GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands; Tuesday, October 21, 2008 – "In exercise of his powers as Governor under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance, my predecessor appointed a Commission of Inquiry on 10 July to inquire whether there is information that corruption or other serious dishonesty in relation to past and present elected members of the House of Assembly (previously known as the Legislative Council) may have taken place in recent years. The Commission was asked to present a preliminary report and recommendations to me by 3 November.
It has been clear for some time that the Commission would not be able to do its job effectively and still meet this deadline. This is in large part the result of the hurricane and the damage it caused in the islands, not least to communications. But there are other reasons also, including the time it is taking to identify and locate individuals and records, the volume of material submitted to the committee, and the clearer idea the Commissioner himself has formed of the amount of time needed for hearings and audits in the TCI.
I recognise the concern in the Islands that extending the time of the Commission of Inquiry may create or prolong a period of uncertainty. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. I therefore wanted to have the opportunity of talking matters through with members of the Commission before making any formal announcement. I have now had that opportunity and I am satisfied that an extension of up to 15 weeks is justified. Accordingly, acting under Section 3 of the Commission of Inquiries Ordinance, I have today formally directed the Commission to present its preliminary findings to me on or before 16 February 2009.
I naturally hope that the Commission will be able to complete its work before 16 February. But the important thing is that it should be allowed the time necessary to do its job properly. This will enhance the credibility of its report and, ultimately, provide the basis to ensure that TCI's reputation is firmly established as a jurisdiction based on the rule of law and on the integrity of all who hold public office."
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