The release of the much-anticipated report of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) Report on the UK Overseas Territories on July 6, which has called for a Commission of Enquiry into the affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), has led to a war of words between the country's two political factions.

In the section of the FAC's report, which was relevant to the TCI, the committee expressed its concern over the "serious allegations of corruption we have received from the Turks and Caicos Islands".

"They are already damaging TCI's reputation, and there are signs that they may soon begin to affect the Island's tourism industry. There is also a great risk that they will damage the UK's own reputation for promoting good governance," the report said.

But in his response to the report, TCI Premier Michael Misick continued to "categorically deny" any allegations of corruption and countered that such assertions made to the FAC were "false and baseless" as they were, for the most part, made by the country's opposition leaders with hidden agendas.

"We believe that the FAC report presents an unbalanced view as it relates to the TCI, as it relied primarily on allegations made by political operatives of the (Opposition People's Democratic Movement) PDM whose performance continues to demonstrate that their agenda is largely influenced and driven by an unhealthy desire for power and selfish ambition," he said in his statement.

He went on to accuse the PDM of intent to "destabilise the country through a Commission of Enquiry and thereby give them a better chance at the polls at the next election".

But Misick also said he felt "confident that the Foreign Office will not allow their office to be used as a vehicle by PDM operatives to advance their political scheme" and assured the Islands' citizens that he would continue to "work diligently for your development, advancement and empowerment. in spite of false accusations and allegations".

Meanwhile, the PDM has issued a press release in response to the premier's statements, maintaining that while it did contribute evidence to the FAC, they represented "only a handful of the persons mentioned in the FAC report".

The PDM described Misick's response as a "childish and vicious attack on the Leader of the Opposition and the PDM", and that the premier was "deliberately seeking to cast blame on someone else for him and his government's poor management and plundering of the country's affairs".

The PDM concluded that Misick's response was "meant to intimidate members of the public at a time when they ought to be preparing to assist in the restoration of the country's dignity".

Since the publication of the FAC report, the Premier has called on TCI citizens to "come forward and co-operate and facilitate the FAC giving factual and truthful submissions".

Misick's call follows previous similar requests for the public to provide irrefutable evidence to support the allegations of corruption levelled at his government, after statements were made by British MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), with responsibility for the Overseas Territories, Meg Munn; Leigh Turner, Director of the Overseas Territories; and the outgoing Governor of the TCI, Richard Tauwhare, that there was insufficient evidence to recommend a Commission of Enquiry.

However, fresh reports have cited Tauwhare, who is scheduled to vacate his office next month, as saying at a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting that he had had evidence of corruption and was in support of a Commission of Enquiry, all of which he had taken to the FCO, but his request had been rejected by the FCO.

It was later reported that Tauwhare said that his comments were taken out of context.

The FAC, however, was apprehensive about the ability of witnesses to provide the evidence required, given the current political climate within the TCI.

"Unlike the Cayman Islands, where the Governor has taken the initiative in investigations, the onus has been placed on local people to substantiate allegations in TCI. This approach is entirely inappropriate given the palpable climate of fear on TCI. In such an environment, people will be afraid to publicly come forward with evidence," the report said. "We conclude that the UK Government must find a way to assure people that a formal process with safeguards is underway and therefore recommend that it announces a Commission of Enquiry, with full protection for witnesses. The change in Governor occurring in August presents an opportunity to restore trust and we recommend that the Commission of Enquiry should be announced before the new governor takes up his post."

Meanwhile, the PDM welcomed the Commission of Enquiry and its call for the "full protection of witnesses".

"We accept that a 'full Commission of Enquiry' is being recommended," said the PDM. "We believe that a comprehensive one is necessary to check all levels of governance to ensure that there is full accountability and ill practices be highlighted and the highest standards of governance be expected of those that govern or expect to govern our nation.

"We again ask those with information to come forward and clear our country's good name," the PDM continued.

At the centre of the corruption claims is Misick, who is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since he was elected to power in 2003.

In its report the committee noted that Misick was currently under investigation by US law enforcement agencies over the alleged rape of an American citizen.

Of particular concern are deals made to sell crown lands to hoteliers and property developers.

Michael Gapes, chairman of the FAC, said: "A large number of people have been buying properties in the islands. The evidence of the allegations is that Crown lands have been sold inappropriately or without sufficient transparency."

The opposition leader, Floyd Seymour, claimed that within a year of coming to power, Misick had bought US$2.3- million worth of property without a mortgage, even though he only had declared assets of US$50,000 when he entered office.

A witness told the FAC: " It appears that any and every investment in the country is gotten as a result of kick-back to a government minister or his/her immediate family."

The fear factor

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS