Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Council Re-Elected Unopposed at 2026 Annual General Meeting

The Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association today held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Key West Village Conference Centre, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, at which the entire Bar Council was re-elected unopposed for a second consecutive term.

The Council, led by President Mark A. Fulford, will continue in office alongside Vice President Arnelle Taylor-Hall and Council Members Kenisha Bacchus, Devon McLean, and Shayone Handfield-Gardiner, with continued administrative support from Secretary Murray Snider and Treasurer Shantae Francis.

The uncontested re-election reflects the confidence of the membership in the Council’s stewardship and the progress achieved over the past year.

During its first term, the Council delivered a series of institutional and professional reforms aimed at strengthening the Bar and modernising its operations. These included the establishment of the Bar Secretariat for the first time in the Association’s history, the introduction of a formal governance framework and budget structure, and the securing of a dedicated office at Emily House contributed by its President at no expense to the association, providing the Bar with its first administrative home.

In addition, the Bar played a meaningful role in supporting developments within the justice system, including engagement on the Practice Direction on Artificial Intelligence, the launch of the Sentencing Guidelines, and broader stakeholder collaboration on modern approaches to criminal justice and rehabilitation.

The re-election of the Council provides continuity at a time when several of these initiatives remain ongoing and require sustained focus, including the modernisation of the Legal Profession Act, the development of a structured Continuing Professional Development framework, and the continued strengthening of the Bar’s institutional capacity.

In addressing members, President Fulford noted that the outcome of the election reinforces a shared responsibility.

⁠“The confidence placed in this Council is not an entitlement. It is a responsibility to continue strengthening the profession, advancing reform, and ensuring that the Bar remains responsive to the needs of our legal system and our country.”

The AGM also included committee reports, an update on legislative reform initiatives, and a midday training session focused on AML/CFT compliance for lawyers.

The Bar Association will conclude its AGM activities this evening with a Cocktail Reception and Awards Ceremony, marking the first formal programme of recognition to honour members of the profession for their service, leadership, and contribution to the development of the Bar.

The 2026 AGM is being held under the theme:

“A Modern Bar for a Modern Nation: Strengthening Institutions. Advancing Justice. Preparing the Profession for the Future.”