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News : International : Caribbean News : Turks & Caicos Islands Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


Michael Misick calls for inquiry into interim government in Turks & Caicos
By Hayden Boyce SUN Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Mar 19, 2012 - 11:52:06 AM

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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.”


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