Michael Misick’s Family Appeal To TCI Islanders
Family members of the now-jailed former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick have appealed for “God fearing Turks and Caicos Islanders to speak out against this abuse,” the TCI Sun reports.
The 46-year-old is being held in a maximum security jail in Brazil after being arrested there on 7 December 2012 following an Interpol red notice and a warrant from the Brazil Supreme Court. He was wanted for questioning in relation to allegations of corruption in the Turks and Caicos when he left the island in March 2012.
In a letter sent to the newspaper, Mr Misick’s sister Alith Misick Gardiner said: “Mike is being made to suffer in one of the worst prisons in the world even though he was never charged with any crime. He left the island without being questioned by Special Investigation and Prosecution.
“The Attorney General and SIPT representation to the Brazilians that he escaped lawful custody in order not to avoid being prosecuted is a blatant misrepresentation of the facts. He has no right being detained in a maximum security prison.
“To be placed in a maximum security prison is wrong he was never convicted of any crime in Brazil or the Turks and Caicos Islands. His being placed in such a prison clearly shows that FCO and SIPT will stoop to any level to humiliate the former Premier.”
A letter written by Mr Misick from jail surfaced recently, and his sister said some wondered if the writing was his – and she confirmed it is his writing. Read the full story here on SunTCI.com.
A statement issued today by the Attorney General’s Chambers in the Turks and Caicos Islands said: “Michael Misick is the subject of an extradition request made lawfully and properly, in accordance with the relevant Treaty in place between the UK and Brazil, as extended to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“As such, he is currently being held in accordance with the terms of this Treaty, under a provisional warrant of arrest. The Treaty requires that the full request with supporting documentation to be submitted formally within 60 days (following his arrest on 7 Dec 2012). It is intended that this request be submitted in Jan 2013.
“Following this Mr Misick will have the opportunity to consider whether he wishes to contest his extradition.
“If he does not contest the extradition, and there are no other outstanding issues, then everything possible will be done by Turks and Caicos authorities, in collaboration with his legal advisors and the Brazilian authorities, to ensure his speedy return to face questions in relation to alleged crimes during his time in office and to face trial in accordance with our laws.
“We have received assurances that during his time in custody Mr Misick will receive consular assistance from the British Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, who will work to ensure that Mr Misick receives the same level of treatment as other British prisoners in Brazil, and is treated in accordance with international minimum standards. The consular staff in Rio will provide the same level of consular assistance offered to all British Citizens in Brazil.”
Mr Misick is sought in relation to the criminal investigation arising from the Sir Robin Auld Commission of Inquiry 2008-09 Report which stated there is a “high probability of systemic corruption in government.”
I think TCI people have more to worry about than corrupt politicians in jail.
About what I would expect a sister/family member to say… although I would have suggested that some mischevious 10 year old wrote that letter… I wouldn’t have admitted that he really writes like that as a grown man… and former leader of TCI!
using the religion card to try to guilt trip islanders into supporting this guy’s appeal to be released is really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
maybe we can send a few of ours to join him…misery likes company.
Its amazing to see that people could justify locking up someone who was not tried. You should at least hear both sides of the story. Bod Morley say free yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mine. I quote this to say not because IT IS THE BRITISH ACTION that you take it for granted that it is valid. Wake up in Bermuda, your time will come even though you enjoy having the Brits over you they will continue to dominate the mines of you and generations to come.
I (speaking for self) don’t trust our Politicians to run a lemonade stand without oversight from the UK. Turks were saved from utter financial ruin because of BRITISH ACTION. Call me what you will, as long as BDA and Turks remain OBT both islands are stable financially and socially (to a lesser degree). T&C should be thankful that Misick was thrown out of office. We had to wait for an election to change things here.
Any sympathy for this guy out there? Any at all?
Justice will be done as sure as God is alive. The Brits will not always have their way. Every story has various sides. To sit and take the Brits side is unbelievable for black Caribbean people who know the history.
if he is looking for sympathy..he will have to ask the judge..
Speak for Bermuda, at least you were able to have elections without interference. You need to find out the entire story what happened in the TCI.
Swing voter I guess you see not wrong in the Brits, you really need to be educated. I am sure you also believe Britain is a perfect place, I wont be suprise.
I wonder if Ewart will visit his old friend; he shouldn’t have any trouble obtaining a visitor’s pass!
When you do the crime – you had better expect to do the time, when they catch-up with you!! I hope certain members of the PLP are taking good note of these proceedings!!
$$$$ turns some people with no ethics, standards or values into “greedy vultures” and there is always a price-to-be-paid for your corruptive practices – when you are caught!!
If he did nothing *wrong*… Then why did he run-away to Brazil???
I hope the OBA is checking extradition arrangements with various countrys. We would not want any complications should one or two be needed in the not too distant future now would we.
We in the caribbean wil continue to be didided by politiccs and not see the broader picture. No one is saying that wrong should not be dealt with but what about others who never get touch like the Brits, it is clear even in history and now.
All we are doing is looking at is bringig down more of their own, what about the injustices that the Brits are doing and had been doing? were they ever brought to justice? No, and we remain silent and satifed with that. Bob Morley, free yourself from mental slavery, none but OURSELVELS can free our mind.
Who will be next, when they come for you it will be to late to speak !!!!