CCPR/C/58/Add.6 page 146
J. TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
1.
General
1. The general election of 3 March 1988 resulted in a clear victory for the People's Democratic Movement Party, which gained 11 out of 13 elected seats in the Legislative Council. There were no challenges to the ballot and the turnout of voters was on average in excess of 75 per cent of the electorate. The election was therefore considered to be a success for the democratic
process.
2. The Chief Minister and the other Ministers held discussions with the United Kingdom Government in the months following the election. Financial measures were agreed to allow for an increased area of discretion on the part of the local government in the use of aid funds. The elected government declared an objective of financial independence within four years and political independence not less than 10 years from that time, i.e. 1998. Thus, with regard to the exercise of the right of self-determination, the policy of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in that political independence shall be based upon a sound economy, prosperity and a clear decision by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in favour of such a step.
3. As stated in previous comments to the Committee, the rights contained in the Covenant are reflected in the country's Constitution. The contents of that law have been widely debated in meetings of the local branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). On 28 and 29 March 1988, a symposium was held in the Islands by the CPA which was attended by several experienced parliamentarians from various Commonwealth countries.
It was regarded by participants as successful in its aim of increasing awareness of parliamentary procedures and customs and basic constitutional issues. The proceedings of the symposium were broadcast on local radio and in the local
newspaper.
4. In pursuance of the long-term objectives of self-determination, emphasis has been placed on the need to secure employment and training for Turks and Caicos Islanders. In particular, negotiations with developers and investors include provision for restricting expatriate employment and for the training of Islanders for worthwhile positions which enhance individual self-respect. Furthermore, in the disposal of "Crown land", i.e. land owned by the Government, preference is given to Islanders for residential and commercial developments by discounted lease rentals and purchase payments, and the right to acquire "freehold title", i.e. ownership in perpetuity, is limited to Islanders. For similar reasons, the licensing of businesses under the Business Licensing Ordinance 1983 favours Islanders, so that business opportunities are kept open for them by refusal of licences to expatriates for businesses which are or could be carried on by Islanders.
5.
Financial stability has already been achieved to the extent that local revenue covers local expenditure of a recurrent nature. For the financial year 1989/90, the United Kingdom Government will provide capital development aid to the estimated extent of £3,600,000 to be spent on projects put forward by the locally elected government.