From Turks & Caicos Weekly News

On the heels of accusations from Michael Misick’s family that his return to the TCI is being illegally delayed as the extradition has already been gazetted in Brazil, the Governor’s Office has disputed claims of mistreatment of the embattled former Premier.

Speaking with the Weekly News earlier this week, Governor’s spokesperson, Neil Smith stated that if Misick is not returned sometime during this week, he will be back in the first week of January.

The next plea and directions hearing in the TCI is scheduled for January 6 or sometime during that week, and Smith has advised that it is very likely Misick will need to arrive in the country before that date.

Smith was responding to claims made by Phillip Misick in statements to the local press that despite numerous requests from his brother’s British based attorneys as to when and how he will be transported back to the TCI there has been no word from the TCIG, the Attorney General, the Governor, or SIPT and Helen Garlick on the matter.

“The slow nature in which they are moving to return him home, can only be seen as vindictive and punitive and smacks of unlawful detention, and goes against any and all laws of natural justice and borders on a violation of his constitutional rights,” the older Misick accused.

He continued: “SIPT and their entities must give his family and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands a reason for the delay in bringing him home and must bring him home forthwith.”

Asked about this accusation of deliberate detention, the Governor’s representative said: “We had to wait, the Brazilians held all of the cards.

“There was nothing that Britain could do until it was finally gazetted. But once it is gazetted it is definitely going to happen; but we have 60 days to move him.

“So just because it is gazetted doesn’t mean that it has to happen straight away.”

Smith said that media reports that Misick has been left to rot in jail as some form of inhuman punishment is not true.

He reiterated statements previously made by the Governor’s Office that until recently Misick has fought his extradition.

“He really did not want to come back; as soon as he realized he was going to be charged, he left the TCI. His actions speak louder than words,” Smith claimed.

It has been close to two months now (October 29) since the Brazilian court ruled in favour of extradition. (DI)

For more on this story go to:

http://tcweeklynews.com/michael-misicks-arrival-imminent-governors-office-p4645-1.htm