Cayman’s model highlighted in TCI constitutional reform talks

Cayman’s system of government utilising Parliamentary Secretaries to support ministerial portfolios, is being cited by the Turks and Caicos Islands as a model for that UK Overseas Territory.

The TCI is currently engaged in constitutional reform talks with the British government.

The territory’s Premier, Washington Misick, in correspondence with the UK, has outlined the case for an additional ministry and Parliamentary Secretaries, using Cayman as a template to emulate.

“In parallel to the appointment of an additional Minister, I am seeking approval for the introduction of two Parliamentary Secretaries, as already exists in a number of other Overseas Territories. Indeed, as set out in my letter of 8 January 2026, the provisions in the Cayman Islands Constitution could easily be adapted for application in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Montserrat and Anguilla also have the positions embedded in their administrations, with elected, politically-appointed Parliamentary Secretaries, but who do not function at Cabinet level.

The issue of TCI Parliamentary Secretaries and other constitutional reforms being sought by the Turks and Caicos Islands follows a series of changes implemented in 2023 after consultations with the UK.

As detailed in the Explanatory Notes in the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order 2024, in 2023, the TCI Government submitted a number of proposals, drawn up on a cross-party basis, to the United Kingdom Government to amend the 2011 Constitution introduced following a Commission of Inquiry in the TCI.

It notes that “Since 2011, significant progress has been made in the TCI and the UK Government is content that the further amended constitution, which is largely based on precedents in other Overseas Territories’ constitutions and particularly the Cayman Islands, retains sufficient safeguards to ensure good governance.”

At the request of TCI, in 2021 further amendments to the Constitution to allow for an additional minister. At present, there are nine ministerial posts in the TCI government.

TERM LIMITS

At the same time, another issue has surfaced linking the Opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) to claims that the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) of Premier Misick was seeking to remove the two-term limit for the Office of Premier.

The matter is viewed in some circles as threatening to overshadow other discussion points in the constitutional talks with the UK.

The government has vehemently denied the allegation, saying the term limits issue is not part of its discussion agenda with the UK.

“To be absolutely clear, no representation has ever been made by the Government to remove the constitutional term limit for the office of the Premier. The Premier has confirmed that this has never been the Government’s intention, nor has it ever been the position of the Progressive National Party. At no stage has the Government sought, proposed, or pursued such a constitutional amendment,” Premier Misick has stated.

In the ensuing exchange, the Opposition PDM has maintained its stance, stating: “Regardless of what’s been said, we have become aware that there are interests inside the PNP in removing term limits for the post of Premier.”

However, the statement signed by the Leader of the Opposition, Edwin Astwood, sought to put the issue in a different context, referring to correspondence between the TCI government and the UK. “I never stated that the letter of February 20th was about that, as some have suggested,” the Opposition Leader stated.