Mark Capes was today appointed Chief Executive, replacing Martin Stanley who held the post from 14 August, according to a GIS press release. 

Capes, a career diplomat, is no stranger to the Turks and Caicos Islands having served as Deputy Chief Secretary in Providenciales from 1991 - 1994. He has visited on several occasions since then, most recently in September 2008 when he came to the islands, the day before Hurricane Ike struck, to assist the Governor in managing the immediate aftermath of Ike's impact.

Speaking from Grand Turk, Mr. Capes said: "I am very pleased to be back in the Turks and Caicos Islands and look forward to working with colleagues, many of whom I know from my previous appointment here, to help steer the Islands on a new path to sustainable progress. It will be difficult work given the many varied problems that must be addressed, but the reward will be to see real progress towards ensuring that all who live here can share in and enjoy all that these wonderful islands have to offer. I am grateful to Martin Stanley for his excellent work; I know that in a short time he has made an admirable contribution on many fronts."

During his career, Mr. Capes has also served in Belgium, Portugal, Croatia, Jordan, Nigeria, Austria, New Zealand, Anguilla and, immediately before his transfer this week to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bermuda.

Mr. Capes was selected earlier this year for the position of Chief Executive by the Governor and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, recognising his knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands, plus his valuable experience of working as Deputy Governor in Anguilla and Bermuda. 

Because commitments in Bermuda meant that he was unable to take up his new appointment here until now, Martin Stanley was recruited from the UK to fill the position of Chief Executive, on an interim basis, pending the arrival of Mr. Capes.