| The Iron Hand |
 Following a whirlwind visit by Mr. Colin Roberts, Director of the Overseas Territories Directorate in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, H.E. Governor Gordon Wetherell has brought into effect the most recent Amendment Order, which gives him the ability to take over the reigns of the country whenever he sees fit.
In a statement released to the press, Governor Wetherell said, “I am today making a proclamation which brings into force The Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) (Amendment) Order 2009. This enables me to bring into force different provisions of The Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2009 made on 18 March, 2009, which will suspend parts of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, at different times.” During his visit, Mr. Roberts made it abundantly clear that the UK has every intention of taking control of the local government and imposing the March 18th Order in Council to suspend parts of the Turks and Caicos Constitution. At the local Provo Chamber of Commerce meeting, he even went so far as to say that although several alternatives had been presented to him to work with the current local government, the UK Government was not prepared to do this in any form. At a press conference on his last day in the TCI, Mr. Roberts responded to direct questions by the ‘fp’ in regards to when the British expect to take over the government, by stating that this will happen as soon as the legal process brought on in the UK by former Premier Mr. Michael Misick had come to a conclusion. While the original date was set for October 2009, it has been moved up to late August, placing the date for the eventuality of Suspension closer. However, this was not soon enough for the UK government and their local director, Governor Gordon Wetherell. In a move putting them one step closer to power over the Turks and Caicos, the Governor has brought into course this Order, which allows him at any time to suspend any part of the Constitution set out by the original Order. This effectively means, that the Governor has the power to suspend Cabinet, the House of Assembly and even the Premiership itself at any moment. The Governor did make his position clear that he does not intend to take advantage of any of these options available to him, until such time the case with Mr. Misick is settled in the UK courts. However, with this new Order it is within his power to do so effective immediately. The question remains, why would he bring into effect this power if he did not intend to use it? In a telephone interview with the ‘fp’ directly following the Governor’s statement, H.E. said the Order was passed by the Council and in so far as he would like to be flexible to enact any of the powers at any time deemed necessary, he has taken on the Order immediately. While this statement is somewhat elusive, it appears the Governor, with the UK backing, is working with all cards stacked in his favor to move forward his position to take over the country. This seems to be an preemptive move on behalf of the UK Government to show that they are not going to be deterred from their intention to bring a new system of Governance to the TCI, whatever and however long that may take.
|
Related Articles
Entertainment: Your Island Guide
|
Top things to do in April Top things to do in April 1. From Golfing to More... |
|
Valentine’s Day Cup 2013 model sailboat races The Middle Caicos Sailboat Association will once again present the annual model sailboat races at More... |
|
Lime and Tourist Board announce weekly Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board & LIME partner with Cultural Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist More... |
|
Turks & Caicos Reef Fun to host dazzling evening The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund will host its 2nd Annual Cocktail Party Reception on Jan. 26 at the More... |
|
Fashion Glam at Regent Palms The Regent Palms is inviting everyone to an evening of fashion and glamour at their event being More... |
Latest Community News
|
Cholera Clinical Management Training Held in the TCI Healthcare professionals from the TCI Health Services were trained in the Clinical Management of More... |
|
Illegal Haitian immigrants Intercepted Illegal Haitian Immigrants Intercepted, to the Repatriated According to the Ministry of Border More... |
|
Ministry of Health Reminding public about sanitation Health surveillance teams attached to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) have More... |
|
Scholarship applications now being accepted The Ministry of Education has announced that they are now accepting applications for scholarships More... |
|
History and traditions stay alive at the 13th annual boat races in Middle Caicos The 2013 Valentines Day Cup welcomed many fun loving residents and tourists to Middle Caicos’ More... |