ALLEGATIONS DENIED: Premier Michael Misick spoke of the accusations in an official statement

PREMIER Michael Misick is under investigation for an alleged sexual assault on a US citizen – but insists that he will not be stepping down from his role.

The incident, which is currently being investigated by the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, is being overseen by law enforcement officials from the United States.

The PNP Premier “strongly and categorically” denies the allegations, which he describes as “false and outrageous.”

He has added that he is confident he will be “completely and fully exonerated” of the accusations and plans to continue his duties as Premier.

This Tuesday (April 15) Opposition Leader Floyd Seymour called for Mr Misick to do the “right thing” and step down while investigations take place.

He said that by allowing someone else to take on his duties he would “ensure the preservation of the Turks and Caicos Islands reputation and ensure the preservation of the reputation of the Office of the Premier of the TCI.”

In an official statement aired on local television on Thursday (April 10) the Premier said: “A few days ago an American female, after leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands, made a false report to law enforcement officials in the United States that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted by me.

“I strongly and categorically deny these false allegations.

“Because an American citizen is involved, as a procedural matter, law enforcement officials from the United States are observing the investigation.

“I am confident that I will be completely and fully exonerated of these false and outrageous allegations.

“Let me be clear – I will continue my duties as Premier - we have a lot yet to accomplish.”

On Tuesday PDM Leader Floyd Seymour stated: “It is with deep regret that the Premier of the TCI, the leader of our country, has been implicated in a serious matter involving sexual misconduct.

“The entire country is in a state of shock and dismay and is at a crossroads because of these allegations.

“While it is unfortunate that we have to hear the Premier yet again ‘categorically deny’ another serious allegation, the world must know that we are a noble people, a people that stand on the side of law and order, good governance and the rights of all the people of the world.

“While it is disappointing that the Premier would be found in a situation where these allegations are hurled at him, we ask for all to allow the rule of law to prevail and for justice to take its natural course.

“The eyes of the world are watching and justice must not only be served but must be seen to be done and seen to be served therefore we urge all those in authority to ensure that this investigation is carried out with the utmost integrity.

“These allegations are serious and the fallout from this unfortunate event will place us in a position where the entire country stands to lose at a time when we face the bleakest economic outlook in many years.”

Mr Seymour called the situation a “national issue” and asked for the Prmeire to put the good interests of the TCI ahead of his own.

“He must step aside as Premier,” he said, “and allow someone else to act as Premier while he seeks to exonerate his name of this serious accusation.

“As the chief policy maker of our country all that he does and all that he says will reflect on our country.

“It is the only right thing to do to ensure the preservation of the Turks and Caicos Islands reputation and to ensure the preservation of the reputation of the Office of the Premier of the TCI.

“We ask for the Premier to do the right thing.”

A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: “We are aware that an allegation has been made involving a US citizen.

“We can confirm these allegations are the subject of an ongoing Royal TCI Police Force investigation.”

Governor Richard Tauwhare confirmed that a police investigation is taking place into the allegations but said that he could not comment further.

By Rebecca Bird