TCI Status Commission now informs the Governor in Cabinet — rather than the Governor acting alone — of its decision on who should be granted Islander status. This move reinforces democratic oversight and removes unilateral authority from the Governor.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services Hon. Jamell Robinson described the amendment as a timely response to growing concerns over transparency and the sanctity of citizenship in the territory. In his parliamentary statement, he noted the government's increasing efforts to address immigration irregularities, including a crackdown on undocumented workers and fraudulent status documents.
"We are sounding the alarm,” said Hon. Robinson. “There are too many persons in this country on work permits who are idle or working outside their permitted categories. This law is one of several steps we are taking to bring accountability and control back to the people.”
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Hon. Arlington Musgrove emphasized that the Bill reflects the will and identity of the TCI people.
“This is about restoring confidence in the system,” Musgrove declared. “We oppose the unilateral granting of Islander status to individuals with no meaningful ties to these islands. Today, we reaffirm that decisions about national identity must rest with the elected representatives of the people.”
Opposition Leader Hon. Edwin Astwood also gave his full backing to the Bill, underscoring its importance in safeguarding national sovereignty and preventing misuse of citizenship privileges.
“Our community must maintain control over who becomes one of us,” said Astwood. “This amendment addresses a dangerous loophole that allowed decisions to be overturned by external actors, including the Governor and the courts. The people must decide who joins our family.”
Astwood further proposed the introduction of a transparent point-based system for citizenship, stricter disqualifiers, and an independent appeals body composed solely of Turks and Caicos Islanders to manage future applications.
The Bill also introduces administrative reforms, such as including the Permanent Secretary as an Ex-Officio member of the TCI Status Commission, to ensure policy alignment with government priorities.
The passage of this law marks a major step forward in the territory’s ongoing push for greater autonomy and local accountability in matters of citizenship and immigration.
What the Amended Law Sets Out to Do:
Transfers final advisory power on Islander status from the Governor acting alone to the Governor in Cabinet, ensuring elected officials have the final say.
Reinforces democratic oversight in determining who becomes a Turks and Caicos Islander.
Adds the Permanent Secretary as an Ex-Officio member of the TCI Status Commission for administrative oversight.
Strengthens safeguards against the granting of status to persons without genuine ties to the TCI.
Seeks to rebuild public confidence and protect national identity through transparency and accountability.
With immigration and identity continuing to dominate national discourse, the Turks and Caicos Islands Status (Amendment) Bill 2025 is expected to have lasting implications on the country’s future citizenship policies and cultural preservation.
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