The Right Hon. Rita J. Gardiner, OBE, OTCI, is the 6th Complaints Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Turks and Caicos Islands since November 2022. She has accepted this appointment with the greatest humility and deemed it a privilege to represent the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands once again in such a distinguished role. Her main mandate is to seek redress for complainants where an injustice has been caused by maladministration and to treat all equally.

Hon. Gardiner’s career path started out in the field of education, where she obtained her A.A. degree from Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida. She has served in several key leadership positions in the Turks and Caicos Islands, most notably serving as the first Coordinator of the Women’s Desk Gender Affairs (1999–2011), transforming the office from a mere unit to a well-established and respected Gender Bureau, promoting the role from Coordinator to that of Director. She has developed a depth of professional experience and knowledge in the private and public sectors of her country and is well versed with a wealth of information from the international communities having travelled extensively during the Women’s Movement, including the United Nations with the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing + 10 Global Conference.  Hon. Gardiner has done much for the betterment of her country and for the Region when it comes to Women’s empowerment as she prides herself in working with the OECS Member States and the Turks and Caicos on the Family Law and Domestic Violence Reform.   

In addition, Hon. Gardiner served the Turks and Caicos Government as a nominated member from 1991-1995.  She has volunteered her services for the greater portion of her life in the area of sports, thus affording her the distinguished position as Turks and Caicos’ first National Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, similarly to many other significant regional and international awards.

Hon. Gardiner’s main objective is to bring awareness to the entire Turks and Caicos Islands through education and public forums administered by offices that are easily accessible, effective, and efficient throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, providing services with dignity and integrity. She knows her years of experience and leadership skills have prepared her for her new role as Complaints Commissioner, and she is committed to working diligently to address the issues faced by the Complaints Commission, in her endeavors to Promoting Harmony, Good Governance, and Justice.

Mrs. Shalandra Smith-Salomon is an Administrative Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands Office of the Complaints Commission, Mrs. Smith has a high school diploma and currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in early childhood development.

Mrs. Smith – Salomon has been employed in various customer service positions since 2016 in the private sector. In 2019 Mrs. Smith-Salomon opened and managed her own daycare until a mandatory shutdown in 2020 due to Covid-19. Mrs. Smith- Salomon joined the Office of the Complaints Commissioner in July 2022.

Was appointed as the Senior Investigative Officer on the 5th of November 2019, bringing over eight years of experience as a lawyer to the Office Complaint Commission from the legal profession.

As the Senior Investigative officer here at the Office of the Complaints Commission, it is my responsibility to investigate all matters that come before the Commissioner and oversee

Ms. Pratt has a vast administrative and legal background. She worked within the private sector as a paralegal in two separate law firms on the Island of Providenciales, where she was responsible for preparing Court documents and managing case files for Court proceedings. During Ms. Pratt’s tenure within the public sector, where she served as the Contracts Coordinator for the Turks and Caicos Island Government, she was responsible for managing the day-to-day administration of contracts, investigating claims and disputes which may arise and settling disputes and claims.

Ms. Pratt attended the University of Wales, United Kingdom, where she obtained her law degree and Completed her Master’s Degree in Law with a concentration on Alternative Dispute Resolution from Charisma University, Turks and Caicos Islands. Ms. Pratt holds a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration and certification from the Supreme Court Mediator—other certifications in FIDIC & dispute resolution, Procurement Law Training, and KPMG Compliance Training.

Ms. Samadia Lightbourne is an Investigative Officer for the Turks and Caicos Islands Office of the Complaints Commission, has successfully completed a certificate in public speaking with The University of West Indies Open Campus. She has also completed a two-week attachment at the Office of the Sint Maarten Complaints Commission (Ombudsman). 

Ms. Lightbourne continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public service. Ms. Lightbourne has had a distinguished career in law enforcement with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for a period of 18 years, rising from the rank of police constable to that of police sergeant. 

In addition to her extensive practical experience, Ms. Lightbourne has pursued a path of continuous learning and professional development. She holds a certificate in policing practices and principles and many certificates in policing and investigations. Moreover, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, which has provided her with an in-depth awareness of the complex social dynamics that intersect with her investigative work within her capacity.