Charles Washington Misick OBE[2] (born 13 March 1950) is a Turks and Caicos Islander politician who has been the 5th Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands since 20 February 2021. He has been the leader of the Progressive National Party since 20 December 2016. He previously served as the 5th Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands[3] from 3 April 1991 to 31 January 1995, was Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment from 2012 to 2016 and Leader of the Opposition from 1995 to 2003 and again from 2016 to 2021. Misick has been a MHA for the All Island District since November 2012 and was previously an MHA for Grand Turk from 1991 to 1999.[4]

Charles Washington Misick
Misick in 2022
5th Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Assumed office
20 February 2021
MonarchsElizabeth II
Charles III
GovernorNigel Dakin
Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam
DeputyE Jay Saunders
Jamell Robinson[1]
Preceded bySharlene Cartwright-Robinson
5th Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands
In office
3 April 1991 – 31 January 1995
MonarchElizabeth II
GovernorMichael J. Bradley
Martin Bourke
Preceded byOswald Skippings
Succeeded byDerek Hugh Taylor
Leader of the Progressive National Party
Assumed office
20 December 2016
DeputyErwin Jay Saunders
Preceded byRufus Ewing
Member of the House of Assembly
for All Island District
Assumed office
12 November 2012
Serving with Erwin Jay Saunders
Josephine Connolly
Jamell Rayan Robionson
Shaun David Malcolm
Leader of the Opposition
In office
20 December 2016 – 20 February 2021
PremierSharlene Cartwright-Robinson
GovernorJohn Freeman
Nigel Dakin
Preceded bySharlene Cartwright-Robinson
Succeeded byEdwin Astwood
Personal details
Born
Charles Washington Misick

(1950-03-13) 13 March 1950 (age 74)
North Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Political partyProgressive National Party
SpouseDelthia Misick
RelationsMichael Misick (brother)
Ariel Misick (brother)
Alma materHarvard University
NicknameWashy

Misick was educated at West Indies College and studied Business Studies and Business Administration & Accounting at University Technology.

Early life

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Misick was born on North Caicos on 13 March 1950 and grew up there with his 12 siblings.[5] Misick is the older brother of former Premier, Michael Misick and the uncle of former Minister of Immigration, Donhue Gardiner.

2021 general elections

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Leaving politics

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Since becoming the Leader of the Opposition in 2016, Misick was assuring everyone that he would be leaving politics after his term had come to an end. Thus, it was a surprise to all when he, in early 2019, stood for re-election within the party as its leader for the election to be called. Misick won said election and remained leader as the party geared up for what was expected to be the 2020 general elections.[6] He still told of his readiness to exit politics in a ‘two minute speech’ in the House of Assembly on 4 March 2019 stating,

“Over the past two years, I have been saying that I am done with this and I am leaving, but there comes a time for every man and nation to make a decision... I think I have a legacy that is not all bad and I believe it behoves me in a time like this to stand up, be counted and continue to contribute to these Islands even at my own detriment, my own personal economic loss.”[6]

Landslide victory

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Misick signing the book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House on 17 September 2022

The PNP's “All Aboard Ship PNP” campaign quickly gained momentum as they began campaigning for their 15 candidates well before the opposing party had even chosen its 15 candidates.[7]

This would prove to pay off as the PNP went on to win 14 of the 15 electoral districts in the 2021 general elections.[8] The only seat not won has historically always gone to the PDM.

Upon being sworn in, Misick (70) is the second oldest to lead the nation, with the oldest being Nathaniel Francis who was 73 years old when he was sworn in as Chief Minister in 1985.[9]

Personal life

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Misick was born in Bottle Creek, North Caicos to Charles and Jane Misick.[10] He is married to Delthia Misick. He has numerous siblings, one being his younger brother, Michael Misick.

His employment history includes senior audit position with PriceWaterhouse-Coopers, Chairman and CEO of the Prestigious Group - Real Estate Sales and Development. In the past held the portfolio of Tourism and Finance.

Misick has attended and presented at many conferences in the Caribbean, Canada, the United States, and Asia on topics ranging from Financial Services to Investment Opportunities and Tourism.

He is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In the 2000 New Year Honours, Misick was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for community service.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "The Deputy Premier". 16 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Hon. Charles Washington Misick". gov.tc. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  3. ^ Michael O'Mara, ed. (1999). Facts about the world's nations. New York: H.W. Wilson. p. 951. ISBN 978-0-8242-0955-1. Retrieved 2 February 2011.
  4. ^ "Election Years". www.gov.tc. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  5. ^ "Weekly News Person of the Year: Washington Misick A cautious custodian, a unifying presence and a 'most unpolitical politician'". tcweeklynews.com. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
  6. ^ a b "PLOT TWIST: Washington Misick returned as PNP leader". tcweeklynews.com. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  7. ^ "Twenty-two candidates apply to run with PNP for 2020 elections Names to be revealed soon". tcweeklynews.com. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  8. ^ "Opposition party wins landslide election in Turks and Caicos Islands". suntci.com. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  9. ^ "Mr. Nathaniel Joseph Selver Francis". House Of Assembly | Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  10. ^ "Hon. Charles Washington Misick J.P.; OBE 28". House Of Assembly | Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Retrieved 2020-08-23.
  11. ^ "No. 55710". The London Gazette (Supplement). 30 December 1999. p. 35.
Political offices
Preceded by Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands
1991–1995
Succeeded by
Preceded by Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands
2021–present
Incumbent