New Turks & Caicos Islands governor sworn-in

Governor Richard Tauwhare exits the Legislative
Council ahead of Chief Justice, Christopher Gardner

Thursday, July 14, 2005

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS: The tenth British Governor appointed to oversee the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1973, was sworn in on July 11, 2005 in a ceremony replete with historical significance.

Mr Richard Tauwhare, the youngest individual appointed Governor to the islands, is also the first Governor not to be sworn-in in what was once the traditional ceremonial dress of the Governor (the white coat and feather hat). This change resulted at the request of the Chief Minister and his party who stand in agreement that the country has long outgrown those symbols of colonial days and is moving towards relinquishing all such features.

Chief Minister, Dr Michael Misick, in welcoming the Governor, commenced by expressing his profound sadness over the recent terrorist attacks that shook the city of London. Commenting he called the vicious acts, “an attack on the value of human life, human dignity itself, and the way of life of freedom loving people the world over.”

With that he extended a cordial welcome to Mr Tauwhare and his family to the tranquil and beautiful shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands conveying the hope that their professional and personal lives will be enhanced and their experiences varied and rewarding during their tenure.

Nevertheless, Chief Minister Misick did not refrain from drawing attention to what he termed the sometimes “testy” relationship that has existed between the Government of the Islands and the appointed Governors. However, he went on to say, “We have managed a working relationship that has helped to bring us to where we are now.”

Speaking on the behalf of his colleagues, the Chief Minister said, “Today, we welcome you here with earnest hearts, open minds, and extend to you a clean slate. What you write on it is up to you.” He continued, “We will not judge you by the deeds of any of your predecessors, nor the history of British colonialism in the Caribbean in general or in the Turks and Caicos in particular. We will judge you as we come to know you”

Chief Minister Misick further took the opportunity to update the new governor on the priority issues presently facing the country including the quest for constitutional modernization. He went on to implore the Governor to use his good office to bring the constitutional talks that have been temporarily halted back on track as soon as possible, with the hope of having a new constitution adopted by year end.

Following Chief Minister Misick, Leader of the Opposition, Derek Taylor, took the floor and congratulated the Governor on his appointment. He went on to outline the important role he has to play in ensuring good governance within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He encouraged the new governor to become acquainted with the charm of the Turks and Caicos and its people and to respect the way of life enjoyed in the islands.

He called on Mr Tauwhare to immediately address some of the key issues facing the nation, in his role as head of National Security, placing emphasis on the immigration problems and the need for more assistance to be rendered to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Rising to address the House and to respond to the remarks made by both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tauwhare accepted the warm welcome extended to himself and his family and deemed it an “enormous privilege to have been appointed Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

He went on to express his awareness of the many constitutional responsibilities laid upon him and acknowledged his inability to accomplish the tasks alone therefore soliciting the help and guidance of all members of the Legislative Council.

In his remarks, Mr Tauwhare drew reference to the 1999 White Paper on the Overseas Territories which he maintained placed significant stress on the need for partnership. He acknowledged that at times there will be differences but went on to say, “If we work together in a spirit of trust, I firmly believe we can overcome any problem. I commit myself to helping to make the partnership between the UK and the TCI continue to flourish”.

Following his remarks, Mr Tauwhare repeated the oath and officially accepted the position of Governor to the Islands.

The Guard of Honour of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was on hand awaiting inspection for the first time from Mr Tauwhare.

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