TURKS & CAICOS - A new Chairman and five board members have been appointed to TCI’s Human Rights Commission, Governor Peter Beckingham has announced.

Representing communities across the islands, the Chairman and Members will work together with the Director of the Human Rights Commission, Mrs. M. Doreen Quelch Missick, to:

- promote the observance of human rights in the Turks and Caicos Islands;

- receive and investigate complaints of breaches or infringements of rights or freedoms of the individual as set out in the Constitution or in international human rights treaties that have been extended to the Islands;

- provide advice on complaints; mediation; and, raise public awareness of human rights and issue guidance as required.

Chaired by lawyer Cheryl Astwood Tull, the new members include: Reverend Alces Dor, community worker Delores Wilson, Reverend Julia Williams, Grand Turk Attorney Finbar Grant and Bishop George Forbes.

Announcing their appointment, Governor Peter Beckingham said:

“I congratulate all the new members and look forward to hearing their fresh perspective on how we can protect the rights of every man, women and child on our islands. Their vigilance and expertise will be vital to ensure cases are heard and our laws meet international standards. Together we can send a message that discrimination, human trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation have no place in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The new Chairman of the Commission, Cheryl Astwood Tull, said:

“I am honoured to serve alongside my fellow members and ensure the Turks and Caicos Islands uphold the principles of human rights and ensure everyone on the islands is treated with respect and dignity.”

Outgoing Chairman, Mrs. Quelch Missick said: “I welcome the opportunity to work with the newly appointed Chairman and members and look forward to a mutually rewarding and fulfilling working relationship as together, we chart the way forward to advancing the human rights mandate for our country.”

Appointments are made by the Governor in accordance with Section 101 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011 after consultation with the Premier and the leader of the Opposition, the new board members and Chair will serve initially for one year.

The newly appointed Chairman held her first Board Meeting on September 18th and on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th Chairman and members attended two days of Orientation led by Director, HRC.