Michael Misick
Encyclopedia
Michael Eugene Misick was the chief minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands
from 15 August 2003 to 9 August 2006 and was the first Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
from 9 August 2006 to 23 March 2009.
Misick is a member of the liberal Progressive National Party
(PNP), and became chief minister when his party, after eight years as the opposition party, gained two parliamentary seats in by-elections. In addition to being premier, he was also the minister for Civil Aviation, Commerce and Development, Planning, District Administration, Broadcasting Commission, Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos Investment Agency, and Tourism.
Several other members of Misick's family have been politicians in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and important leaders in the PNP. Washington Misick
, his brother, is a former chief minister and leader of the PNP.
, Misick is the last child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Misick. He received his foundation education in North Caicos, and then furthered it at the Turks and Caicos High School (Helena Jones Robinson High School), the Miami Lakes Technical Institute (where he graduated with a certificate in Business Studies), and the University of Buckingham
(LLB, Hons. Bachelor of Law). Misick is a Barrister at Law of England and Wales
and an Attorney at Law of Turks and Caicos Islands. He is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
.
Misick spent several years in the private sector where he was sales manager for Prestigious Properties Ltd. from 1984 to 1986 and managing director from 1986 to 1988. From 1988 to 1991 he was chairman and CEO of Paramount Group of Companies, a property and financial services company.
It is reported that the Misicks are to be divorced. A statement released to the press by Premier Misick on August 12, 2008 stated: "I am announcing that I am separated from LisaRaye McCoy-Misick
, I am committed to dissolving the marriage amicably. I believe that this is a private matter and will have no further comments. I hope that our privacy will be respected.”
December 15, 2008 Misick was asked to step down by nine members of his party. On the 23rd March 2009 he resigned, a week earlier than expected. The UK Foreign Office said it would suspend the constitution and give control to Governor Gordon Wetherell.
in 1991, when he became Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Communications. He was re-elected in 1995. In March 2002 he was elected leader of the then opposition PNP thus succeeding Washington Misick
. In the April 2003 general elections
, Misick's party won 6 out of the possible 13 seats in the legislature. The successful petitioning and winning of by-elections held in two constituencies resulted in Misick being sworn in as Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands on 16 August 2003. On 7 January 2007, Misick called for general elections
on 9 February. The PNP won 13 of the 15 seats, making it one of the most lopsided election results in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
accused him of assaulting her sexually on 27 March. On 10 April, Misick issued a videotaped statement forcefully rejecting the charge, stating: "I strongly and categorically deny these false allegations…. I am confident that I will be completely and fully exonerated of these false and outrageous allegations." According to Turks and Caicos authorities, the charges are being investigated by local police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
.
conducting a routine review of the administration in British Overseas Territories
received several reports of high level official corruption in the Turks and Caicos. Their report charged that Misick, "who is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since he was elected in 2003 when he declared assets of only $
50,000 (£
25,000)," enriched himself and fellow ministers "by selling off Crown land to fund current investment." In response, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Richard Tauwhare
announced the appointment of a Commission of Enquiry into corruption on 10 July 2008.
While the investigations were underway, Governor Gordon Wetherell
suspended self-government in the islands on 16 August 2009.
In June 2011 Misick's assets were frozen by a court order. In September 2010 a report from the Turks and Caicos Islands 2008-9 Commission of Inquiry recommended criminal investigation of Misick of possible corruption and abuse of his former position.
Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory and overseas territory of the European Union consisting of two groups of tropical islands in the Caribbean, the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, known for tourism and as an offshore financial centre.The Turks and...
from 15 August 2003 to 9 August 2006 and was the first Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
This is a list of Chief Ministers and Premiers of the Turks and Caicos Islands.-Chief Ministers of the Turks and Caicos Islands:-Premiers of the Turks and Caicos Islands:...
from 9 August 2006 to 23 March 2009.
Misick is a member of the liberal Progressive National Party
Progressive National Party (Turks & Caicos)
The Progressive National Party is a political party in the Turks and Caicos Islands, led by Galmo Williams,who held the post of premier from March-August 2009....
(PNP), and became chief minister when his party, after eight years as the opposition party, gained two parliamentary seats in by-elections. In addition to being premier, he was also the minister for Civil Aviation, Commerce and Development, Planning, District Administration, Broadcasting Commission, Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos Investment Agency, and Tourism.
Several other members of Misick's family have been politicians in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and important leaders in the PNP. Washington Misick
Washington Misick
Washington Misick is a politician from the Turks and Caicos Islands. He served as the island territory's Chief Minister from April 1991 to 31 January 1995.-References:...
, his brother, is a former chief minister and leader of the PNP.
Biography
Born in Bottle Creek, North CaicosNorth Caicos
North Caicos is the second-largest island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. To the west, the Caicos Cays link to Providenciales. To the east, it is separated from Middle Caicos by Juniper Hole, a narrow passage that can accommodate only small boats.North Caicos has an area of 116.4 km² within the...
, Misick is the last child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Misick. He received his foundation education in North Caicos, and then furthered it at the Turks and Caicos High School (Helena Jones Robinson High School), the Miami Lakes Technical Institute (where he graduated with a certificate in Business Studies), and the University of Buckingham
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is an independent, non-sectarian, research and teaching university located in Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England, on the banks of the River Great Ouse. It was originally founded as Buckingham University College in the 1970s and received its Royal Charter from the...
(LLB, Hons. Bachelor of Law). Misick is a Barrister at Law of England and Wales
Barristers in England and Wales
Barristers in England and Wales are one of the two main categories of lawyer in England and Wales, the other being solicitors. -Origin of the profession:The work of senior legal professionals in England and Wales...
and an Attorney at Law of Turks and Caicos Islands. He is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn
Lincoln's Inn
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn is one of four Inns of Court in London to which barristers of England and Wales belong and where they are called to the Bar. The other three are Middle Temple, Inner Temple and Gray's Inn. Although Lincoln's Inn is able to trace its official records beyond...
.
Misick spent several years in the private sector where he was sales manager for Prestigious Properties Ltd. from 1984 to 1986 and managing director from 1986 to 1988. From 1988 to 1991 he was chairman and CEO of Paramount Group of Companies, a property and financial services company.
It is reported that the Misicks are to be divorced. A statement released to the press by Premier Misick on August 12, 2008 stated: "I am announcing that I am separated from LisaRaye McCoy-Misick
LisaRaye McCoy-Misick
LisaRaye McCoy , commonly known as LisaRaye, is an American actress and fashion designer. She is also the ex-wife of Michael Misick, a former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands...
, I am committed to dissolving the marriage amicably. I believe that this is a private matter and will have no further comments. I hope that our privacy will be respected.”
December 15, 2008 Misick was asked to step down by nine members of his party. On the 23rd March 2009 he resigned, a week earlier than expected. The UK Foreign Office said it would suspend the constitution and give control to Governor Gordon Wetherell.
Political career
Misick was first elected to the Legislative CouncilLegislative Council of the Turks and Caicos Islands
The House of Assembly of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the legislature of that British Overseas Territory. It has 21 members, 15 members elected for a four year term in single-seat constituencies , 3 members ex officio, 3 appointed members and a speaker chosen from outside the house...
in 1991, when he became Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Communications. He was re-elected in 1995. In March 2002 he was elected leader of the then opposition PNP thus succeeding Washington Misick
Washington Misick
Washington Misick is a politician from the Turks and Caicos Islands. He served as the island territory's Chief Minister from April 1991 to 31 January 1995.-References:...
. In the April 2003 general elections
Turks and Caicos Islands general election, 2003
General elections were held in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 24 April 2003. The result was a narrow victory for the People's Democratic Movement, which took seven of the thirteen seats on the Legislative Council in comparison to the Progressive National Party's six....
, Misick's party won 6 out of the possible 13 seats in the legislature. The successful petitioning and winning of by-elections held in two constituencies resulted in Misick being sworn in as Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands on 16 August 2003. On 7 January 2007, Misick called for general elections
Turks and Caicos Islands general election, 2007
General elections were held in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 9 February 2007. The result was a victory for the Progressive National Party, which took almost 60% of the vote and 13 of the 15 seats in the Legislative Council.-Results:...
on 9 February. The PNP won 13 of the 15 seats, making it one of the most lopsided election results in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Assault accusation
In April 2008, Misick became the focus of a criminal investigation after a woman identified by news outlets as an American citizen residing in Puerto RicoPuerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
accused him of assaulting her sexually on 27 March. On 10 April, Misick issued a videotaped statement forcefully rejecting the charge, stating: "I strongly and categorically deny these false allegations…. I am confident that I will be completely and fully exonerated of these false and outrageous allegations." According to Turks and Caicos authorities, the charges are being investigated by local police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is an agency of the United States Department of Justice that serves as both a federal criminal investigative body and an internal intelligence agency . The FBI has investigative jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crime...
.
Corruption allegations
In 2008, a Foreign Affairs Select Committee of British Members of ParliamentParliament of the United Kingdom
The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom, British Crown dependencies and British overseas territories, located in London...
conducting a routine review of the administration in British Overseas Territories
British overseas territories
The British Overseas Territories are fourteen territories of the United Kingdom which, although they do not form part of the United Kingdom itself, fall under its jurisdiction. They are remnants of the British Empire that have not acquired independence or have voted to remain British territories...
received several reports of high level official corruption in the Turks and Caicos. Their report charged that Misick, "who is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since he was elected in 2003 when he declared assets of only $
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
50,000 (£
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
25,000)," enriched himself and fellow ministers "by selling off Crown land to fund current investment." In response, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdom's overseas territory of Turks and Caicos Islands. The Governor is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the British government...
Richard Tauwhare
Richard Tauwhare
Richard Tauwhare was the tenth Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, serving from 11 July 2005 to 16 July 2008. He succeeded Governor Jim Poston....
announced the appointment of a Commission of Enquiry into corruption on 10 July 2008.
While the investigations were underway, Governor Gordon Wetherell
Gordon Wetherell
Gordon Geoffrey Wetherell, CMG is a British diplomat who was the former Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He was appointed on 5 August 2008, replacing Richard Tauwhare in the position...
suspended self-government in the islands on 16 August 2009.
In June 2011 Misick's assets were frozen by a court order. In September 2010 a report from the Turks and Caicos Islands 2008-9 Commission of Inquiry recommended criminal investigation of Misick of possible corruption and abuse of his former position.