ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY PREMIER MICHAEL MISICK

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands; Monday, March 16^th, 2009 - My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, this morning at 8:30 I met with the Governor and have since listened to his statement regarding the recommendation of the sole British Commissioner who conducted the recent Commission of Inquiry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

I have now had an opportunity to read the full preliminary report for myself and note some of the recommendations made therein, including, but not limited to, the setting up of an advisory counsel that would involve non Belongers, and the setting up of a consultative council that would also involve non Belongers. 

I note the proposal to allow non Belongers to vote in Turks and Caicos Islands, the recommendation to take away the right of trial by jury of our citizens amongst others.

I especially note the portion of the recommendation, which the British Government has accepted, that suspends democracy in Turks and Caicos, by suspending not only Ministerial Government, but also the elected House of Assembly.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I condemn these actions and proposals in the strongest possible terms, for it silences the voice of the people, which is the voice of God.

In a democracy mistakes are made, as they are made in Britain and in all other countries around the world, but democracy must be allowed to grow and mature, despite the trials and errors.

The suspension of both the Executive and Legislative Branches of our Government by the colonial masters are draconian measures and every well thinking Belonger and resident should be outraged. It is wrong in the 21^st century to have an entire population re-colonized in this fashion, with the executive, legislative, judicial and all other powers  lying in the hands of the colonial masters, but vested in one person, who himself, in this case, is not a citizen. 

The basic principle of constitutional government requires a separation of powers and this step by the British cannot be right, morally or otherwise.  I call on the international community, including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and other such bodies to intercede on our behalf as we are vulnerable to the strong arm of modern day colonialism.

My people, this action by the colonial masters in Britain is not against the PNP or the PDM but against all of us. This action says that, despite all the progress we have made, and how far we have come, from slavery and colonialism to the modern day, the British still think that there are none among us who are worthy and/or capable of running the affairs of our country. They still view us all as a corrupt people, unfit to govern ourselves.  Our people will now have no say in the governance of our country as the House of Assembly which is made up of the duly elected representatives of the people is to be suspended.  We cannot and should not take this lying down.  This action represents a clear and present danger to the interest of our people and we must now more than ever unite as a people for our national pride and in our national interest.

And so, I call upon both political parties to put all political differences aside, and to come together to protect the rights, interest and aspirations of all of our people.

Finally, as a Turks and Caicos Islander who has committed my life to fighting injustice, I echo the words of the United States Civil Rights Leader, the late Reverend Doctor Martin Luther Kink, Junior, when he said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”, and make no mistake about it, what has transpired here today, is clearly an injustice to the freedom loving people of Turks and Caicos Islands. 

I assure you, my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders that I re-commit my self to the fight of our people, for the struggle continues and we must never allow the dream to die.

May God bless you and my God bless the Turks and Caicos Island."

END