INTO POSSIBLE CORRUPTION OR OTHER SERIOUS DISHONESTY IN RECENT YEARS OF PAST AND PRESENT ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE

COMMISSION PRESS STATEMENT
17th September 2008

On 10th July 2008, His Excellency, Richard Tauwhare, MVO, the Governor of the Turks & Caicos Islands, pursuant to section 2 of the Islands’ Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance, appointed the Right Hon Sir Robin Auld to conduct the above Inquiry. He is to report by mid-November 2008 to His Excellency, Gordon Wetherell, who has succeeded as Governor, his preliminary findings, with recommendations, on possible criminal conduct meriting further investigation, indications of systemic weakness in legislation, regulation or administration meriting reform, and any related matters.

Sir Robin, who is a former Lord Justice of Appeal in England & Wales, is conducting the Inquiry broadly in the manner indicated in his press statement made in Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands on 15th July 2008 [see press statements]. He is assisted by Alex Milne and Jacqueline Duff, respectively Counsel and Solicitor to the Inquiry, and Laurance O’Dea, its Secretary. The Commission is in the informal information-gathering stage of the Inquiry. Anyone who wishes to give information to, or make enquiries of, it should contact the Secretary at 1st Floor, 26 Southampton Buildings, Holborn, London, WC2A 1PN, tel (0044) (0) 207 173 2400;
fax (0044) (0) 207 173 2371, e-mail secretary@tci-inquiry.org

Since its appointment in July, the Commission has pressed on with its work. It has done so, despite court proceedings in the Territory - unsuccessful to date - by two elected Members of the House of Assembly to prevent it from doing so. In response to the Commission’s request on this Web-Site and by letter, the Commission has received and is receiving much assistance from persons within and outside the Territory. This consists, to date, of about 100 written submissions and oral approaches, including a large volume of material received from the UK Foreign Affairs Committee following its 2007-2008 Inquiry and Report into Overseas Territories. The Commission is examining a wide range of the Territory’s public records and reports, including audit reports, and is seeking more. It has also sought, in mid-August, from Members in the Government and of the House of Assembly information corresponding to their obligations to give a full and accurate account of their interests pursuant to the Territory's Constitution and Registration of Interests Ordinance. In the main, that information has yet to be provided.

Sir Robin hopes that the Commission will move to the Turks & Caicos Islands in October/November to obtain further information and to convene formal public hearings. At those hearings, he expects to invite or, if necessary summon, persons to give evidence and/or to produce documents relevant to the Inquiry. He may also, if necessary and with the consent of the Governor, inspect or appoint inspectors to inspect the books and documents of certain bodies.

Finally, Sir Robin will produce a report directed, as required by his terms of reference, to the formulation of preliminary findings: 1) for or against further investigation by the police or other public bodies; 2) any remedial legislative, regulatory and/or administrative action that he considers desirable; and 3) any related matters

Given the fear of intimidation or victimisation expressed by many who have made submissions to the UK Foreign Affairs Committee and to the Commission, Sir Robin repeats that those who wish to provide information to the Commission in confidence should clearly so indicate. Neither the information nor its source, nor anything that might suggest its source, will be made public without their express consent.

Anyone who, at any time, requires further information, should not hesitate to contact the Secretary at one of the points of contact indicated above.

Laurance O’Dea
Secretary to the Commission
17th September 2008