Turks & Caicos Tourism Minister to Resign

Michael Misick, embattled premier of the Turks and Caicos, will resign from office March 31 and will not seek reelection as head of the Progressive National Party.

Misick, who took office as premier in 2006, also served as minister of tourism. He named McAllister Hanchell head of tourism for the month-long transitional period between the Progressive National Party’s convention on Feb. 28 and Misick’s resignation on March 31.

Hanchell currently is minister of natural resources, fisheries and the environment. Controversy has marked Misick’s years in office, including allegations of assault and corruption. In addition, Misick and his wife have been involved in a bitter divorce fight.

The allegations led to a recent Commission of Inquiry headed by several British investigators, whose findings revealed that many people in the Turks and Caicos “fear that they are leaderless and that their heritage is at risk of continuing fast to drain away.”

The commission will deliver its final report to the U.K.-appointed governor of the Turks and Caicos by April 30. Their findings could lead to further investigation and possible prosecution.