The former Deputy Governor and legislator in the Virgin Islands (VI), Mrs R. Dancia Penn-Sallah, OBE, KC, has been appointed Chair of the new Electoral District Boundary Commission in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Photo: GIS

The announcement of the appointment of R. Dancia Penn-Sallah as Chair of the new Electoral District Boundary Commission in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) was made by the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, in a press release on October 23, 2026. Photo: Governor's Office TCI/Facebook

This announcement was made by the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, in a press release on October 23, 2026.

The Commission is responsible for independently reviewing the boundaries of the ten electoral districts and determining whether changes are necessary. It must submit a report to the Governor and Parliament, either recommending changes or stating that the existing boundaries should remain unchanged.

The other members are Clara Gardiner, OBE, a former Permanent Secretary in Turks and Caicos Islands with more than 16 years of senior public service experience, and Pastor Wilbert Jennings, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council, a pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy, Chaplain of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and a former United States military officer.

Commission’s ‘work will serve a vital constitutional purpose’- TCI Governor

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam said the work of the Electoral District Boundary Commission is fundamental to the strength and integrity of TCI’s democracy. “Through its independent, evidence-based review, the Commission will help ensure that electoral boundaries continue to support equitable and effective representation across our Islands, while reinforcing public confidence in our democratic institutions.”

The TCI Constitution requires that, as far as reasonably practicable, electoral districts contain approximately equal numbers of persons qualified to be registered as electors. In practical terms, this means that constituencies should have roughly equal numbers of eligible voters, although differences in geography and other circumstances may justify some variation.

“I am grateful to Honourable Dancia Penn OBE, KC, Mrs Gardiner OBE and Pastor Jennings for accepting this important public responsibility. Their work will serve a vital constitutional purpose, and I encourage residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands to engage openly and constructively with the Commission, recognising that meaningful public participation is an important part of ensuring our democratic arrangements continue to reflect and serve the people of these Islands,” Governor  Daniel-Selvaratnam said.

Penn-Sallah is a former Minister for Health and Social Development and a former Attorney General in the Virgin Islands.