Former Turks & Caicos premier convicted in corruption case

The curtain finally came down this week on a courtroom saga that has shadowed Turks and Caicos politics for more than a decade. A judge ruled that a former head of government and two senior colleagues abused public office, bringing one of the region’s longest criminal proceedings to a decisive close.

Justice Rajendra Narine convicted former premier Michael Misick, 60, his brother Thomas Misick, and former minister McAllister Hanchell after finding they were central figures in a long running corruption scheme. The case centred on malpractice in office tied to money laundering and disputed land transactions that prosecutors said enriched the accused while distorting state decisions.

According to the prosecution, the trio took part in dealings that involved bribes from both local and foreign businessmen. The state said the benefits included access to elite credit cards, millions in loans and inducements, discounted land prices, and government concessions handed to developers.

Before a full public gallery, Justice Narine detailed his conclusions and said the former premier had “knowingly and intentionally received payments as an inducement to act corruptly” by approving concessions at unusually low rates. Prosecutors highlighted a $6 million loan, use of a high end American Express card, and access to an overseas villa as examples of improper benefits. Sentencing is scheduled for early May.

“The crown alleges payments were intended to induce Mr. Misick to act corruptly, citing evidence of fund transfers, lack of legitimate purpose, and rapid disbursement aligned with his decisions. Having considered the evidence carefully, the court draws the reasonable and compelling inference that Mr. Misick received the payments knowingly and intentionally, using inducements for him to act corruptly,” said Justice Narine, who is Trinidad born.

Michael Misick comes from a well entrenched political family in the British colony. His brother Washington Misick currently leads the government and the National Party. The former premier once drew international attention through his marriage to and divorce from US actress LisaRaye McKoy and served six years until 2009, promoting the islands as an investment destination. He later fled to Brazil, was arrested, and extradited back.

After the verdict, bail was set at $15 million for Misick, $4 million for Hanchell, and $13 million for Thomas Misick. All three are barred from leaving the islands.

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