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| Premier of Turks & Caicos, Dr. Michael Misick. (File photo) | |
PROVODENCIALES, Turks and Caicos, January 7, 2009 - Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick has been called to give evidence in a public Commission of Inquiry hearing.
The embattled leader of the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) is scheduled to appear next Tuesday, January 13th. Five other government ministers as well as Opposition Leader Floyd Seymour are also expected to give evidence during the sessions.
The commission, first announced in July, was sent up to look into possible corruption or other serious dishonesty, in recent years, of past and present elected members of the legislature.
The initial hearings have been delayed on numerous occasions and the Commission has blasted ministers for a lackadaisical approach to providing requested documentation.
The PNP, on the other hand, has described the Commission as a witch hunt.
According to the Turks and Caicos Weekly, the findings of the Commission are expected to include recommendations on possible criminal conduct meriting further investigation.
They will also point to any weaknesses in current legislation or administration which may benefit from an overhaul.
Evidence given to the Commissioner will not be admissible against the person giving it in any civil or criminal proceedings "except for perjury or contempt".
Witnesses are, however, not immune from subsequent criminal proceedings prompted by other information or evidence arising in the inquiry.
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