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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
 Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick has
called on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Foreign
Affairs Committee (FAC) in the United Kingdom (UK) to launch a
Commission of Inquiry in the activities of the Interim Administration
from August 2009 when they assumed direct rule in the Turks and Caicos
Islands.
In a strongly-worded media statement, Misick said there are several
aspects and activities of the UK-appointed Interim Administration that
need to be investigated. He also said that despite being in office for
three years, the Interim Government continues to wrongfully blame his
former Progressive National Party (PNP) Government for the current state
of the economy as a means of divert attention from the mis-doings of UK
officials here.
Misick said: “I wish to state categorically that since 2009 when the
Brits hijacked democracy from the people of the Turks and Caicos
Islands, there has been blatant and systemic corruption taking place
under and by members of the Interim Administration. I am therefore
calling on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Foreign Affairs
Committee of the UK Parliament to have a Commission of Inquiry into the
conduct of the Interim Administration under Governor Gordon Wetherell
and Governor Ric Todd. I am sure they will find strong evidence of the
biggest financial and expenses scandal in the history of the Turks and
Caicos Islands.”
The former Premier said t is only when such an inquiry takes place that
the British Government, Prime Minister David Cameron, his deputy Nick
Klegg, Queen Elizabeth II, Members of the UK Opposition party, President
Barack Obama and prime ministers of CARICOM and Caribbean countries
will really and finally understand what is taking place in the Turks and
Caicos Islands under direct rule by the Brits.
He added: “There needs to be full investigation into the conduct and
practices of certain past and present British Advisers, many of whom are
involved or were involved in matters that are clear conflicts of
interest. The FAC and the FCO needs to investigate the investments of
British advisers, the concessions they have received and the deals that
they have been cutting. The public also needs to have a breakdown and
full disclosure of how the $11million per year is being spent by the
Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) including how much
they are paying for their luxury beach-front accommodation at the
Veranda Hotel which is owned by a wealthy and controversial UK
businessman Andre Serruys, who himself was under investigation for
corruption in the UK.”
Misick said there are so many aspects of the Interim Government that
need to be investigated, but there is such a climate of fear and
victimization under this direct rule by the Brits, that people are
afraid to speak out because they don’t want to be arrested and charged
by the SIPT, or lose their jobs or be deprived.
He added: “The Turks and Caicos Islands has never has it this bad under
the People’s Democratic Movement or the Progressive National Party, but
people are afraid to speak out and therefore the region and the world do
not know what we are really going through. But as soon as I, as former
Premier, have the courage to speak out against the injustices that is
being done to my people and about the arrogance, disrespect and
crudeness of this Governor Ric Todd, he wants to launch an attack on me.
Regional leaders, Caribbean people and the rest of the world need to
know that what they are accusing us for in the Turks and Caicos Islands
is nothing more or different that what happens in each and every
Caribbean country where politicians look out for their people and their
constituents and implement policies and programmes that are designed to
empower their people.”
Misick said the people of the Caribbean and the world must be made aware
of the fact that the image which the Brits and the SIPT are trying to
portray about the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is untrue.
“Governor Ric Todd and has gang of ruthless, uncaring advisors are
trying to give the world and the region the impression that politicians
in the TCI were a group of bandits, simply because they want to divert
attention away from their corrupt activities and cronyism. I again call
on the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Rt. Hon William Hague to
recall Governor Todd and set a date for elections so that the Turks and
Caicos people can vote for a government of their own choosing. I also
call for a referendum on the future relationship of the Turks and Caicos
Islands people with Britain. That is the only way to determine whether
the people want to remain a British Colony.”
Misick said he have read the Governor Ric Todd’s response to the press
release which I sent on March 15th, 2012 and I take strong exception to
him stating that me and my administration showed disrespect for the
people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“This is yet another of the vicious lies which Governor Todd and his
advisors continue to send out to the local, regional and international
media in their press releases and it must be I think it is time that we
as Turks and Caicos Islanders come together and start to tell the world
the truth about what is happening in this country under direct rule by
the United Kingdom, instead of allowing them to tarnish the reputation
of our people and of our country. The Governor was quoted as saying that
the “disrespect, and that of his (my) administration, for the people of
the Turks and Caicos Islands were laid bare in the Commission of
Inquiry Report of 2009”. What the people of the Caribbean and the rest
of the world do not know is that the Sir Robin Auld Report was based on
hearsay, fabrication and lies and it was all part of a political
witch-hunt that was designed to destroy the reputation of members of my
administration and other persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands,”
Misick continued.
In a separate release, Misick said the reason why there was a Commission
of Inquiry, was because a few white expatriates disliked the policy of
making Turks and Caicos Islanders rich.
“As long as we were poor and had to work for them, there was never a
problem. As long as they were the ones getting the Crown land and
selling it, this was good business, but as soon as we gave the land to
the Turks and Caicos Islands people it was seen as corruption. This is
why we are being prosecuted. As long as we want to remain colonial
salves it was ok, but when we begin seeking independence we were call
corrupt and put in our place,” he stated. “So Governor Todd, your
attempt to change history will not work. The people of the Turks and
Caicos Islands know me and love me and they know what I and the PNP have
done for these islands. Not one day have I ever disrespected any of
them while I was leader. So you can never justify your arrogance and
racist approach by questioning my morals.”
Misick and Todd locked horns after the former Premier criticised the
Governor for swearing on Robert Hall’s Expressions call-in programme on
Radio Turks and Caicos on Wednesday.
The Governor issued a statement saying: “With regard to my participation
in yesterday’s Expressions show, I have apologised for my use of a
certain word. In stating this word I believed at the time that I was
quoting back at my questioner what they had said to me, when they
verbally attacked me, accusing me of having talked “...a crock”. In
using this phrase I unfortunately used the full phrase that the caller
clearly meant. I apologised then and I apologise again now for any
offence caused. It was a genuine and human mistake.”
Misick also accused Todd and the British government have made a mockery
of the Turks and Caicos Islands as we once knew it by your interference
in every aspect of government.
“ The British pride themselves with having a justice system with a
government that is based on separation of powers. You and the British
government have ruined our economy and three years after your occupation
you are still blaming me. If it was an elected government, they would
have to take responsibility for their tenure in office and would be
looking to hold elections soon based on their record. It is high time
that you and the British government take responsibility for your actions
over the last three years and stop blaming me and anyone else you can
blame,” he added.
In conclusion, I renew my call for you to resign. You are the leader of
the country now and all of the people have lost respect and faith in
you. That is why they say the only time you tell the truth is when your
mouth is closed. Since it appears that you have no decency, I again call
on the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Rt. Hon William Hague to
recall you and set a date for elections so that the Turks and Caicos
people can vote for a government of their own choosing. I also call for a
referendum on the future relationship of the Turks and Caicos Islands
people with Britain. That is the only way to determine whether the
people want to remain a British Colony.”
© Copyright 2012 by thebahamasweekly.com
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