CARICOM concern over TCI democracy

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is concerned that democracy is under threat in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), which is an associate member of the 15-nation regional grouping.



In a statement yesterday, CARICOM broke its silence on the recent political developments in the British administered territory, where the United Kingdom government is preparing to resort to direct rule.



The drastic move follows a scathing interim report by a Commission of Inquiry, which has pointed to clear signs of political amorality and general administrative incompetence in the territory.



CARICOM said it does not believe that good governance, the rule of law and representative democracy can be ensured or strengthened by constitutional suspension in the TCI and a return to direct rule by the colonial power through its governor.



The regional grouping believes a window of opportunity still exists for the islands’ political parties to come together in the national interest.



It has also called for deeper reflection by all involved in order to arrive at a solution that will minimise constitutional disruption.