(Jamaica Observer) Embattled former premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick yesterday announced he had gone into hiding and had sought asylum from criminal prosecution by Britain in an unnamed country.
Misick issued a press release within hours of news breaking internationally that Interpol wanted to arrest him in connection with allegations of government corruption in the UK territory.
“My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, I address you today, March 19, 2012, with a heavy heart as I have been left with no other choice than to seek political asylum in a third country other than my beloved Turks and Caicos Islands,” read the release.
Neglecting to name the country where he had sought asylum, Misick denied that he was on the lam and said he was, instead, being targeted unfairly by the UK Government.
He added that his family had also become targets, as had former Cabinet ministers and their families and developers who supported his Progressive National Party during his tenure as premier. “Let’s be clear. I am not a fugitive, and will never be a fugitive. I have applied for political asylum from another country and I am merely seeking protection from political persecution,” he said.
“I will continue to bring challenges to clear my name and that of my government and colleagues. I dream to return to my homeland as an independent, victorious, proud, and free nation.”
The former leader also elaborated on his theory that he is being persecuted because of his plans to remove the multi-island territory from British rule.
