Big do in Turks & Caicos?
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Big do in Turks & Caicos?
Does anyone know what is happening in the Turks & Caicos? There was a story on BBC2 radio yesterday and then nothing. Very MI5, MI6 and all that you know...
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This was on Telegraph.co.uk, News, Sport, Business
Turks and Caicos: MPs criticise 'climate of fear' on luxury holiday islands
By Nick Meo
Last Updated: 1:23AM BST 06/07/2008
MPs have urged the Foreign Office to launch an urgent inquiry into the government of a luxury Caribbean holiday destination after islanders made allegations of corruption in an "atmosphere of fear".
The Turks and Caicos Islands, a British overseas territory an hour's flight from Florida, has become popular with well-heeled holidaymakers and film stars attracted to its beautiful beaches, unspoiled atolls and the third biggest coral reef in the world.
But behind the paradise image the Foreign Affairs Select Committee discovered an alarming picture which akin to a Graham Greene novel.
The MPs from the committee were carrying out a routine review of administrations in Britain's 14 remaining overseas territories when they were shocked to receive dozens of allegations of corruption from the islands. When they travelled there to investigate further, they found some witnesses were too scared to be seen meeting them.
Article continues
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Their report, published today, describes "a palpable climate of fear" and criticises the Foreign Office. The MPs also warn that "people will be afraid of pubicly coming forward to give evidence" and described of the suppression of free speech and say that critics of the island's elected leaders have been intimidated and denounced at one meeting as "traitors".
Caught up of the corruption claims is Premier Michael Misick, who is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since he was elected in 2003 when he declared assets of only $50,000 (£25,000). The committee's report concentrates on claims that Mr Misick and fellow government ministers have subsequently enriched themselves by selling off Crown land to fund current investment.
Members of his Progressive National Party who had to borrow cars in 2003 now live in beautiful mansions, the MPs were told. The islands have become one of the most glamorous destinations in the Caribbean. The number of visitors has grown from 87,000 annually in 1996 to 200,000 in 2006, and world-class hotels have proliferated. Most tourists are from Canada and America but the islands are also popular with British holidaymakers. Thanks to the tourist business the economy's growth rate since 2000 has been one of the highest in the world.
Donna Karan and Bruce Willis have homes in Parrot Cay, where the price of villas starts at nearly £6 million. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married there in 2005 and Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria spent her honeymoon in the islands in 2007. England footballer Rio Ferdinand has reportedly bought a £1 million villa and Sir Paul McCartney took Heather Mills there on holiday soon after they met.
But for the local population of 30,000, who live on eight main islands and twenty atolls, life has been less than idyllic. MPs were shocked at the outset of their investigation into the administration of British overseas territories when they were contacted by more than 50 islanders who made corruption allegations.
When they travelled to the islands to investigate, the report says: "Alarmingly for a British overseas territory, many individuals expressed great concern about being seen to be talking to British parliamentarians, and some individuals declined to meet us altogether for this reason."
The report highlighted suspicions of "political interference" in the islands' judicial system and described a series of arson attacks on the islands' main courthouse and the offices of the attorney general. It called for the British Government to establish a commission of inquiry with full protection for witnesses who come forward to give evidence.
When he appeared before the committee in London last December, Mr Misick categorically denied allegations of corruption, saying that such claims were always made in small countries.
The MPs said that since their visit they had been given a DVD of a meeting of the Premier's party, where he denounced the opposition as "traitors" for speaking to them. The committee strongly condemned the failure of the Foreign Office or the islands' British-appointed Governor, Richard Tauwhare, to take action over the allegations.
Meg Munn, a Foreign Office minister, said: "The Government takes its responsibilities for the Overseas Territories very seriously indeed, while recognising the degree of self-government accorded to the Territories in their constitutions... We will give each recommendation the fullest consideration, with the viability, security and prosperity of the Overseas Territories uppermost, and respond to the committee in due course."
Turks and Caicos: MPs criticise 'climate of fear' on luxury holiday islands
By Nick Meo
Last Updated: 1:23AM BST 06/07/2008
MPs have urged the Foreign Office to launch an urgent inquiry into the government of a luxury Caribbean holiday destination after islanders made allegations of corruption in an "atmosphere of fear".
The Turks and Caicos Islands, a British overseas territory an hour's flight from Florida, has become popular with well-heeled holidaymakers and film stars attracted to its beautiful beaches, unspoiled atolls and the third biggest coral reef in the world.
But behind the paradise image the Foreign Affairs Select Committee discovered an alarming picture which akin to a Graham Greene novel.
The MPs from the committee were carrying out a routine review of administrations in Britain's 14 remaining overseas territories when they were shocked to receive dozens of allegations of corruption from the islands. When they travelled there to investigate further, they found some witnesses were too scared to be seen meeting them.
Article continues
advertisement
Their report, published today, describes "a palpable climate of fear" and criticises the Foreign Office. The MPs also warn that "people will be afraid of pubicly coming forward to give evidence" and described of the suppression of free speech and say that critics of the island's elected leaders have been intimidated and denounced at one meeting as "traitors".
Caught up of the corruption claims is Premier Michael Misick, who is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since he was elected in 2003 when he declared assets of only $50,000 (£25,000). The committee's report concentrates on claims that Mr Misick and fellow government ministers have subsequently enriched themselves by selling off Crown land to fund current investment.
Members of his Progressive National Party who had to borrow cars in 2003 now live in beautiful mansions, the MPs were told. The islands have become one of the most glamorous destinations in the Caribbean. The number of visitors has grown from 87,000 annually in 1996 to 200,000 in 2006, and world-class hotels have proliferated. Most tourists are from Canada and America but the islands are also popular with British holidaymakers. Thanks to the tourist business the economy's growth rate since 2000 has been one of the highest in the world.
Donna Karan and Bruce Willis have homes in Parrot Cay, where the price of villas starts at nearly £6 million. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married there in 2005 and Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria spent her honeymoon in the islands in 2007. England footballer Rio Ferdinand has reportedly bought a £1 million villa and Sir Paul McCartney took Heather Mills there on holiday soon after they met.
But for the local population of 30,000, who live on eight main islands and twenty atolls, life has been less than idyllic. MPs were shocked at the outset of their investigation into the administration of British overseas territories when they were contacted by more than 50 islanders who made corruption allegations.
When they travelled to the islands to investigate, the report says: "Alarmingly for a British overseas territory, many individuals expressed great concern about being seen to be talking to British parliamentarians, and some individuals declined to meet us altogether for this reason."
The report highlighted suspicions of "political interference" in the islands' judicial system and described a series of arson attacks on the islands' main courthouse and the offices of the attorney general. It called for the British Government to establish a commission of inquiry with full protection for witnesses who come forward to give evidence.
When he appeared before the committee in London last December, Mr Misick categorically denied allegations of corruption, saying that such claims were always made in small countries.
The MPs said that since their visit they had been given a DVD of a meeting of the Premier's party, where he denounced the opposition as "traitors" for speaking to them. The committee strongly condemned the failure of the Foreign Office or the islands' British-appointed Governor, Richard Tauwhare, to take action over the allegations.
Meg Munn, a Foreign Office minister, said: "The Government takes its responsibilities for the Overseas Territories very seriously indeed, while recognising the degree of self-government accorded to the Territories in their constitutions... We will give each recommendation the fullest consideration, with the viability, security and prosperity of the Overseas Territories uppermost, and respond to the committee in due course."
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Comission of Enquiry
The Brits have finally sent a Comissioner to hold an enquiry into corruption and other 'dodgy' dealings.. The rats will begin to run for cover soon.
Read this web site for a tasty mix of gossip and truth mixed with the oppostion's side of the stories afflicting the islands
Read this web site for a tasty mix of gossip and truth mixed with the oppostion's side of the stories afflicting the islands
