PROVIDENCIALES – Former premier Michael Misick arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands today from Brazil to face allegations of corruption, according to a statement from the Governor’s Office.
“The UK Government welcomes the arrival of former Premier Michael Misick in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to face a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration during his time in office. They are most grateful to the Brazilian authorities for their swift handling of TCI’s extradition request.
“It is important for the people of TCI, a UK Overseas Territory that the rule of law is respected and due process is followed. It will now be down to the TCI Courts to consider Michael Misick’s case as well as that of 14 others charged with similar offences,” the statement said.
Misick was arrested in Brazil last December under an Interpol provisional arrest warrant. He will be represented by attorney Oliver Smith who will be joined by a team of high-powered international lawyers.
Last October, the Brazilian Supreme Court ordered the extradition of Misick and last year, the head investigator in a British government’s probe of corruption in the TCI confirmed that Misick, will join 10 others, including four of his cabinet ministers, in defending allegations that they illegally sold government lands for profit and cut other sweetheart deals to enrich themselves during their tenure in office. (CMC)
