TCI, UK Agree On Locally-Elected Government Having Greater Governance Control

The United Kingdom Government and democratically elected Governments of the British Overseas Territories, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, have agreed on greater autonomies for the Overseas Territories from a joint meeting held on November 14 and 15, 2023.

The Joint Declaration between the Government of the United Kingdom and the democratically elected Governments of the British Overseas Territories outlines several key agreements and commitments. Here's a summary of the main points:

I. Stronger Global Family:

Upholding democratic values in the British family.

Commitment to the rules-based international system.

Support for closer links between the British Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth.

II. Empowering Territory Governments:

Support for greater autonomy for democratically elected British Overseas Territory Governments.

Engagement with Territory Governments on reviewing their constitutions.

Support for the removal of Territories from the UN list of non-self-governing territories.

III. Mutual Expectations and Responsibilities:

Mechanism for consulting British Overseas Territory governments on proposed UK legislation.

Promotion of collective interests in international forums.

Development of bilateral Compacts between the UK Government and each British Overseas Territory.

Support for bilateral Compacts between individual British Overseas Territories.

IV. Sustainable Development:

Collaboration on sustainable development goals.

Financial support for non-self-sufficient Territories.

Consideration of vulnerability in financial support decisions.

Strengthened partnership to tackle climate priorities.

V. Excellence in Public Service:

Mutual support through challenges and successes.

Strengthening public institutions for good governance.

Collaboration for technical support, experience transfer, and cybersecurity.

VI. Implementation and Oversight:

The Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) as the highest forum for political dialogue.

Accountability through the JMC for implementing the Declaration.

UK commitment to publish a strategy outlining how it will deliver on its commitments.

The Declaration emphasizes a deep, historic, and enduring partnership between the UK and the British Overseas Territories. It recognizes the diversity of the territories and commits to shared values, equal rights, and self-determination.

The document underscores the importance of working together to address challenges, promote good governance, and achieve sustainable development. The Joint Ministerial Council will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of these commitments.

UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Rutley, said: “The Overseas Territories are an important part of the British Family, and our shared values such as support for democracy and the rule of law underpin this close relationship.

“Our new Joint Declaration sets out more clearly than ever how the UK and Overseas Territories will work closer together on the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.”

In response, Premier for the Turks and Caicos Islands Hon. Washington Misick, noted: “A resetting of the relationship between the OTs and the UK to be more future facing considering the realities of the current global trends is welcomed. I look forward to a strategic engagement on delivery of the commitments."