FAQs

What is the Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands?

The Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the territory’s unicameral legislature. It is the central law-making body where elected representatives debate national issues, consider legislation, approve public spending, and hold the Government accountable on behalf of the people.

Parliament plays an important role in the democratic system of the Turks and Caicos Islands by representing the public, reviewing government action, and supporting transparent decision-making.

How many members serve in Parliament?

The Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands comprises 21 Honourable Members. This includes 19 elected Members, the Speaker of the House and ex-officio Member, the Attorney General.

The elected Members represent both electoral districts and all-island constituencies, ensuring that communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands have representation in Parliament.

Can I attend or watch parliamentary sittings?

Yes. Sittings of Parliament are generally open to the public, subject to the rules of the House and available seating. Members of the public may attend sittings from the public gallery and observe proceedings.

Proceedings may also be broadcast live or made available for viewing through official parliamentary or government communication channels, including online platforms where available.

What happens during a sitting of Parliament?

During a sitting, Members may ask questions, debate motions, consider bills, review public matters, and make contributions on issues affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Sittings allow Parliament to carry out its law-making, oversight, financial, and representative functions in a formal public setting.

What is Hansard?

Hansard is the official written record of parliamentary proceedings. It provides a transcript of debates, statements, questions, and other matters raised during sittings of Parliament.

Hansard helps preserve the official record of Parliament’s work and allows members of the public, researchers, students, and public officers to review what was said during parliamentary proceedings.

What are parliamentary committees?

Committees are smaller groups of Members appointed to examine specific matters in greater detail. They may review legislation, examine public spending, consider reports, investigate issues, or support the internal work of Parliament.

Committees help Parliament carry out more detailed review and oversight than may be possible during regular sittings of the full House.

How do I arrange a school or group visit?

Schools, youth organisations, community groups, and other interested groups may request a visit to learn more about Parliament and the democratic process.

Visits may include a tour of the parliamentary chamber, an introduction to the role of Members, and an explanation of how laws are made and how Parliament represents the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

How can I participate in public consultations?

From time to time, Parliament or parliamentary committees may invite public input on bills, policy matters, or issues of national importance.

Members of the public can participate by reviewing current consultation notices, submitting written comments, attending public meetings where available, or following the instructions provided for each consultation.

How are laws made in Parliament?

Laws usually begin as bills, which are proposed pieces of legislation. A bill is introduced in Parliament, debated by Members, reviewed through the required stages, and voted on.

Once a bill is passed by Parliament and receives the required assent, it becomes law. This process ensures that proposed laws are considered publicly and formally before taking effect.

What is the role of the Speaker?

The Speaker presides over sittings of Parliament and ensures that proceedings are conducted in accordance with the Standing Orders and accepted parliamentary practice.

The Speaker maintains order during debates, calls Members to speak, rules on points of procedure, and helps protect the dignity and independence of Parliament.

What is the role of the Clerk to the Parliament?

The Clerk to the Parliament is the senior procedural and administrative officer of Parliament. The Clerk supports the Speaker and Members by advising on parliamentary procedure, managing official records, and helping ensure that parliamentary business is properly organised.

The Office of the Clerk also plays an important role in supporting sittings, committees, publications, and public access to parliamentary information.

Where can I find bills, laws, reports, and other parliamentary documents?

Parliamentary documents may be available through the relevant sections of the Parliament website, including areas for bills, legislation, Hansard, committee reports, order papers, and other publications.

These records help the public follow the work of Parliament and stay informed about matters being considered by Members.