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About the Office of the Complaints Commission

The Office of the Complaints Commissioner, also known as the Ombudsman in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is an independent body that investigates complaints of maladministration involving government departments and statutory bodies.

Who We Are

The Office of the Complaints Commission serves the public by providing an independent place to raise concerns about how government departments and statutory bodies have acted. The office exists to promote fairness, accountability, and trust in public administration across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Our Role

We help people by reviewing complaints fairly and providing a clear process for raising concerns about government action. We improve government services by identifying administrative failings. We encourage better transparency and good governance across the public sector.

See What We Do

How We Handle Public Complaints

We provide a structured and impartial process for handling complaints, ensuring fairness while helping improve public service delivery across government institutions.

Investigate

We examine complaints of maladministration involving government departments and statutory bodies.

Review

We assess whether public authorities acted fairly, lawfully, and in accordance with proper procedure.

Recommend

We make findings and recommendations to correct issues and improve service delivery.

Educate

We raise public awareness of the office’s role and help people better understand their rights and responsibilities.

View Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission and Vision

Mission

To investigate complaints of maladministration fairly and independently, and promote more effective and efficient public services. To help people better understand their rights and duties in a free and democratic society.

Vision

To be an organisation that promotes fairness, impartiality, and harmony in the community by advancing good governance and justice.

Explore Our History

History of Ombudsman in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Office of the Complaints Commission was set up, creating an independent authority to investigate administrative action taken on behalf of government and statutory bodies.

Mrs Sadia-Jean Williams became the first female Complaints Commissioner and played an important role in the organisation’s early development.

The Right Hon. Rita J. Gardiner, OBE, OTCI, took office, marking the sixth Complaints Commissioner since the office was established in 1994.

1987

1994

1994 –1999

2006

2015

2022

2025

The Complaints Commissioner Ordinance established the legal foundation for the office and its functions.

Mr Charlie Been served as the first Complaints Commissioner and helped establish the office in its early years.

The Ordinance was amended to strengthen the legal framework for the Commission's powers and functions.

Mrs Cherylann Jones was formally appointed Complaints Commissioner, marking the newest chapter in the office’s leadership.

Meet the Complaints Commission Team

Our team is composed of dedicated professionals committed to fairness, integrity, and public service. Together, we ensure that every complaint is handled with care, confidentiality, and impartiality.

Mrs. Cherylann Jones

Complaints Commissioner

Mrs Cherylann Jones is the Complaints Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos Islands, responsible for promoting fairness, accountability, and justice through the Office's work. Mrs Jones is committed to ensuring people are treated with respect when they bring forward complaints.

Ms. Samadia Lightbourne

Senior Investigative Officer

Ms Samadia Lightbourne is the Senior Investigative Officer at the Office of the Complaints Commission. She supports the Commission’s investigative work and helps ensure complaints are reviewed carefully, fairly, and in line with the office’s mandate.

Ms. Raynae Myers

Investigative Officer

Ms Raynae Myers is an Investigative Officer with the Office of the Complaints Commission. She is a dynamic young leader and advocate for change, supporting the investigation and review of complaints brought to the office.

Mrs. Shalandra Smith-Salomon

Administrative Officer

Mrs Shalandra Smith-Salomon supports the day-to-day administration of the Office of the Complaints Commission. Her role helps keep the office organised and responsive, enabling its public service and investigative functions to operate effectively.