Correction :
Why trade one bunch of crooks for another? The Brits will give TCI another chance to start over. Goodness know they have already had a few chances. History shows that they have never sought total Independence, due to fear of failure.
IMO, TCI made out well only because The Bahamas is a most difficult Country in which to do business. The TCI Government rolled out the red carpet, and then rolled its own people. Missick should hang his head in shame, and leave the governance of his people to others who will be honest and straight forward.
I now understand a little better the connection to the West End debacle in the last General Election, as it relates to alleged TCI residents voting in the West End Const.
Did I hear someone say, “The apple does not fall far from the tree”?
[Reply]
Correction, the TCI residents were said to have voted in Marco City in the last election. Relatives of the current representative were among them.
Why trade one bunch of crooks for another? The Brits will give TCI another chance to start over. Goodness know they have already had a few chances. History shows that they have never sought total Independence, due to fear of failure.
IMO, TCI made out well only because The Bahamas is a most difficult Country in which to do business. The TCI Government rolled out the red carpet, and then rolled its own people. Missick should hang his head in shame, and leave the governance of his people to others who will be honest and straight forward.
I now understand a little better the connection to the West End debacle in the last General Election, as it relates to alleged TCI residents voting in the West End Const.
Did I hear someone say, “The apple does not fall far from the tree”?
rb75 :
JR,
I agree with you 100% the need for TCI to become Independant is clear and this is where the Bahamas must flex it’s foreign skills and guide them through this period …I know that my buddy Joe may object to this but as I have said here many times it is the Liberial in me that I can’t just pass this one off.
[Reply]
“…Bahamas must flex it’s foreign skills…” what skills? With this crew that running the show? If we, especially with this current Minister of Foreign Affairs get involved, both TCI and the Bahamas may end up back under Colonial rule.
@rb75
I agree with you, but I still think that you are making a moral agrument. It would be morally good of the British to continue to let TCI govern themselves but the point I am making is that they do not have to. I also made the point that there should be a compromise instead of the one man government that they have now. I am also think that the Bahamas should help them lobby. What I was getting out is given their circumstances what would Mr. Missick and his government put themselves in this situation.
JR :TCI needs to push for Independence and the Bahamas has to be there for them when they do. Other than that, we may as well invade TCI and bring them back into The Bahamas. LOL.
[Reply]
I agree with this this is why I asked why did weren’t in the first post but the thing is they aren’t so that is where the discussion with Rb75 and Joe blow comes in.
JR,
I agree with you 100% the need for TCI to become Independant is clear and this is where the Bahamas must flex it’s foreign skills and guide them through this period …I know that my buddy Joe may object to this but as I have said here many times it is the Liberial in me that I can’t just pass this one off.
Connie;
“If you guys remember Sir Lynden and Roland Symonette were our premiers until 1973 when we became independent. The people of TCI have been able to attract investment and grow their economy and have made a great living in TCI.”
I agree with this statement but I must abject to the rest yes the Bahamas was a territory until 73 which by the way you are right Sir Roland and Sir Lynden guided until full Independence and then TCI during our push for Independence decided to stay with the Brits….This said Britain decided that they as a Nation will not be involved in caring or developing any other Nation so Great Britain decided that TCI and other such Islands in the Caribbean had no self interest for them or the Crown so if the native people did not op for Independence then the crown said to them well you can govern yourself and we will leave you alone thus we come to the present ….Great Britain itself has had many,many scandals under the Thatcher Government ,Major Government and just recently the very honoured Tony Blair Government so Britain can’t in any view be made to stand for all that is just and right in the world .
Now let’s take a deeper look after granting the TCI people Self Government the Crown left them to fend for themselves leaving a people alone to make their way forward and upward to build their own infrastructure and build it’s own country and all this time just sitting on the sidelines and not really getting involved ….so Connie in my view this is now seen as a hostile takeover of a people and a land that is ripe with milk and honey and the greedy overlords who was once in the shadows are now poised to take over the gold mine as they see fit and nobody dare stand in their way .
TCI needs to push for Independence and the Bahamas has to be there for them when they do. Other than that, we may as well invade TCI and bring them back into The Bahamas. LOL.
@rb75
I see that you are making a moral argument. I agree with you that this is about money and power. But that is exactly why Mr. Missick and his government should have thought twice. If you guys remember Sir Lynden and Roland Symonette were our premiers until 1973 when we became independent. The people of TCI have been able to attract investment and grow their economy and have made a great living in TCI. However, we have to remember no matter what the moral argument is as Joe said the British can do with TCI as they please. All the people can do is protest it. Remember we used to be the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Is., then we became the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, they remained a territory. I think that Mr. Missick and his govt. and the opposition in their opposing did not expect for it to go this far but that is a risk you take when you are a territory. I think that the prosperity of TCI just sweetens the pot for the British to take over. I personally think that more unfairness and corruption will come from having one man in charge than from have another election.
Joe ,
a Caribbean administration can be set up with just cause ….I believe that there are other forces at work here and that it all boils down to two things money and power if the Brits where not interested in TCI other than having a financial one the report given to the British Parliament would have been given a swift read and quickly debated in the House of Commons ……We all know how this game is going to be played yes Premier Missick was corrupt along with his cabinet and other such Ministers but we must remember that the TCI was given self governance and the Government elected by the people and thus the British had given up any right to govern those people now that the people of TCI have built their Nation into a prosperous one the was growing by leaps and bounds to anyone this looks like a grab for power by the British Government and it will ultimately boil down to the Business interest that have deep relations at the Court of St James .
TCI is a British Protectorate. Britain is a trustee of that land and has full authority when it wished to exercise it (And did so with just cause). A Caribbean administration cannot be legally formed to act as trustee unless the British are willing to step down and that would have to have the consent of both the British Government and the people of the TCI.The World Court would have to be petitioned and asked to make a ruling. I doubt they would want to interfere. There is no legal standing for a multi Caribbean administration. It is best to let some things play themselves out as long as they do not impinge on the welfare of other sovereign nations and TCI citizens have not asked for our interference here.
@rb75
I understand where you are coming from but I am talking about Mr. Missick and other seemingly forgetting that they were a British territory until the crap hit the fan. The people of TCI deserve Independence. I believe every country DESERVES independence but that does not mean that they can handle it. The people of TCI just like the people are the Bahamas need to Rise Up and demand what they want, better governance and self governance respectively. As far as I know the British are seizing an opportunity, the TCI government has made a money making paradise out of that island and the British apparently have come to claim their land. Remember that is the way we used to be. The Caricom nations should lobby for a compromise, no one person should be judge, jury and executioner in the country, I do not agree with that. TCI does not have its own constitution.
Connie ,
It is true that the Missick Government was corrupt to the point that they had their own little goldmine in paradise and yes the TCI was a British Territory but Connie we must remember that the entire people of TCI must not be made to suffer for a corrupt Government what is about to take place in this Nation is enslavement yes they had the chance to choose Independence but then that was their choice but to suspend a Nations fundamental rights is to suspend a Nation’s right to exist an even if they where still under the control of the Crown this type of rule is outdated and by right the only authority that can do such a thing is God and does not belong to no country or Government.
On the federation issue I do not think that Bahamians will go for such a thing …..I believe that the TCI can be best served in this matter if a multi caribbean administration be formed to administer the affairs of the nation until fresh elections can be called.
Now we know one of the reasons why a country like Canada said “no thank you”, when the T&CI wanted to come under their protection a few years back. If it were just Missick and a few of his cronies that were corrupt one might make a petition to Britain to modify its position, but we have corrupt people from other Caribbean nations involved. Maybe there is a political mafia at work in the Caribbean and we are just becoming aware of it. No LOL matter.
@rb75
RB75 I have to disagree with you on the “full scale invasion” TCI thought they had a full and functioning government are not independent the way that we are and so they should have kept their eye on the ball. Because of people like Sir Lynden the British cannot come here and do what they are doing in TCI but they are a territory of the Queen and they should have remembered that when they were out being corrupt and the opposition should have remembered that when they called for the commission of inquiry. Although I think that the British are doing is extreme it is their prorogative. The same way that you can fire your gardener and do what ever you want in your yard that is what is happening. Now Mr. Missick wants Caricom to lobby to Britian on TCI’s behalf when he and his corrupt government is the major cause and gave way to what is happening now. I don’t know if not or why not TCI has not sought Independence but that what comes with the territoty when you belong under the wing of someone else.
Here’s another thing we can say that there are people in the successive Bahamas governments that have been corrupt but nobody can come and take us over because of it because we are an Independent nation. You have to admit that Missick those had a sweet deal, they were under the British and had some sort of self governance, they blew it and the people are suffering because of it. I do think that we should make our opinion as a nation known to the British and maybe they can come to a compromise.
BP “Federation talks with the Bahamas”? Are you kidding me? Is this serious or just bluster? I shouldnt even ask this but, why isnt the local media all over this story of federation talks with TCI?
If this is for real and not just a stunt, the federation thing aint gonna work and i doubt that most Bahamians will agree to it. Either you become a full fledge part of the Bahamas like they were before or you dont. There cant be two sets of laws. This aint the U.S.
This TCI issue has gotten my attention the fundamental problem here is the same old same old power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely the situation in my opinion does not call for the action that has been called for the British Government should be urged by Caricom and other Commonwealth Nations not to suspend the fundamental rights of the People of Turks and Caicos.
We must remember that the only rights that one has in one’s own land is the constitution and a suspension of this is a suspension of a peoples fundamental right to freedom what is being suggested here is an act of enslavement of an entire Nation and as a Bahamian I cannot see our government neither that of the entire Caribbean standing by and letting this take place we have to take a stand here on this issue ….Yes the entire government might have been corrupt but to say to these people in a way ‘that you are incompetent and that you cannot run your own affairs and we have to send you to your rooms and take back over ” is nothing short of a full scale invasion …….The British Government should be urged to let the major Caribbean Nations lead some sort of administer ship of TCI until fresh General Elections can be held …but to remove its entire government and suspend it’s constitution is criminal at the least
March 22, 2009 – Attempts to Rally Regional Support
The attempts to rally regional support for the dying Michael Misick government are not succeeding. In an odd twist, those who do express some support for Michael Misick are instead being examined for how they may be involved in his web of corruption.
As early as Monday evening, soon after the Address to the nation by Governor Wetherell announcing the intention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to begin cleaning up the massive and devastating corruption within the Turks and Caicos Islands, Gilley Williams was on nationwide Jamaican radio attempting to paint the FCO’s actions as colonialism.
In the last few days Michael Misick and three of his Ministers have traveled to the Bahamas, once again attempting to rally regional support for themselves and attempting to paint Britain’s corrective actions as colonialism.
Fortunately for the people of the Turks and Caicos, this effort is not succeeding.
Mainly due to the fact that the regional and especially Bahamian press has done a very good job in closely following the exploits of our Premier, who among other things can no longer travel to the United States for fear of being arrested, his actions are gaining little or no traction.
The Bahamian minister who was best man at Michael Misick’s wedding, PLP MP Obie ‘SNITCH’ Wilchcombe, is forever having his name linked to “the corrupt Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands”.
It is true that The Jamaican Gleaner newspaper carried an editorial on Wednesday bemoaning the actions of Britain, but that has to be considered in the context of the Gleaner coming to the support of wealthy and politically connected Jamaicans who are intimately involved with the corruption within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Delroy Howell, Butch Stewart & his son, and David Smith are all wealthy Jamaicans who have considerable pull with Jamaican politicians and media. They are all also heavily involved with Michael Misick, his ministers, and their exploits.
Delroy Howell’s involvement with Southern Health Network and the suspect Hospitals construction scheme, along with Turks and Caicos House of Assembly member Floyd Hall’s involvement with Howell’s purchase, and pending additional purchases of hotels in Jamaica, are not minor issues but involve tens of millions of dollars. And in the case of the suspect Hospitals scheme, over $100 million dollars. Credible reports of Floyd Hall’s and Delroy Howell’s preparations for acquiring Casino licenses in Jamaica for their hotels only adds to the web of political intrigue existing between Jamaican and Turks and Caicos politicians.
Sadly for the people of Jamaica, the Gleaner’s editorial reflects more on the nature of The Gleaner’s political ties and the state of the media in Jamaica than it does on Britain or the Turks and Caicos Islands.
When Bermudian Premier Dr. Ewart Brown recently expressed some sympathy for Michael Misick, the blogs and media in Bermuda made it a point to remind the world that Dr. Ewart Brown faces significant accusations of corruption and intimidation at home in Bermuda, and is in fact sometimes referred to as being a Bermudian Michael Misick. Rather than assisting Misick’s attempt to evade his inevitable reckoning with the law, Dr. Brown succeeded only in reminding everyone of his own issues at home.
Yes, there does seem to be the evidence of a budding political maturity among the people of the Caribbean in their struggle against corrupt political parties and want-do-be dictators.
Let us, the people of the Turks and Caicos help our Caribbean brothers and sisters, struggling with their own situations, by succeeding in holding our corrupt politicians accountable. It can only add to the success of efforts to foster freedom elsewhere in the Caribbean.
And so he should step down. In this case “power corrupted absolutely”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM:
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (TCI-GIS)
Office of the Premier,
Providenciales,
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel: (649) 946-4258, ext 80007
Fax: (649) 946-4528
HON. DR. MICHAEL MISICK RESIGNS TODAY AS PREMIER
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Monday, March 23th, 2009 – “My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, I come before you for what some would say is the last time as Premier of these our Turks and Caicos Islands. The circumstances of this moment certainly ring with a degree of finality, not only for me as your Premier, but for the political and economic progress of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole. But, I submit to you that out of the ashes of our momentary discontentment, we as a people, shall rise once again. What strengthens me this moment is my faith that this is not the end, but that we are in fact on the brink of a new beginning.
Our journey these last six years has been fought with uncertainty and travail, yet filled with promise. We have transformed from a small group of islands barely acknowledged to what is considered by many around the world to be the envy of the Caribbean. We should be proud that we have come so far in such a short time. It was not easy, and mistakes were made along the way but we have only just begun to live up to our potential.
We know that nothing of significant value is ever gained unless without struggle, sacrifice and oftentimes turmoil. Certainly we can look back and see the massive and unprecedented development and growth of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. Along the way the journey continues to be a mix of progress and disappointment. Sometimes we as leaders neglect to remember that to whom much is given, so much more is expected. There have been regrets and personal pain and agony for me over the years, much of which comes with the job and some of which resulted from mistaken judgment. But through it all I have become a better person, a better leader and better representative of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.
We should remind ourselves of the story of David in the Bible – A man that God loved for he knew that David loved and served him with all his heart. God loved David in spite of his failings, for he knew that David had come to serve an important role in facilitating the freedom of his people. It was the importance of this mission, a mission bigger than the smallness of our human frailties that secured the blessing of God. No matter what my personal failings may have been, they do not support the pretext upon which the Governor has decided to suspend our constitution and take us back to a time we had thought long past in which we had to endure the indignity of colonial interference with our rights as free people. The Order in Council takes away from the People the right to self determination a right guaranteed by international law. It takes away the peoples right to be represented by their own elected representatives, answerable to them and accessible to them.
It replaces that system of democratic government by direct rule by a colonial governor and his civil servants subject to the direction of the foreign secretary in London. This is tantamount to being re colonized. It is a backwards step completely contrary to the whole movement of history. That movement is towards empowerment of the people and their greater participation in self government through the democratic process.
I was elected to represent the people of North Caicos East. The Order in Council removes me as their representative, suspend parliament and takes away their right to have a say in their destiny. I intend to fight for their right to have an elected representative answerable to them, and accessible to them. I will take every step open to me to resist this denial of their fundamental rights to have a say in how they are governed.
Our record as a government has earned us the right and privilege of self-determination.
What is the ground upon which we stand to make these claims? Over the past six years, the Turks and Caicos Islands has experienced unprecedented growth and development. Not only have we more than tripled our tourism business, but our growth has directly benefitted the people of our country. What were just a short time ago dirt roads and sandy strips are now paved lanes and premier resort destinations. The Turks and Caicos Islands has gone from being practically unchartered territory, to literally being placed on the world map of upscale vacation destinations. The fruits of infrastructure, which were previously the exclusive playground of the wealthy and well connected, mostly those of foreign origin, have extended to opportunities for Belongers.
We changed the laws governing investment in our Islands to require that any significant investment in infrastructure also go towards developing our indigenous human capital. Over the six years since this government has been in place, we have seen the development of two state of the art hospitals, a causeway to link the islands of North and Middle Caicos, a National Stadium that hosted the first CARIFTA Games in these islands, other recreational sporting facilities, paved road and first class sea ports and spent tens and millions of dollars on educating our people and empowered countless Belongers through land ownership.
To achieve economic growth at this rate, while at the same time assuring that the people of these islands secured its benefits required a new vision for development. No longer could we see ourselves as mere subjects, meekly consenting to be governed and kept.
We had to become agents of our own change, intimately involved in the decisions and processes that would lead to growth and prosperity. Acting in our own best interests required taking some risks.
Some have readily embraced this transformation in the governing relationships, while others have bristled and chaffed under the weight of change. The status quo might not have been ideal to some of us, but at least it was familiar and therefore predictable. In some sense, it relieved us of the responsibility for shaping our own destiny. And for some this is more comforting than the alternative. It certainly deserves mentioning that change in any aspect of life never occurs without a price in the short and long term. However, just look back and remember what this place was a little over 5 years ago and the progress that you see before you now. Who would have ever thought that this could have ever been possible for our tiny Island territory?
I now announce that I will tender my resignation effective today as Premier to allow the new PNP Party leader to become Premier. I pledge my full support to him and ask that we all rally our support and prayers to our new Premier, the Hon. Galmo Williams and give him the necessary encouragement and support to complete this journey that started long ago. Let us embrace this new beginning for the Turks and Caicos Islands and stand in support of his efforts to defend our constitution and usher in a new era of growth and prosperity.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you – my family, supporters and friends who stood by me and continue to stand by me. I would like to thank all of the Civil Servants who have worked with me and my Government over the past six years. I especially want to thank my constituents of Bottle Creek, North Caicos for giving me the opportunity to serve.
I will always be humbly grateful for your love and support and you know I love all of you with all my heart.
I leave today proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past six years and even more determined to fight for my rights and yours.
May God bless you and May God continue to bless our Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Correction, the TCI residents were said to have voted in Marco City in the last election. Relatives of the current representative were among them.
Why trade one bunch of crooks for another? The Brits will give TCI another chance to start over. Goodness know they have already had a few chances. History shows that they have never sought total Independence, due to fear of failure.
IMO, TCI made out well only because The Bahamas is a most difficult Country in which to do business. The TCI Government rolled out the red carpet, and then rolled its own people. Missick should hang his head in shame, and leave the governance of his people to others who will be honest and straight forward.
I now understand a little better the connection to the West End debacle in the last General Election, as it relates to alleged TCI residents voting in the West End Const.
Did I hear someone say, “The apple does not fall far from the tree”?
“…Bahamas must flex it’s foreign skills…” what skills? With this crew that running the show? If we, especially with this current Minister of Foreign Affairs get involved, both TCI and the Bahamas may end up back under Colonial rule.
@rb75
I agree with you, but I still think that you are making a moral agrument. It would be morally good of the British to continue to let TCI govern themselves but the point I am making is that they do not have to. I also made the point that there should be a compromise instead of the one man government that they have now. I am also think that the Bahamas should help them lobby. What I was getting out is given their circumstances what would Mr. Missick and his government put themselves in this situation.
I agree with this this is why I asked why did weren’t in the first post but the thing is they aren’t so that is where the discussion with Rb75 and Joe blow comes in.
JR,
I agree with you 100% the need for TCI to become Independant is clear and this is where the Bahamas must flex it’s foreign skills and guide them through this period …I know that my buddy Joe may object to this but as I have said here many times it is the Liberial in me that I can’t just pass this one off.
Connie;
“If you guys remember Sir Lynden and Roland Symonette were our premiers until 1973 when we became independent. The people of TCI have been able to attract investment and grow their economy and have made a great living in TCI.”
I agree with this statement but I must abject to the rest yes the Bahamas was a territory until 73 which by the way you are right Sir Roland and Sir Lynden guided until full Independence and then TCI during our push for Independence decided to stay with the Brits….This said Britain decided that they as a Nation will not be involved in caring or developing any other Nation so Great Britain decided that TCI and other such Islands in the Caribbean had no self interest for them or the Crown so if the native people did not op for Independence then the crown said to them well you can govern yourself and we will leave you alone thus we come to the present ….Great Britain itself has had many,many scandals under the Thatcher Government ,Major Government and just recently the very honoured Tony Blair Government so Britain can’t in any view be made to stand for all that is just and right in the world .
Now let’s take a deeper look after granting the TCI people Self Government the Crown left them to fend for themselves leaving a people alone to make their way forward and upward to build their own infrastructure and build it’s own country and all this time just sitting on the sidelines and not really getting involved ….so Connie in my view this is now seen as a hostile takeover of a people and a land that is ripe with milk and honey and the greedy overlords who was once in the shadows are now poised to take over the gold mine as they see fit and nobody dare stand in their way .
TCI needs to push for Independence and the Bahamas has to be there for them when they do. Other than that, we may as well invade TCI and bring them back into The Bahamas. LOL.
@rb75
I see that you are making a moral argument. I agree with you that this is about money and power. But that is exactly why Mr. Missick and his government should have thought twice. If you guys remember Sir Lynden and Roland Symonette were our premiers until 1973 when we became independent. The people of TCI have been able to attract investment and grow their economy and have made a great living in TCI. However, we have to remember no matter what the moral argument is as Joe said the British can do with TCI as they please. All the people can do is protest it. Remember we used to be the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Is., then we became the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, they remained a territory. I think that Mr. Missick and his govt. and the opposition in their opposing did not expect for it to go this far but that is a risk you take when you are a territory. I think that the prosperity of TCI just sweetens the pot for the British to take over. I personally think that more unfairness and corruption will come from having one man in charge than from have another election.
Joe ,
a Caribbean administration can be set up with just cause ….I believe that there are other forces at work here and that it all boils down to two things money and power if the Brits where not interested in TCI other than having a financial one the report given to the British Parliament would have been given a swift read and quickly debated in the House of Commons ……We all know how this game is going to be played yes Premier Missick was corrupt along with his cabinet and other such Ministers but we must remember that the TCI was given self governance and the Government elected by the people and thus the British had given up any right to govern those people now that the people of TCI have built their Nation into a prosperous one the was growing by leaps and bounds to anyone this looks like a grab for power by the British Government and it will ultimately boil down to the Business interest that have deep relations at the Court of St James .
TCI is a British Protectorate. Britain is a trustee of that land and has full authority when it wished to exercise it (And did so with just cause). A Caribbean administration cannot be legally formed to act as trustee unless the British are willing to step down and that would have to have the consent of both the British Government and the people of the TCI.The World Court would have to be petitioned and asked to make a ruling. I doubt they would want to interfere. There is no legal standing for a multi Caribbean administration. It is best to let some things play themselves out as long as they do not impinge on the welfare of other sovereign nations and TCI citizens have not asked for our interference here.
@rb75
I understand where you are coming from but I am talking about Mr. Missick and other seemingly forgetting that they were a British territory until the crap hit the fan. The people of TCI deserve Independence. I believe every country DESERVES independence but that does not mean that they can handle it. The people of TCI just like the people are the Bahamas need to Rise Up and demand what they want, better governance and self governance respectively. As far as I know the British are seizing an opportunity, the TCI government has made a money making paradise out of that island and the British apparently have come to claim their land. Remember that is the way we used to be. The Caricom nations should lobby for a compromise, no one person should be judge, jury and executioner in the country, I do not agree with that. TCI does not have its own constitution.
Connie ,
It is true that the Missick Government was corrupt to the point that they had their own little goldmine in paradise and yes the TCI was a British Territory but Connie we must remember that the entire people of TCI must not be made to suffer for a corrupt Government what is about to take place in this Nation is enslavement yes they had the chance to choose Independence but then that was their choice but to suspend a Nations fundamental rights is to suspend a Nation’s right to exist an even if they where still under the control of the Crown this type of rule is outdated and by right the only authority that can do such a thing is God and does not belong to no country or Government.
On the federation issue I do not think that Bahamians will go for such a thing …..I believe that the TCI can be best served in this matter if a multi caribbean administration be formed to administer the affairs of the nation until fresh elections can be called.
Now we know one of the reasons why a country like Canada said “no thank you”, when the T&CI wanted to come under their protection a few years back. If it were just Missick and a few of his cronies that were corrupt one might make a petition to Britain to modify its position, but we have corrupt people from other Caribbean nations involved. Maybe there is a political mafia at work in the Caribbean and we are just becoming aware of it. No LOL matter.
@rb75
RB75 I have to disagree with you on the “full scale invasion” TCI thought they had a full and functioning government are not independent the way that we are and so they should have kept their eye on the ball. Because of people like Sir Lynden the British cannot come here and do what they are doing in TCI but they are a territory of the Queen and they should have remembered that when they were out being corrupt and the opposition should have remembered that when they called for the commission of inquiry. Although I think that the British are doing is extreme it is their prorogative. The same way that you can fire your gardener and do what ever you want in your yard that is what is happening. Now Mr. Missick wants Caricom to lobby to Britian on TCI’s behalf when he and his corrupt government is the major cause and gave way to what is happening now. I don’t know if not or why not TCI has not sought Independence but that what comes with the territoty when you belong under the wing of someone else.
Here’s another thing we can say that there are people in the successive Bahamas governments that have been corrupt but nobody can come and take us over because of it because we are an Independent nation. You have to admit that Missick those had a sweet deal, they were under the British and had some sort of self governance, they blew it and the people are suffering because of it. I do think that we should make our opinion as a nation known to the British and maybe they can come to a compromise.
BP “Federation talks with the Bahamas”? Are you kidding me? Is this serious or just bluster? I shouldnt even ask this but, why isnt the local media all over this story of federation talks with TCI?
If this is for real and not just a stunt, the federation thing aint gonna work and i doubt that most Bahamians will agree to it. Either you become a full fledge part of the Bahamas like they were before or you dont. There cant be two sets of laws. This aint the U.S.
This TCI issue has gotten my attention the fundamental problem here is the same old same old power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely the situation in my opinion does not call for the action that has been called for the British Government should be urged by Caricom and other Commonwealth Nations not to suspend the fundamental rights of the People of Turks and Caicos.
We must remember that the only rights that one has in one’s own land is the constitution and a suspension of this is a suspension of a peoples fundamental right to freedom what is being suggested here is an act of enslavement of an entire Nation and as a Bahamian I cannot see our government neither that of the entire Caribbean standing by and letting this take place we have to take a stand here on this issue ….Yes the entire government might have been corrupt but to say to these people in a way ‘that you are incompetent and that you cannot run your own affairs and we have to send you to your rooms and take back over ” is nothing short of a full scale invasion …….The British Government should be urged to let the major Caribbean Nations lead some sort of administer ship of TCI until fresh General Elections can be held …but to remove its entire government and suspend it’s constitution is criminal at the least
Article found on TCI JOURNAL
http://www.tcijournal.com/index.php?idsub=1134&id=8
March 22, 2009 – Attempts to Rally Regional Support
The attempts to rally regional support for the dying Michael Misick government are not succeeding. In an odd twist, those who do express some support for Michael Misick are instead being examined for how they may be involved in his web of corruption.
As early as Monday evening, soon after the Address to the nation by Governor Wetherell announcing the intention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to begin cleaning up the massive and devastating corruption within the Turks and Caicos Islands, Gilley Williams was on nationwide Jamaican radio attempting to paint the FCO’s actions as colonialism.
In the last few days Michael Misick and three of his Ministers have traveled to the Bahamas, once again attempting to rally regional support for themselves and attempting to paint Britain’s corrective actions as colonialism.
Fortunately for the people of the Turks and Caicos, this effort is not succeeding.
Mainly due to the fact that the regional and especially Bahamian press has done a very good job in closely following the exploits of our Premier, who among other things can no longer travel to the United States for fear of being arrested, his actions are gaining little or no traction.
The Bahamian minister who was best man at Michael Misick’s wedding, PLP MP Obie ‘SNITCH’ Wilchcombe, is forever having his name linked to “the corrupt Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands”.
It is true that The Jamaican Gleaner newspaper carried an editorial on Wednesday bemoaning the actions of Britain, but that has to be considered in the context of the Gleaner coming to the support of wealthy and politically connected Jamaicans who are intimately involved with the corruption within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Delroy Howell, Butch Stewart & his son, and David Smith are all wealthy Jamaicans who have considerable pull with Jamaican politicians and media. They are all also heavily involved with Michael Misick, his ministers, and their exploits.
Delroy Howell’s involvement with Southern Health Network and the suspect Hospitals construction scheme, along with Turks and Caicos House of Assembly member Floyd Hall’s involvement with Howell’s purchase, and pending additional purchases of hotels in Jamaica, are not minor issues but involve tens of millions of dollars. And in the case of the suspect Hospitals scheme, over $100 million dollars. Credible reports of Floyd Hall’s and Delroy Howell’s preparations for acquiring Casino licenses in Jamaica for their hotels only adds to the web of political intrigue existing between Jamaican and Turks and Caicos politicians.
Sadly for the people of Jamaica, the Gleaner’s editorial reflects more on the nature of The Gleaner’s political ties and the state of the media in Jamaica than it does on Britain or the Turks and Caicos Islands.
When Bermudian Premier Dr. Ewart Brown recently expressed some sympathy for Michael Misick, the blogs and media in Bermuda made it a point to remind the world that Dr. Ewart Brown faces significant accusations of corruption and intimidation at home in Bermuda, and is in fact sometimes referred to as being a Bermudian Michael Misick. Rather than assisting Misick’s attempt to evade his inevitable reckoning with the law, Dr. Brown succeeded only in reminding everyone of his own issues at home.
Yes, there does seem to be the evidence of a budding political maturity among the people of the Caribbean in their struggle against corrupt political parties and want-do-be dictators.
Let us, the people of the Turks and Caicos help our Caribbean brothers and sisters, struggling with their own situations, by succeeding in holding our corrupt politicians accountable. It can only add to the success of efforts to foster freedom elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Respectfully,
Editors@TCIJournal.com
And so he should step down. In this case “power corrupted absolutely”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM:
THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (TCI-GIS)
Office of the Premier,
Providenciales,
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel: (649) 946-4258, ext 80007
Fax: (649) 946-4528
HON. DR. MICHAEL MISICK RESIGNS TODAY AS PREMIER
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Monday, March 23th, 2009 – “My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, I come before you for what some would say is the last time as Premier of these our Turks and Caicos Islands. The circumstances of this moment certainly ring with a degree of finality, not only for me as your Premier, but for the political and economic progress of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole. But, I submit to you that out of the ashes of our momentary discontentment, we as a people, shall rise once again. What strengthens me this moment is my faith that this is not the end, but that we are in fact on the brink of a new beginning.
Our journey these last six years has been fought with uncertainty and travail, yet filled with promise. We have transformed from a small group of islands barely acknowledged to what is considered by many around the world to be the envy of the Caribbean. We should be proud that we have come so far in such a short time. It was not easy, and mistakes were made along the way but we have only just begun to live up to our potential.
We know that nothing of significant value is ever gained unless without struggle, sacrifice and oftentimes turmoil. Certainly we can look back and see the massive and unprecedented development and growth of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. Along the way the journey continues to be a mix of progress and disappointment. Sometimes we as leaders neglect to remember that to whom much is given, so much more is expected. There have been regrets and personal pain and agony for me over the years, much of which comes with the job and some of which resulted from mistaken judgment. But through it all I have become a better person, a better leader and better representative of our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.
We should remind ourselves of the story of David in the Bible – A man that God loved for he knew that David loved and served him with all his heart. God loved David in spite of his failings, for he knew that David had come to serve an important role in facilitating the freedom of his people. It was the importance of this mission, a mission bigger than the smallness of our human frailties that secured the blessing of God. No matter what my personal failings may have been, they do not support the pretext upon which the Governor has decided to suspend our constitution and take us back to a time we had thought long past in which we had to endure the indignity of colonial interference with our rights as free people. The Order in Council takes away from the People the right to self determination a right guaranteed by international law. It takes away the peoples right to be represented by their own elected representatives, answerable to them and accessible to them.
It replaces that system of democratic government by direct rule by a colonial governor and his civil servants subject to the direction of the foreign secretary in London. This is tantamount to being re colonized. It is a backwards step completely contrary to the whole movement of history. That movement is towards empowerment of the people and their greater participation in self government through the democratic process.
I was elected to represent the people of North Caicos East. The Order in Council removes me as their representative, suspend parliament and takes away their right to have a say in their destiny. I intend to fight for their right to have an elected representative answerable to them, and accessible to them. I will take every step open to me to resist this denial of their fundamental rights to have a say in how they are governed.
Our record as a government has earned us the right and privilege of self-determination.
What is the ground upon which we stand to make these claims? Over the past six years, the Turks and Caicos Islands has experienced unprecedented growth and development. Not only have we more than tripled our tourism business, but our growth has directly benefitted the people of our country. What were just a short time ago dirt roads and sandy strips are now paved lanes and premier resort destinations. The Turks and Caicos Islands has gone from being practically unchartered territory, to literally being placed on the world map of upscale vacation destinations. The fruits of infrastructure, which were previously the exclusive playground of the wealthy and well connected, mostly those of foreign origin, have extended to opportunities for Belongers.
We changed the laws governing investment in our Islands to require that any significant investment in infrastructure also go towards developing our indigenous human capital. Over the six years since this government has been in place, we have seen the development of two state of the art hospitals, a causeway to link the islands of North and Middle Caicos, a National Stadium that hosted the first CARIFTA Games in these islands, other recreational sporting facilities, paved road and first class sea ports and spent tens and millions of dollars on educating our people and empowered countless Belongers through land ownership.
To achieve economic growth at this rate, while at the same time assuring that the people of these islands secured its benefits required a new vision for development. No longer could we see ourselves as mere subjects, meekly consenting to be governed and kept.
We had to become agents of our own change, intimately involved in the decisions and processes that would lead to growth and prosperity. Acting in our own best interests required taking some risks.
Some have readily embraced this transformation in the governing relationships, while others have bristled and chaffed under the weight of change. The status quo might not have been ideal to some of us, but at least it was familiar and therefore predictable. In some sense, it relieved us of the responsibility for shaping our own destiny. And for some this is more comforting than the alternative. It certainly deserves mentioning that change in any aspect of life never occurs without a price in the short and long term. However, just look back and remember what this place was a little over 5 years ago and the progress that you see before you now. Who would have ever thought that this could have ever been possible for our tiny Island territory?
I now announce that I will tender my resignation effective today as Premier to allow the new PNP Party leader to become Premier. I pledge my full support to him and ask that we all rally our support and prayers to our new Premier, the Hon. Galmo Williams and give him the necessary encouragement and support to complete this journey that started long ago. Let us embrace this new beginning for the Turks and Caicos Islands and stand in support of his efforts to defend our constitution and usher in a new era of growth and prosperity.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you – my family, supporters and friends who stood by me and continue to stand by me. I would like to thank all of the Civil Servants who have worked with me and my Government over the past six years. I especially want to thank my constituents of Bottle Creek, North Caicos for giving me the opportunity to serve.
I will always be humbly grateful for your love and support and you know I love all of you with all my heart.
I leave today proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past six years and even more determined to fight for my rights and yours.
May God bless you and May God continue to bless our Turks and Caicos Islands.”
END
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