Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 13 March 2026 - The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities announces the appointment of the Prison Visiting Committee for a period of two (2) years. The Visiting Committee serves as an independent oversight body of HMP Grand Turk. As a closed institution, HMP Grand Turk must operate with transparency and accountability in the delivery of its principal duties of public protection and rehabilitation. The Committee serves to ensure HMP Grand Turk is operating to proper standards of care, decency and security.
The Committee plays a critical role in strengthening transparency and accountability within the prison system by conducting regular prison visits, hearing prisoner complaints and reviewing the conditions and overall regime of the prison.
The following individuals have been appointed to serve on the Visiting Committee:
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Ms. Latish Simmons – Chair
- Mr. Delano Williams – Sport and Wellness
- Mr. Guy Morgan – Entrepreneur, Business Skills and Catering
- Rev. Dr. Pedro Williams – Faith and Wellbeing
- Dr. Valerie Francois – Primary Healthcare
- Ms. Tanya Keize-McAulay – Education
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Ms. Shanetta Thompson – Secretary
Speaking on the appointments, Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Public Safety, stated: “The establishment of the Visiting Committee is an important step in strengthening accountability and transparency within our correctional system. The Committee provides an independent mechanism to ensure that individuals in custody are treated fairly and humanely, while also supporting the broader goals of rehabilitation and public safety. I am confident that the individuals appointed will bring valuable experience and community perspective to this important role.”
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, also welcomed the appointments and highlighted the importance of independent oversight within the correctional system. She added: “The Visiting Committee plays an essential role in upholding good governance, transparency and respect for the rule of law within our prison system. Independent oversight helps ensure that prison conditions meet appropriate standards and that concerns are identified and addressed promptly. I thank the members for their willingness to serve and contribute to this important public responsibility.”
With the appointment of the Visiting Committee, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a correctional system that is transparent, accountable and grounded in the principles of justice, dignity and the rule of law.