The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) hasfiled a formal complaint with the Turks and Caicos Islands IntegrityCommission, alleging a conflict of interest and potential acts of corruptioninvolving Premier Charles Washington Misick. The PDM, led by Opposition LeaderEdwin Astwood, along with Deputy Leader Robert Been, former Deputy Premier SeanAstwood, Ralph Higgs, and Alvin Garland, raised concerns about the Premier’sinvolvement in the Gaming Control (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Gaming Machines(Amendment) Bill 2023. According to the PDM, Premier Misick, who previously hadinterests in the Casa Blanca casino, should not have presented or debated thebill, especially given allegations that family members may have recentlyentered the gaming industry. The opposition argued that this creates aperception of bias and a conflict of interest, particularly as the billincludes a tax reduction that could benefit gaming operators.

The PDM also questioned the Premier’sdecision to take the lead on the bill despite the absence of three keyministers, including the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Tourism. RalphHiggs criticized Misick for introducing and shepherding the bill through itsstages in the House of Assembly, calling it “bold and blatant” andunprecedented in good governance practices. Higgs and other opposition membersexpressed concerns that the Premier’s actions could undermine public trust andthe integrity of the legislative process, especially given the government'srecent tax hikes on other sectors, such as travel. The opposition emphasizedthat the Premier should have recused himself entirely, stating that allowinghim to present and debate the bill reflects a lack of respect for transparencyand accountability.

In response, Premier Misick denied anyconflict of interest, asserting that he had divested his gaming interests priorto presenting the bill and dismissed the PDM’s accusations as politicallymotivated. He defended the legislation as an effort to ensure good governance,transparency, and social responsibility within the gaming sector, positioningit as beneficial for economic development. However, the PDM maintains that theIntegrity Commission must investigate thoroughly and expeditiously, citing the public’sright to know whether due process and ethical standards were upheld. Thecomplaint has further intensified scrutiny of the government’s governancepractices, and the outcome of this investigation could have significantimplications for the Premier’s leadership and public trust in theadministration.