VZCZCXRO2115
OO RUEHGR
DE RUEHBH #0169 0762106
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 172106Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU
TO RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE 0202
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6224
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS NASSAU 000169 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR ZSYED; LONDON FOR CPALMER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV BF TK UK
SUBJECT: ALL QUIET ON THE TURKS AND CAICOS FRONT 
 
REF: 08 NASSAU 898 
 
¶1.  (U) The GCOB is "unconcerned" about the UK's planned 
partial suspension of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) 
constitution announced March 16 by the British overseas 
dependency's governor.  Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign 
Minister Brent Symonette told the press that the changes 
would have no effect on relations or joint programs, such as 
OPBAT.  The MFA Permanent Secretary told PolChief this was an 
internal affair and that the GCOB was unworried. 
 
¶2.  (SBU) CGLO in consultation with Coast Guard District 7 
advised staff based in TCI to continue normal operations, but 
avoid public gatherings and minimize contacts with the local 
population for the next few days.  CG staff are to report any 
public gatherings to Post immediately. 
 
¶3.  (SBU) An American citizen warden reported no disturbances 
and expects a positive local reaction to the announcement. 
Some islanders reportedly expressed relief at "the good news" 
and hope that years of bad government will come to an end 
(reftel). 
 
¶4.  (U) Local media in Nassau covered the governor's 
announcement without editorial commentary. 
 
¶5.  (U) Post will continue to monitor the situation and 
report septel. 
ZUNIGA-BROWN