Turks and Caicos Premier staying in office despite sexual assault allegation

Michael Misick said that the woman, "after leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands, made a false report to law enforcement officials in the United States that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted" by him.

GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos, April 14, 2008 – Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick has insisted he will hold firm in his position as the head of government of this British Overseas Territory in the face of allegations that he sexually assaulted an American woman.

The woman claimed that Mr Misick, who is married to American actress, LisaRaye McCoy-Misick, assaulted her two weekends ago.

"Let me be clear – I will continue my duties as Premier. We have a lot yet to accomplish," he told the nation in an official televised statement.

Misick said that the woman, "after leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands, made a false report to law enforcement officials in the United States that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted" by him.

"I strongly and categorically deny these false allegations," he insisted.

"I am confident that I will be completely and fully exonerated of these false and outrageous allegations."

The matter is being investigated by the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, but Misick acknowledged that the probe is being overseen by US law enforcement officials.

He said their involvement is a "procedural matter" since an American citizen is involved.