Premier Washington Misick to UK: “If You Can’t Manage National Security—Turn It Over to Us”

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, August 8, 2025 – In a striking escalation of frustration, Premier Washington Misick – during his July 30th National Address – publicly called on the United Kingdom to either take national security in Turks and Caicos seriously—or turn the responsibility over to the locally elected government.

The demand came during a live streamed address; watched by over 42,000 people on Facebook.  It was a firm in response and roll out of new stringencies in the aftermath of the July 27th mass shooting, which claimed four lives and injured nine others at a crowded nightclub on Leeward Highway in Providenciales.

Police confirmed the attack was gang-related, and it marked the country’s most devastating mass shooting.

As public fear deepens and crime escalates, Misick issued a warning to the UK government, which holds ultimate constitutional responsibility for national security in the territory.

“The constitutional arrangements between the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United Kingdom place ultimate responsibility for defence and internal security squarely in the hands of the UK Government,” Misick said.  “This responsibility cannot be symbolic. It must be matched with tangible and decisive action… The UK can and must do their part or these responsibilities must be devolved to the local government.”

While some may have missed the weight of the word “devolved,” the message was unmistakable: the Premier is demanding either immediate UK intervention or a transfer of national security control to local authorities.

Misick revealed that he had written directly to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, urging him to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands and witness firsthand the strain on public systems.

“We are totally dissatisfied and upset with the lack of tangible, real support that we have been getting,” he added in a follow-up media appearance.

UK officials later responded, saying the situation is under review and that they are “assessing options for further support,” pointing to prior investments of over £9 million (roughly USD $11.8 million) into TCI policing, firearms training, and surveillance.

Still, Misick’s firm language has triggered fresh debate over the effectiveness of British oversight and whether it’s time for greater autonomy on critical matters like policing, border control, and intelligence.

During the same address, the Premier announced a package of legislative reforms: extraordinary police powers, expanded liquor license enforcement, and a six-month moratorium on work permits and visas for Haitian nationals amid ongoing migration and human trafficking concerns.

Yet, it was his challenge to the UK that landed hardest.

“This moment will become a turning point in our nation’s story,” he declared.  “If the United Kingdom cannot provide the level of security we need, then the responsibility must be turned over to us. Full stop.”

The clock is ticking. And so is the country’s patience.