The Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the political leader and head of government. The post of premier is the equivalent to chief minister or prime minister in other British Overseas Territories. It is the highest political level that can be attained within the British colonial system. Prior to 2006, the position was known as the Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The premier and Cabinet (consisting of all the most senior ministers) are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to King Charles III, to the Parliament, to their political party and ultimately to the electorate.
The current premier is Charles Washington Misick, since 20 February 2021.
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Constitutional background
The office of Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands was created in 1976 when ministerial governance was introduced under a new constitution entered into force, stating that it was to be appointed by the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the 1976 Turks and Caicos Islands general election, J. A. G. S. McCartney was elected as the first Chief Minister. In 1985, due to the Chief Minister being implicated in drugs crimes and corrupt practices, the Governor dismissed the Chief Minister and suspended the constitution and brought in direct rule from the United Kingdom. In 1988, a new constitution was brought in to increase the number of elected members in time for the 1988 Turks and Caicos Islands general election.
A new constitution, after being laid in the Turks and Caicos Legislative Council and receiving Queen Elizabeth II's signature, entered into force on 9 August 2006. The new constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands changed the title of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to Premier and Deputy Premier.
On 14 August 2009, the United Kingdom suspended the Turks and Caicos' self-government after allegations of ministerial corruption under the Premier. The prerogative of the ministerial government and the House of Assembly were vested in the islands' incumbent Governor for a period of up to two years, which was extended until 2012.
List
The following is the list of Chief Ministers and Premiers of the Turks and Caicos Islands:
(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office)