Voters to go to the polls on November 9th

THE date for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ return to democratic rule has been set for November 9, but an untrusting local population still harbours the concern that democracy might elude the country.

However, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr Henry Bellingham, gave his assurance on Tuesday that there is nothing foreseeable that will delay elections and a return to democratic rule.

He said, “I cannot envisage anything that could stop the elections from happening…it would require quite extraordinary events, manmade or natural, to stop the elections.”

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr William Hague, announced the date for TCI’s elections on Tuesday morning.

He judged that there had been sufficient progress against the eight milestones and on putting in place robust financial controls.

Hague said, “The UK believes that democracy, whether in an independent country or in an Overseas Territory, provides a solid foundation on which to build an accountable and responsive state.

“This belief underpins our work to advance democracy worldwide. We will support TCI to develop its democracy in line with our responsibility for security and good governance and our positive vision for our Overseas Territories.

On Tuesday at a press conference at the Regent Palms, Bellingham noted that the new TCI constitution will be put into effect on October 15 and, as per law, elections will follow 30 days after on Monday, November 9.

SUBSTANTIAL REFORMS

The Under Secretary, who was here for a two-day visit, maintained that there have been substantial reforms in the past three years.

Three years ago, Sir Robin Auld’s Commission of Inquiry identified a high probability of systemic corruption in government and the legislature and among public officers in TCI. This led the country to suspend ministerial government and set eight milestones for elections and a return to democratic government.

The eight milestones are:

• Milestone 1 – Implementation of a new TCI Constitution Order, in support of recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, which underpins good governance and sound public financial management.

• Milestone 2 – Introduction of a number of new ordinances, including those making provision for: i) the electoral process and regulation of political parties; ii) integrity and accountability in public life; iii) public financial management.

• Milestone 3 – Establishment of robust and transparent public financial management processes to provide a stable economic environment and a strengthening of the TCI Government’s capacity to manage its public finances.

• Milestone 4 – Implementation of budget measures to put the TCI Government on track to achieve a fiscal surplus in the financial year ending March 2013.

• Milestone 5 – Implementation of a transparent and fair process for acquisition of Turks & Caicos Islander status.

• Milestone 6 – Significant progress with the civil and criminal process recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, and implementation of measures to enable these to continue unimpeded.

• Milestone 7 – Implementation of a new Crown land policy.

• Milestone 8 – Substantial progress in the reform of the Public Service.

According to Bellingham, seven of the eight milestones have been met, with the exception being completed implementation of budget measures to put the TCI Government on track to achieve a fiscal surplus.

The Under Secretary noted that Public Financial Management (PFM) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ordinances increase confidence that the budgeted surplus will be achieved.

He added that the TCI has come a long way, moving away from the challenging fiscal trajectory it was on to one that is more stable and augurs well for the future.

HOLD POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABLE

Bellingham stressed that this is the time for TC Islanders to look forward, adding that in doing so the people must hold their politicians accountable.

He made it clear that the UK is committed to supporting efforts that ensure there is no repeat of the corruption and maladministration that caused the TCI’s downward spiral.

The Under Secretary added that the UK will soon be publishing a White Paper that addresses its relationship with British Overseas Territories and the way forward.

According to him, the Overseas Territories benefit from the UK and vice versa.

He pointed for realism to prevail in going forward, giving the challenging times in which countries are struggling, given the impact of the global economic crisis on the world over.

Bellingham maintained that there is much work to be done and an incoming elected government will have many issues to address, but given the success with the milestones, the incoming government will be taking over a country with a stable financial position.

The Under Secretary pledged the continued support of the UK in the form of technical assistance, in addition to the $260m loan guarantee that has enabled the TCI to get back on track financially.

He said UK wishes to advance its relations with the territories from a base of mutual respect.

NEXT STEP

Over the next few months, in the run up to elections, the interim government is expected to continue with the implementation and consolidation of reforms, in particular to strengthen the public sector, improve public services and public finances, develop the economy, modernise legislation and make practical preparations to enable the elections to take place.

In an invited comment Governor Ric Todd said, “The interim administration will continue to run the country, improve public service and consolidate the reforms we have made.”

He noted that looking forward, elected leaders will have to present their manifestos to the people, who will choose their leaders and take the TCI to another stage in its development.

“This is a continued process as we continue work on the milestones and consolidate the successes we have had…also important is to carry on working with political leaders and what they want to do and make available TCI’s government team, the Permanent Secretaries, to talk through their manifestos and how it can be implemented,” Todd said.

The Governor stressed that working together is the only way forward and is in the best interests of the people.

Todd said, “When I came here I said my key aim was to meet the milestones for elections to be held and it is indeed a happy moment for all of us…the interim administration will work with political leaders as we head toward elections.”

For more on this story go to:

tcweeklynews.com/nothing-will-stop-tci-elections-bellingham-p2681-1.htm