The
Turks and Caicos Islands
(TCI) are a British overseas territory, with an internal structure of self-government. The head of government is the politically elected Prime Minister, and Her Majesty the Queen appoints a governor as her representative. The Turks and Caicos Islands International School, a private school offering services from preschool to sixth grade, is located in Leeward, Providenciales. When Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain in August 1962, the Turks and Caicos Islands became a Crown colony.The climate in the Turks and Caicos Islands is tropical savanna (AW), with relatively constant temperatures throughout the year.The nation is actually comprised of more than 40 islands and cays of different sizes, of which only eight are inhabited. Most healthcare is provided by partner hospitals between the public and private sectors managed by Interhealth Canada, with a hospital in Providenciales and one on Grand Turk Island.When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, the Turks and Caicos Islands received their own governor (the last administrator was reappointed). Non-resident foreign pathologists who make regular appointments usually travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands to provide this public service. The islands are divided into six administrative districts (two in the Turks and four in the Caicos Islands), led by district commissioners.
In 2002, the British Overseas Territories Act restored full British citizenship to all citizens of British Overseas Territories, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.Providenciales International Airport is the main point of entry to the Turks and Caicos Islands, while JAGS McCartney International Airport serves the capital, Cockburn Town, on Grand Turk Island. Those who wish to receive additional education must commit to working in the Turks and Caicos Islands for four years. An international driving permit is valid for up to one month, after which a local Turks and Caicos Islands license from the Department of Highway Safety is required. The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment focuses on increasing national security, as well as providing training in engineering and communications in case of natural disasters.The closest foreign landmass to the Turks and Caicos Islands is the Bahamian island of Little Inagua, about 30 miles (48 km) from West Caicos.
