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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.

Bahamas News

Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Bahamas News

CWS Supports Transforming Spaces with Premium Products and Unique Cocktails

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CWS brand representative for Bottega and Excellsior wines posing with attendees enjoying glasses of Bottega Gold Prosecco at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines and Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wine and spirits distributor is thrilled to once again lend its support to Transforming Spaces (TS).

CWS is a proud historical partner of the annual art week which highlights Bahamian art and art spaces. Under this year’s theme, “Chasing Light” Transforming Spaces and Caribbean Wines & Spirits created a memorable art experience.

To mark 21 years of the upliftment and exposure of culture and Bahamian art, CWS offered award winning wines St. Francis, Rebellious, Bottega and Excellsior; premium spirits, Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka, along with the newly added Coors Light Beer from its portfolio.

To kickstart the annual art week, CWS delighted attendees with a tasting of globally renowned Bottega Wines at TS’ Poetry Jam, held at ICE Bahamas. Throughout the event, Bottega brand representatives shared tasting notes, ideal pairings, and insights into the brand’s portfolio.

During the highly anticipated Saturday and Sunday tours, CWS showcased its premium products at select art galleries.

Attendees enjoyed Rebellious and St. Francis wines at The Current: Baha Mar Art Gallery and Museum, Bottega and Excellsior wines at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Coors Light beer at the University of The Bahamas Pro Gallery and hand-crafted Schweppes mixes featuring Cross Keys Gin, El Tequileno Tequila, Angostura Rum and Nemiroff Vodka at CAB Gallery & Studio.

Throughout the two-day tour, CWS product specialists enriched the experience by providing a deeper appreciation for their exceptional beverage portfolio.

Members of the Transforming Spaces Committee expressed their appreciation towards CWS’ support after another successful art week.

“Transforming Spaces is deeply grateful for the continued support of Caribbean Wines & Spirits over the years. Their partnership has become such an important part of the TS experience, helping us create welcoming and vibrant moments for our audiences across the tour weekend. From signature wines and cocktail bars to refreshments at gallery stops and pop-up events, their contribution brings an added sense of hospitality, celebration, and connection to the journey through Bahamian contemporary art.” — TS2026 Committee.

Caribbean Wines & Spirits is proud to partner with Transforming Spaces in supporting and elevating the voices and works of Bahamian artists and looks forward to strengthening this partnership for years to come.

To learn more about CWS’ involvement in the community, follow on social media @caribbeanwinesandspirits or visit the website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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