Britain To Seize Turks And Caicos

April 2. 2009

Actress Lisa Raye and husband, former Premier, Michael Misick

A few British MPs have formulated a plan to seize control of the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, due to corruption allegations against former Premier, Michael Misick, who recently resigned.

This move has greatly displeased the Caribbean (CARICOM). While, there was undoubtedly impropriety in the Misick case, the entire nation should not be punished for it, via returning them to full fledged colony status. This is not the way to repair this problem.

The entire Caribbean shall be offended at this move, as it harkens back to slavery days and colonialism. Turks and Caicos can stand as a viable nation, if given proper local leadership.

Firmer rules need to be set in place to avoid a repeat of the Misick case. Guidelines such as, no premier shall have the right to sell “Crown property” which shall be designated government land, belonging to the people of Turks and Caicos. No premier shall spend more than X amount on wardrobe, travel and personal expenses (out of state funds).

Plan to seize control of Turks and Caicos approved by British MPs

An influential group of MPs supported the Government's proposal yesterday to seize control of a group of Caribbean islands, despite angry claims in the region of a return to colonialism.

The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee welcomed the plan for a British governor to take over the running of the Turks and Caicos Islands after an investigation into political corruption.

Evidence of a high probability of systemic corruption or other serious dishonesty involving present and past politicians on the islands, a British Overseas Territory, has been claimed by an interim report of the investigation.

A final decision on taking over the running of the islands will be taken after Sir Robin Auld, a former Lord Justice of Appeal, hands over his full report by the end of this month.

…The 15-nation Caribbean Community (Caricom), of which the Turks and Caicos is an associate member, said the move would undermine democracy and give the islands' governor broad powers without checks and balances. It said the order would mean “a return to direct rule by the colonial power.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk