GOVERNOR Ric Todd yesterday swore in Dr Rufus Ewing of the Progressive National Party (PNP) as the new premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

The ceremony took place at the governor's office in Grand Turk, and followed the PNP's victory in the TCI general election last Friday.

The PNP won eight seats in the House of Assembly and the People's Democratic Movement seven.

Premier Ewing was expected to advise the governor of his picks for ministers, who are expected to be sworn in today ahead of their first Cabinet meeting at the NJS Francis Assembly Building, also in Grand Turk.

"As I have said throughout the election process, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the TCI," Governor Todd said yesterday.

"It is a real honour and privilege to swear in a premier. I look forward to working with Premier Ewing and his ministerial team to continue the ongoing effort to make the TCI a more open, accountable and better managed society. We have much to do and we both look forward to jointly facing our challenges."