Wednesday 17th June, 2026 – Turks an Caicis Islands
Tears, embraces and emotional farewells marked the aftermath of Friday 29th May sentencing hearing as family members, supporters and onlookers gathered outside the Supreme Court following the conviction and sentencing of former Premier Michael Misick, former minister McAllister Hanchell and attorney Thomas Chal Misick.
The atmosphere outside the courthouse grew increasingly emotional as relatives and close associates of the convicted men sought final moments with their loved ones before they were taken into police custody. Some family members were visibly overcome with emotion as brief farewells were exchanged.
Supporters who had followed the lengthy corruption trial stood alongside members of the public, many watching quietly as officers prepared to transport the men from the courthouse.
Police later escorted the convicted men away in official vehicles, departing the court compound with flashing lights and sirens while transporting them to police facilities.
Among those reacting to the court’s decision was former Premier Galmo “Gilley” Williams, who emerged from the courthouse and addressed supporters gathered outside.
Speaking passionately, Williams expressed disappointment with the outcome of the long-running corruption case. During his remarks, he referred to the media and the British authorities while emphasizing the character of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“So, this is for the media and the British, we are loving people, a very loving people” Williams said.
Despite the emotion surrounding the proceedings, Williams urged supporters to remain peaceful, stressing the importance of maintaining calm in the aftermath of the verdicts and sentencing.
Those present noted the intensity of Williams’ remarks as he reacted to the conclusion of a case that has dominated public discussion in the Turks and Caicos Islands for more than a decade.
The convictions bring to a close one of the most significant and closely watched corruption cases in Turks and Caicos Islands history, a legal battle that has spanned more than a decade and attracted widespread local and international attention.
As police vehicles departed from the back of the courthouse, crowds slowly dispersed, many supporters remained outside the courthouse reflecting on the outcome of a case that has shaped the territory’s political landscape for years.
Williams served as Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2009 following the resignation of Michael Misick and was among several prominent political figures who attended the proceedings and witnessed the conclusion of the landmark case.
