THE JUDICIARY ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF: THE CORONER’S COURT OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
#TurksandCaicos, November 6, 2023 – On 20th November 2023, the first Coroner’s Court of the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands will officially be opened. The establishment of a
#TurksandCaicos, November 6, 2023 – On 20th November 2023, the first Coroner’s Court of the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands will officially be opened.
The establishment of a court dedicated to coronial matters is the response to a growing need to deal with the increasing number of unexplained deaths in the islands. The resultant backlog requires the focused, urgent attention
of a magistrate dedicated to the performance of this very important jurisdiction of the court.
The function of the Coroner includes the making of orders for postmortem examinations, the holding of inquests to determine the causes of, and circumstances surrounding unexplained deaths, matters related to streamlining procedures in relation to sudden or unexplained deaths, and ancillary matters.
The work of the Coroner assists in providing answers to grieving families regarding the cause of death of their loved ones, giving them closure. The exercise of the coronial jurisdiction also ensures the safety of the country, as the Coroner may provide recommendations to relevant institutions and to the Government for measures that may prevent reoccurrence of accidents that lead to death.
On 18th August 2023, Her Honour Ms. Mickia Mills was appointed the first Coroner of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Her Honour Ms. Mickia Mills will assume office on 15th November 2023, and the work of the court will commence on the 20th of November 2023.
Chief Justice
