(BBC) In the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), British officials and protesters against British direct rule are meeting after prolonged protests in the streets this week.
The demonstrations are part of a long-running battle over control in the British overseas territory following a corruption scandal which led to a change in the status of the islands.
Demonstrators are also complaining about what they say are harsh economic policies, including pay cuts to civil servants and price increases for utilities.
Britain suspended the constitution of the territory in 2009 after an official investigation found systemic corruption within the then administration.
Changes were then made to the TCI constitution which brought the dependency back under direct rule.
Since the suspension, relations have remained strained between islanders and the British officials running the dependency as delays took place in putting anti-corruption measures in place and moving from direct rule.
The TCI Post referred to the continued direct rule as a “British occupation”.
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In this week’s actions, the protestors caused serious disruption to tourism traffic by blocking the main road leading to the airport on Providenciales island, the territory’s tourism and commercial hub.
Three leaders of the group which organised the protests were arrested.
A statement from the office of TCI Governor Gordon Wetherell said:
“Protestors have the right to peaceful demonstration, but they must also respect the rights of others, including that of access to the Airport Road.
Not only is blocking it illegal, it is also damaging to the TCI’s tourist industry causing hardship to local businesses and the many individuals employed in the industry.
I encourage protestors to engage with the police and ensure their actions are lawful and peaceful.”
Meetings
As some demonstrators said they would remain at the protest scene until their demands were met, the British authorities invited representatives for a meeting.
However, on Thursday evening, the organising group said the Governor’s office had not met with main representatives and that their protests would continue.
TCI journalist Vivian Tyson, who was at the scene of the protest, told BBC Caribbean that the protestors are demanding elections and a rollback in rising costs.
“They’re saying the British are treating them with scant regard not allowing them to have any say in any decisions being made,” he told BBC Caribbean.
Both the main political parties have given their support to the protests which are organised by a group called Supporters of the Turks and Caicos Islanders United for Justice and Equality (TCIUJE).
Eyewitnesses reported a mixed mood at the protests – some militant.
Some people chained themselves to railings.
When the police became involved, they arrested some protestors.
