LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW
Times have changed and governance structures must be periodically reviewed and change at times as well to deliver as best we can for the people it was meant to deliver
In fact, change may not always be to look at new models alone, but it can also be to revisit what existed or worked before, then see how we can create something that can be effective and efficient for these chain of Islands.
Governance is not simple or less complicated because we are a small country, but it is precisely this that makes it challenging. And the fact that we are a multi-island country presents unique challenges and can certainly increase the level of difficulty in governance. The duplication of services and infrastructure makes it more expensive in terms of investment and manpower and quite often, resources when forced to stretch thin, will definitely see unintentional lack.
Each island expects its own basic infrastructure and services and rightfully so.
Islands expect airports, schools, clinics and access to critical government services. Numbers do not determine the level or types of services on an island.
When the “salt islands” were hardest hit following hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, there was an unfortunate debate as to whether monies should be expended on certain infrastructural repairs in particular the large investments in Schools. When the decision was made to invest in the Salt Cay and South Caicos airports, this unfortunate discussion repeated itself.
There are certain infrastructure and services that cannot be absent on our islands. And while we review, each island’s need is still different. For example, when domestic fire services was discontinued under a government department during the Interim Administration and an MOU with the TCI Airports Authority was entered, there was, from back then, a clap back from Grand Turk residents who felt that this was too important a service that required a dedicated team and not shared services. And likewise, South Caicos’ need for a morgue due to the difficulty and sometimes unnecessary task of transporting bodies to another island.
These two examples drilled down directly on the needs of the particular islands and the decision to reintroduce these services and facility was made after a review of the unique circumstances. It is so important to not take the approach that one size fits all, because it really doesn’t when it comes to governance in a multi island country.
Whilst we attempt to improve efficient and effective delivery of government’s critical services, we must embrace technology. I was delighted to see the community college at long last providing satellite services for PRCs exams and other courses. This satellite campus was being worked on under former TCICC Principal Dr. Fulford and was announced by then Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm. Some years later, we are finally there. We must make the best use of technology which can increase the much-needed access to other services thereby reducing the cost of duplication.
We must equally see the value in providing simple and regular scheduling of visits by public servants from critical government departments. This matter remains solely with the Public Service not to be confused with the role of elected government.
But local government must extend beyond the work of the civil servants.
As premier, I had the pleasure of commissioning in late 2018 a local government review committee which enjoyed an appointment from the then leader of the opposition, former country leaders, former local elected members from the Caicos Islands and a long serving district commissioner. This body conducted targeted consultations and reported in 2019. Following this report which was shared with the Cabinet, a consultancy was launched and a final report was received in 2020.
Dominica and The Bahamas were among countries reviewed and among those consulted there was an overwhelming desire to see local government elections.
This would not be entirely new as TCI had elected district boards before. I am not sure why there was the change to appoint members, but the ordinance governing appointments and its role is the old Caicos District Boards Ordinance.
Boards are appointed annually in all Islands except Grand Turk (where senior persons resided because of its capital status). The function centered around works. These boards could, by legislation, make regulations, but I have never seen it since the reintroduction of district boards in 2015.
With the then leader of the opposition making an appointment in 2018, I know that there was a desire on both sides to see the review completed. Regrettably, it seemed to have stalled.
It is important to bear in mind that the 2011 Constitution does provide an enabling clause for a Local Government Ordinance. It was, and I believe it remains, the wish of the people to have local government reviewed and strengthened. And many consulted over the two years of work have expressed a desire to return to an elected local government with a mayoral system.
As Grand Turk has seen the relocation of many of the heads of the public service, many have advocated for local government to be extended to Grand Turk which if the recommendations move forward, Grand Turk would likewise have its own mayor.
Local elected government brings a different level of accountability and gives the community more involvement in the affairs of its island. Currently there are district commissioners who have a budget directly under their control where they can award contracts, host activities and manage street cleaning. These offices have now moved from under the premier’s office to that of the ministry of home affairs.
Prior to the last Interim Administration, district boards had a line item called “district funds” and this item was removed following a review. A locally elected government must have control of its own funds and much of the local affairs particularly as it relates to its island (inclusive of roads, drains, government buildings) upkeep and the oversight of a proper small contracts system to stimulate the island’s economy can be in its remit.
It is so important to define roles given the presence of not just single constituency representatives as well as all island representatives.
It is my hope that this work will progress as all islands can benefit from another level of governance. We have taxpayers across the islands who deserve more.
* Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson is a trained attorney-at-law, former Premier of Turks and Caicos Islands and a retired politician.
