Turks and Caicos Islands: The 2009 Suspension of Self-Government
In 2009, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) experienced a profound political shift when the United Kingdom intervened to suspend the territory's self-government. This decision followed a series of alarming revelations regarding systemic corruption within the islands' leadership, leading to a period of direct administrative control by Britain to restore integrity to the governance of the territory.
The Catalyst for Intervention
The crisis reached a turning point on March 16, 2009. Acting on an Order in Council—a legal instrument used by the British monarch to exercise executive power—Queen Elizabeth II authorized the suspension of the TCI constitution. Governor Gordon Wetherell announced the partial suspension via a broadcast, stating that the measure would last for two years following the findings of a Commission of Inquiry into government corruption.
By March 24, 2009, Premier Michael Misick resigned from his position. Misick had been a central figure in the corruption probe involving the ruling elite. In his resignation statement, he claimed the move was intended to facilitate a unified government as Britain prepared to assume direct control.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Findings of the Commission of Inquiry
The investigation was led by Sir Robin Auld, a former Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. On May 31, 2009, the Commission reported a "high probability of systemic corruption" within the government, the legislature, and among public officers.
The report detailed a pattern of bribery where overseas developers and investors paid Ministers and public officers to secure Crown Land (government-owned land) on favorable terms, ensuring government approval for commercial development. Consequently, Sir Robin Auld recommended the investigation and potential prosecution of five former Cabinet ministers:
- Michael Misick
- Floyd Hall
- McAllister Hanchell
- Jeffrey Hall
- Lillian Boyce
To prevent future misfeasance, the Commission suggested comprehensive revisions to the TCI laws and the Constitution.
The Path to Restoration
Following the inquiry, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) appointed Kate Sullivan to lead a review and conduct public consultations. Her work focused on improving governmental transparency, accountability, financial management, the electoral system, and laws regarding belonger status (the legal status granting certain rights to residents of the territory).
By January 2012, the new Governor, Ric Todd, introduced eight "milestones" established by FCO ministers in London. These benchmarks had to be met before self-government could be resumed and new elections held.
On June 12, 2012, British Foreign Secretary William Hague confirmed that sufficient progress had been made. He announced that elections would take place on November 9, 2012, while emphasizing that legal proceedings against corrupt officials would continue independently of the new government.
Key Facts
- Suspension Date: March 16, 2009.
- Primary Cause: Systemic corruption involving bribery for Crown Land.
- Lead Investigator: Sir Robin Auld.
- Financial Recovery: Over US$12 million recovered and 900+ acres of land returned to the Crown.
- Legal Action: 13 people charged with corruption and money laundering, including four former Ministers.
- Restoration: Elections held on November 9, 2012, after meeting eight FCO milestones.
Summary of Recovery and Legal Actions
| Category | Outcome/Detail |
|---|---|
| Financial Recoveries | Over US$12 million |
| Land Recovered | More than 900 acres of Crown Land |
| Criminal Charges | 13 individuals charged with corruption and money laundering |
| Key Figures Targeted | Former Premier Michael Misick and four Cabinet ministers |
The Pursuit of Michael Misick
While the territory moved toward democratic restoration, the legal battle against former Premier Michael Misick continued. After fleeing the TCI in 2009, Misick lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On December 7, 2012, it was reported that he had been arrested in Brazil at the request of the British government, which sought his extradition to face corruption charges. Despite the allegations, Misick had previously denied any wrongdoing.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Frequently Asked Questions
Why was self-government suspended in the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Self-government was suspended due to systemic corruption within the government and legislature, specifically involving bribery by overseas developers to obtain Crown Land on favorable terms.
Who led the investigation into the corruption?
The Commission of Inquiry was led by Sir Robin Auld, a former Lord Justice of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.
What were the "milestones" mentioned in 2012?
The milestones were a set of eight requirements established by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office that the TCI had to meet regarding governance and law before elections could be held and self-government restored.
How much money and land were recovered from the corruption?
A civil recovery team recovered over US$12 million and more than 900 acres of land, which were returned to the Crown.
What happened to former Premier Michael Misick?
After resigning in 2009 and fleeing to Brazil, Michael Misick was arrested in December 2012 as the British government sought his extradition to face corruption and money laundering charges.