Style The Honourable | Formation 31 August 1976 | |
 | ||
Appointer Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands Term length At the Governor's pleasure First holder James Alexander George Smith McCartney
as Chief Minister | ||
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.
Contents
The Premier and Cabinet (consisting of all the most senior ministers) are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to Queen Elizabeth II, to the House of Assembly, to their political party and ultimately to the electorate.
The current Premier is Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, since 20 December 2016.
Constitutional background
A new constitution, after being laid in the Turks and Caicos parliament 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. The prerogative of the ministerial government and the House of Assembly are vested in the islands' incumbent governor for a period of up to two years, with possible extensions.
List
(Dates in italics indicate de facto continuation of office)