Virgin Islands ex-Deputy Governor to lead Turks and Caicos electoral review

R. Dancia Penn-Sallah, who previously served as Deputy Governor, Attorney General and Health Minister in the Virgin Islands, will chair the Electoral District Boundary Commission in Turks and Caicos Islands. Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam announced the appointment on October 23.

Penn-Sallah holds the rank of OBE and is a King's Counsel. She will work alongside two other commissioners: Clara Gardiner, OBE, who spent more than 16 years in senior public service roles as a Permanent Secretary in Turks and Caicos, and Pastor Wilbert Jennings, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Christian Council. Jennings also serves as a pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy, as Chaplain of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and is a former United States military officer.

The Commission's task is to conduct an independent examination of the ten electoral districts and assess whether boundary adjustments should be made. Following its review, the body must deliver findings to the Governor and Parliament recommending either modifications or retention of existing boundaries.

Turks and Caicos constitutional law requires that electoral districts maintain roughly equal numbers of registered voters, though geographic and other factors may permit some deviation.

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam stressed that the Commission's role supports the foundation of democratic governance in the territory. "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," she said.

The Governor urged the public to participate constructively with the Commission, emphasizing that community engagement strengthens the democratic process and ensures governance reflects the needs of Turks and Caicos residents.