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Sentencing Set for May 4 as Court Convicts Misick, Hanchell and Chal Misick on All Charges; Bail Soars to $25 Million Total  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, February 8, 2026 — The Supreme Court’s corruption case that has shadowed Turks and Caicos politics for nearly two decades crossed a consequential threshold this week: former Premier Michael Misick, former Natural Resources Minister McAllister “Piper” Hanchell, and attorney Thomas “Chal” Misick were convicted on all charges against them, and are now headed to sentencing on May 4, 2026.

The trial judge, Justice Rajendra Narine, delivered guilty verdicts after a marathon prosecution built around bribery and the concealment of criminal property tied to major development transactions and Crown land decisions during the Misick administration era.

Michael Misick was convicted on three bribery counts connected to the Beaches-related transactions, the Salt Cay project, and the West Caicos project. Hanchell was convicted on two bribery counts tied to Salt Cay and West Caicos. Chal Misick was convicted on four money-laundering counts, found to have helped conceal and move proceeds derived from the corrupt conduct.

The money the court heard

The case is not only politically historic — it is financially staggering.

In a breakdown of the scheme, the court heard evidence of corrupt payments totalling nearly US$21 million — including approximately $14.2 million linked to Salt Cay, $4.7 million tied to West Caicos, and $2 million connected to Beaches-related transactions.

Separately, the judge heard evidence that Misick and his then wife, actress LisaRaye McCoy, ran up spending that topped $4.8 million in two years on American Express Centurion “black cards,” while Hanchell’s household spent about $1.15 million over a similar period. Those figures, read aloud as part of the court’s narrative of enrichment and concealment, were among the most jaw-dropping details to land with the public.

Bail instead of remand — and it wasn’t cheap

Despite the guilty verdicts, the three men were not remanded into custody while they await sentencing.

Justice Narine granted bail under tightened conditions, setting Michael Misick’s bail at $15 million, Hanchell’s at $4 million, and Chal Misick’s at $6 million — a combined $25 million in bail sureties.

The court imposed strict restrictions pending sentencing, including travel prohibitions and the seizure of travel documents, amid concerns about flight risk in the wake of conviction. Lawyers for the defendants have signaled their intention to appeal.

The Crown has also indicated it will pursue major confiscation and recovery orders, with figures discussed in open court that point to the state seeking the financial equivalent of benefits obtained through corrupt conduct — setting the stage for compensation and recovery proceedings intended to claw back value tied to public decisions.

A trial that became a political era

The case traces back to corruption investigations and commissions of inquiry that shook Turks and Caicos governance, eventually triggering years of direct UK oversight and intense international scrutiny of Crown land handling and development approvals.

Misick repeatedly framed himself as a political target, arguing the case represented victimization and an attack on his style of governance. That defense never gained legal traction in the courtroom. Misick was previously arrested overseas and extradited back to the territory, then kept under stringent conditions as the proceedings dragged on through repeated delays and adjournments.

Over the years, the prosecution also widened beyond the three principal defendants. Other convictions were recorded earlier in the broader matter, including former Deputy Premier Floyd Hall and attorney/former House Speaker Clayton Greene. The court record also reflects that some parties and investors reached settlements and cooperation arrangements, adding to the case’s long and complex arc.

A country split — but a chapter turning

Reactions across the islands are mixed and intense.

Many residents describe the verdicts as overdue and view them as a powerful lesson in the cost of corruption, malfeasance, and abuse of power — particularly in a country where Crown land is tied to identity, opportunity, and generational wealth. Others are angry at the outcome and the possibility that a former premier could serve jail time.

But after years of delay and uncertainty, the verdicts are widely seen as a milestone: the question of guilt has been decided, and now the court must determine the consequences.

On May 4, sentencing arguments will put the three men’s futures — and the court’s message to public officeholders — squarely on the line.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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