Vexed Bermoothes

The Governor of the Turks & Caicos has announced that their constitution will be partially suspended for up to two years while the Government of TCI is effectively rebuilt.

It seems that the many governance shortcuts that have been taken in pursuit of rapid growth have seriously undermined the country and, in effect, created a failed state.

A consultative council will be formed to advise the Governor on the needed reforms.

“The Commissioner states that the written information obtained in the first six months of the Commission’s inquiries, when coupled with the evidence in the public hearings in TCI earlier this year, have provided information in abundance pointing to a high probability of systemic corruption or other serious dishonesty. In his view this, together with “clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and general administrative incompetence”, has demonstrated a need for the urgent suspension in whole or in part of the Constitution, and for other legislative and administrative reforms and change…”

“As drafted, the Order would leave in place important elements of the Constitution such as the fundamental rights chapter and provisions relating to the Governor, the courts and the public service, while removing the Cabinet, House of Assembly and references to ministerial and related powers. Powers and functions currently exercised by Ministers would be exercised by the Governor acting in his discretion, including in relation to public finances, legislation and necessary regulatory reforms…”

“I can confirm that consideration is being given to the establishment of a special civil recovery team, and the need to bolster the capacity of the police and to appoint a special prosecutor to undertake prosecutions which may be warranted in keeping with any evidence of criminality which may be disclosed by it [the final report].”

The Commission’s interim report may be found here. It’s breathtaking.

The report includes recommendations to pursue criminal deals that may have taken place, a integrity in public life law, requirements for ongoing scrutiny of political financing, greater emphasis on audit and audit timeliness, and ziiiiiing widening the franchise to include long term residents, etc.

This is the second time in 23 years that the TCI constitution has been suspended.