TCI’s Electoral Districts Could Increase with Appointment of 3-Member Commission
Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has appointed a three-member Electoral District Boundary Commission to review the boundaries of electoral districts across the Turks and Caicos Islands and determine whether changes are necessary to ensure fair and equitable representation.
The appointments were made in accordance with Section 60(2) of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Commission will be chaired by Hon. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC, of the British Virgin Islands, with former senior public servant Mrs. Clara Gardiner, OBE, and Pastor Wilbert Jennings serving as members.
Penn brings extensive legal, judicial and government experience to the role. She has previously held judicial office and served as Attorney General and Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands. She has also held elected office in the sister British Overseas Territory.
Gardiner is a veteran public servant who served as a Permanent Secretary for more than 16 years within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service. She has also contributed to public administration through her service on several boards and statutory bodies.
Jennings currently serves as President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council and is a pastor with the Church of God of Prophecy. He is also the Force Chaplain of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and a former United States military officer.
Commission to Examine Electoral Boundaries
The Electoral District Boundary Commission is an independent constitutional body responsible for examining the existing electoral district boundaries and recommending adjustments where necessary.
A central part of its mandate will be assessing the distribution of people qualified to be registered as voters throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Under the Constitution, electoral districts must, as far as reasonably practicable, contain approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors.
The review is intended to determine whether the current boundaries continue to provide equitable electoral representation or whether adjustments should be recommended.
Following its assessment, the Commission will submit a report to the Governor and Parliament outlining its findings and identifying any proposed boundary changes.
Public Consultation to Play Key Role
Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands will have an opportunity to contribute to the review process.
The Commission may invite submissions and opinions from members of the public and is constitutionally required to consult the public on a draft of its report before finalising its recommendations.
It may also seek technical assistance and expert advice to support its work.
Importantly, the Commission operates independently and cannot be directed or controlled by any individual, government department or other authority in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
Governor Highlights Importance of Fair Representation
In announcing the appointments, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam emphasised the importance of the Commission's work in protecting democratic principles and maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.
“The work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission is fundamental to the strength and integrity of our democracy,” the Governor stated.
“Through its independent, evidence-based review, the Commission will help ensure that electoral boundaries continue to support equitable and effective representation across our Islands, while reinforcing public confidence in our democratic institutions.”
The Governor also expressed appreciation to the three appointees for accepting the responsibility and urged residents to participate constructively in the consultation process.
“I am grateful to Honourable Dancia Penn OBE, KC, Mrs Gardiner OBE and Pastor Jennings for accepting this important public responsibility,” she said.
She stressed that meaningful public participation would be essential to ensuring the Islands' democratic arrangements continue to reflect the interests of the people.
Further Details Expected
The appointment of the Commission marks an important step in the constitutional process of reviewing electoral representation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
While the review does not automatically mean that electoral district boundaries will change, the Commission's findings will determine whether adjustments should be recommended.
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