There's trouble in paradise.
On 18th March 2009, Queen Elizabeth II signed an Order in Council suspending self government of these Caribbean islands, placing all powers with her
representative, Governor General Gordon Wetherell.
This unprecedented action comes as islands Prime Minister Michael Misick faces a commission of enquiry into several corruption allegations plus one of
sexual assault. Misick is charges with selling Crown property at knockdown prices for his own financial benefit. Former first lady LisaRaye McCoy, an
American model and sitcom actress, alleges that she received $200,000 pcm from official expenditure to cover her clothes budget.
The Turks and Caicos Governor, Gordon Wetherell, is expected to implement his announced plan to suspend the constitution, end self-government and
re-impose direct British rule while the country's body politic is overhauled. The process - a rare modern-day example of the return, rather than
retreat, of British colonial reach - is expected to take at least two years. The Governor's plumed helmet may have been retired to a display case at
the rickety national museum, but Mr Wetherell, a career diplomat, will soon wield executive power once again from Waterloo, a modest white-walled
compound that is home to his office and residences on Grand Turk, the archipelago's sleepy capital.
Daily
Telegraph
I find it surprising there's been little coverage of this situation. Normally a Prime Minister facing such allegations would be removed from office
by his own party, by parliament or by the electorate. But here the British regard the political climate on the islands to be so corrupt that only a
return to colonial rule can be considered.
One of the most surprising aspects of this is the desire of some in both the islands & Canada for the two to merge. Nova Scotia has already
entertained the possibility by inviting the Turks & Caicos government to talks about merging both. This brings some interesting possibilities for
enlarging Canada and bringing her a presence in the Caribbean.
At this point in time, the benefits are seemingly outweighing the drawbacks. Assuming Turks and Caicos will join Canada, we would have an
advantageous location for vacationers. Keeping Canadians in search of sun inside of Canada would benefit the economy by keeping spending inside of
Canada instead of diverting it to Cuba, Mexico or other Caribbean islands. Another attracting feature would be a place for international vacationers.
By joining Canada, the country would obviously enjoy an increase in the standard or living. Becoming a part of the Canadian economy would be a boost
in their ability to participate the world's competitive industry of tourism. Canadian military would have a base in the Caribbean on home ice. Not
exactly ice, but Canada would grow increasingly in international military stature if Turks and Caicos joined Canada. As Guantanamo Bay is important in
American operations, Canada would also have an important base in the region which probably wouldn't interfere with residents of the islands seeing as
Canada is largely a peacekeeping force.
Turks and Caicos move to join Canada
Given that the islands lie only 600 miles south of Miami, I wonder how the US contributors think about this failed government, the imposition of
British colonial rule & the possibility of a Canadian presence in the Caribbean ?
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