The Turks and Caicos Islands government is drafting a new policy to regulate religious organisations and events across the country, addressing concerns that unregistered groups and visiting preachers currently operate without formal oversight.
Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation Shaun Malcolm said a consultant is preparing the framework, which will include creating a national registry so every religious group legally registers. The policy aims to monitor visiting evangelists who host revivals or camp meetings and collect funds without verification. Malcolm noted that the Christian Council may take on a structured oversight role, stating, “the Christian Council will perhaps have more teeth as well.”
Officials expect to publish the proposed policy for public consultation in the next quarter. The portfolio is also preparing for wider national debates on moral and social issues, including civil partnership legislation expected after the national budget.