As the Turks and Caicos Islands Turn

Yesterday Essence.com released previously unpublished photos of injures LisaRaye McCoy-Misick sustained on Providenciales, including bruises and bite marks said to be left by her soon to be ex-husband Premier Michael Misick (note that Premier Misick was also treated for injuries sustained at this fight). Last week a women's group on Providenciales issued a press statement and video denouncing the former First Lady, claiming that she never did anything for the people of Turks and Caicos.



It was a picture perfect wedding and a lovely two years, marred by a few allegations of infidelity but around here that's typical. But I sense that the people of this small adopted Caribbean country of mine briefly forgot that when an American actress is involved the world will become involved. Every video, every photo, every comment, every statement is being analyzed by millions of people.

Interesting timing, though. Everyone seems to have forgotten that the Premier is being investigated for corruption by the British overseas territory regulators. I hope for his sake that he didn't scam any funds to buy gifts for LisaRaye. That will not sit well with his people.

Tags: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, Celebrities, News, Misick divorce, lisaraye mccoy divorce, lynda lippin

Sunset & Storm

Yesterday I had a very odd schedule with every Pilates class or private being around 2 hours apart. As I was heading home from the spa around 7:15pm I saw this gorgeous storm at sea right in front of me.



Spectacular, yes. And then I looked up a little and got the entire scenario.



A few moments later I turned the corner and it was just close enough to actual sunset to produce this showy cloud production.



Sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember that I am not dreaming-it's that beautiful!

Tags: Photographs, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, lynda lippin

Tropical Storm Fay

As you can see from the radar image below from Weather Underground, Tropical Storm Fay is right in the passage between us and Hispaniola as she makes her way towards Cuba.


The rain started last night along with some pretty intense thunder and lightening, and the winds have been quite strong all day today. It has been raining on and off all day, and when it rains it rains hard! Below are some photos I took this morning of the sky as I was walking into work around 7:40am. Enjoy!

Tags: Photographs, Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Parrot Cay, Providenciales, Tropical Storm Fay, lynda lippin

Misick Marriage Update

Well, in a new low for a small Caribbean country the looming Misick divorce has rated mention in the gossip pages of the ew York Daily News, where Rush & Molloy claim, It's a bit nippy for Caribbean duo".

They of course refer to the latest news where LisaRaye went back to discuss things with her ex and they both ended up at the clinic emergency room being treated for bite wounds. Oh how far we fall and how embarrassingly we behave!

"Misick's spokesman said, "LisaRaye, her cousin Phillip Travis, and her publicist, Lynn Jetter, assaulted the guard at the premier's home, proceeded to ransack the house, and then assaulted the premier and his sister. The premier at no time had any physical contact with LisaRaye."

LisaRaye countered, "An attempt was made by and on behalf of my husband to first prevent my entry into our home and then, later, to make me leave our home by force. I shall continue to assist the police force with its inquiries."

Jetter told us, "No, we didn't break in. She was at her home. Someone bit her. It might've been Michael or his sister, but there was shoving and someone bit her on the shoulder.""

Yes, we live in a soap opera.

Tags: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, Celebrities, News, misick, lisaraye, lynda lippin

A Window To Heaven

Sometimes I look at the sky here and feel like I am really seeing into Heaven. On this day as the storm clouds were rolling in I looked up and there was this little keyhole of bright blue and white sunny sky peeking in between all those clouds. And after the rain it was sunny and beautiful once again. There is a parable in all of this, I have no doubt. Something about there always being a bright spot if you keep looking for one. Enjoy!

Tags: Photographs, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, lynda lippin

Caribbean Clouds

This is the same sky at the same time, with one shot on zoom. I am always fascinated by the cloud formations here, especially at dusk and on stormy days. On this day we had intermittent rain all day and night, so I was expecting some great shots on my way home from the spa. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoy taking them!

Tags: Photographs, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, lynda lippin

Why Michael, Why?

As if it isn't bad enough that every single day my Turks and Caicos Google alerts are full of references to actresses fighting at airports, money laundering schemes, and the British government's enquiry into government corruption, now it seems that Premier Michael Misick has actually been busted cheating on his wife.

According to LisaRaye McCoy Misick's PR firm, Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates, Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick was seen "canoodling" with BET's Rocsi of "106 & Park" during the TCI Music Festival while LisaRaye was in NYC.

"Sources have even reported that Rocsi stayed at the Misick home and hosted guests as if she was the lady of the house," the release stated.

Tacky tacky tacky!

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, Celebrities, lynda lippin

Tauwhare's Official Remarks RE: TCI Corruption Inquiry

I have found the total of Gov. Richard Tauwhare's official statement of the formation of a British Commission of Inquiry into government corruption in Turks and Caicos. He begins,

"I have today, Thursday 10th July 2008, appointed a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into whether there is information that corruption or other serious dishonesty in relation to past and present elected members of the House of Assembly (previously known as the Legislative Council) may have taken place in recent years. It is to report to the Governor within sixteen weeks its preliminary findings and recommendations concerning:

a) instigating criminal investigations by the police or otherwise

b) any indications of systemic weaknesses in legislation, regulation and administration

c) any recommendation that the inquiry's terms of reference be extended

d) any other matters relating thereto."

So the investigation is to last 16 weeks, therefore ending the first week of November 2008 with a preliminary report due to the new Governor by 3 November 2008. The investigation is being led by the Rt Hon Sir Robin Auld QC, who has a lot of inquiry experience as well as experience working in the Caribbean. In fact, he was a former acting Chief Justice here in TCI.

Hon. Auld, "sat on the Court of Appeal of England and Wales from 1995 to 2007, and was for some time the Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales. He was Counsel to the Inquiry into the Brixton Disorders in 1981, and for the British Government before the Australian Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia in 1984-85, Chairman of the William Tyndale Schools Inquiry from 1975-76 and of the Inquiry into Sunday Trading from 1983 to 84. In 1999-2000, he conducted the Review of the Criminal Courts of England & Wales. He also has experience of this region, having served as a Member of the Commission of Inquiry into Casino Gambling in the Bahamas during 1967, as acting Chief Justice of the TCI for a short period in 2005, and now as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Bermuda."

The main investigation will take place in the months of September and October 2008. If Gov. Wetherill sees fit he may extend the time of the inquiry and investigations. Interestingly enough, "some, including the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in their report issued on 6 July, have argued that a Commission of Inquiry should have been appointed earlier."

In the past Premier Misick has denied corruption charges, stating “My Government runs a transparent Government and we are putting modern legislation in place, to ensure that corruption does not rear its ugly head in our territory".

Tags: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, News, Caribbean, lynda lippin

Governor Tauwhare Speaks About TCI Issues

Well, apparently our outgoing British Governor Richard Tauwhare, speaking at a Chamber of Conference meeting in Providenciales on Monday 23 June 2008, had some interesting comments to make about the Turks and Caicos present financial situation. Mind you, he arrived when we did in 2005.

According to a commentary by David Tapfer on Caribbean Net News, Tauwhare recommended that the UK government look into how TCI was running back when he first came into office.

First regarding the commission of inquiry,
"[Gov. Tauwhare] stated that shortly after his arrival, replacing Governor Poston (now deceased), he found evidence of corruption that he felt warranted the appointment of a Commission of Enquiry at that time.

In October of 2005 he presented his recommendation to his superiors at Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), who reportedly considered the evidence [and ramifications?] carefully, but told him to leave it alone."

Regarding our tourism boom,
"The Governor also stated that the amounts budgeted to tourism promotion represent in his words “a 600 percent increase" and he indicated the benefits from this increase were not there.

In budget year 2008, the government’s budget documents indicate that $10 million has been allocated for tourism promotion. In addition to this $10 million, we also have $3.5 million due to Lisa Raye McCoy Misick, the Premier’s wife. This government agreed to pay her $7 million over two years for her to promote our country. The first payment may have been made and the second is due this year."

Regarding budget and liquidity,
"Governor Tauwhare’s most serious comments came forth when he noted that the current economic position of the country was tentative, in that our monthly income is below our monthly expenses."

And regarding health care costs,
"One final bombshell was dropped by Governor Tauwhare when he stated that overseas health care costs were completely out of control, rising 82 percent in recent years, while population was up only 14 percent."

Mind you, the Commission of Inquiry is charged with investigating both political parties here, as the inquiry will go back through the last administration. This is not simply an old "party against party" issue, but a deeper look into what it takes to lead a small Caribbean country through massive expansion and therefore massive infuxes of money. The results should be interesting to everyone, as these issues come up in every country, simply on much larger scale.

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Opinion, News, Providenciales, Caribbean, lynda lippin

New Blooms at Parrot Cay

I was walking Smiley the other day and noticed these lovely red flowers blooming all over the place just down the road from our staff housing and behind the banana tree grove. I have been watching this tree for close to a year now and didn't think it bloomed at all; I thought it was some kind of evergreen tree. But the blooms are large, red with a bit of variegated white thrown in, and only seem to last about a day or so before they fall off. I'm not sure how long this tree blooms (I will ask Tony), but now that I've seen this one I am noticing others around the spa. Just lovely!

Tags: Photographs, Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, lynda lippin

UK Commission of Inquiry Into Turks and Caicos Government

According to many news sources, including the TCI Sun and BBC, our outgoing British Governor, Richard Tauwhare, has called for a UK Commission of Inquiry into charges of embedded corruption in both the current government led by PNP Party Premier Michael Misick and the past government led by PDM Party Chief Minister Derek Taylor.

"But beneath the tropical idyll, the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee found "a palpable climate of fear" which could have come straight from the pages of a Graham Greene novel.

In a highly critical report, the committee accused the Foreign Office of being "too hands off" amid concerns about "rampant" corruption within the islands' government and the suppression of freedom of speech.

It pointed also to suspicions of "political interference" in the islands' judicial system which some witnesses had linked to a recent series of arson attacks on the islands' main courthouse and the offices of the attorney general.

The committee called for the British Government to establish a commission of inquiry with full protection for witnesses who came forward to give evidence.

At the centre of the corruption claims is the islands' Premier, Michael Misick, who is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since he was elected to power in 2003."

Well, this should prove interesting, to say the least. As my readers know I have always had good personal dealings with Misick as pertaining to Jewish Community and other issues. However, we do live in a small country full of poor people and people do notice when your net worth and possessions suddenly become much much greater. He entered office with $50,000 in assets and now has many millions just a few years later. Did he think nobody would notice or care?

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, News, Caribbean, commission of inquiry, michael misick, derek taylor, lynda lippin

Leeward Star Island Project Halted

I saw this on Rick MacPherson's Coral Notes From the Field blog and felt compelled to add my comments of this type of development.

Star island is, as MacPherson so eloquently states, "a project that involves dredging a Dubai-style, artificial island smack in the middle of a marine protected area [in Turks & Caicos]. The Star Island project was perhaps the most visible part of a more massive development plan consisting of luxury homes, high-end marina, cruise ship dredging, and other coastal modifications all within protected waters and near healthy coral reef systems."

Now on my supply trip to Provo last Tuesday I was amazed at how quickly the mega-yacht marina in front of Nikki Beach was going up and I still don't quite understand how they plan to get yachts with a deeper draught past the barrier reef and into the channel in low tide. Luckily, construction and dredging have been halted (at least temporarily) after protests by various environmental groups, including the Coral Reef Alliance.

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, Caribbean, News, lynda lippin

Want A Dog? Adopt A Potcake!

I have blogged before about Smiley, the best dog in the entire world, the potcake who adopted us when we lived on Providenciales and has since moved over with us to Parrot Cay. She is friendly, loyal, trainable, and sweet as can be.

So I was thrilled to see an article in my Google alert about adopting potcakes to bring home to the US and Canada. We even have couriers who will bring your dog to you!

"Todd Weller visited the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean last fall, intending to kick back and relax. But he returned to his home in the San Francisco Bay Area with more than just the usual souvenirs in his carry-on luggage. A wiggling, 9-week-old puppy named Mardi made the trip with him."

Puppies, adult dogs, male & female, they are just so lovable and we have so many who need homes. If you're interested check out Potcake Place and the TCSPCA. You'll be glad you did!

Tags: Potcakes, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, lynda lippin

Starfish

Of the over 2000 varieties of sea stars (the more scientific name for the starfish, which is not a fish at all), I have probably seen around 10 different ones while living in Turks & Caicos. According to National Geographic, Sea Stars are carnivorous echinoderms (like sea urchins) with no brains or blood that live up to 35 years. Anyway, Tony took this a few days ago near the southern end of Parrot Cay and emailed it over to me. Enjoy!

Tags: Photographs, Parrot Cay, Caribbean, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, sea stars, starfish, lynda lippin

Over the Rainbow

Rainbows are pretty much a daily occurrence in the Caribbean. We get large ones that seem to go right over the entire group of islands and we get smaller ones from the sun just hitting a raincloud at the right angle. Yesterday I went to the beach at 8am to teach my Beach Pilates class and there was this rainbow. Small, not too bright, but what a lovely way to start the day! I was glad I had my Blackberry with me to record the moment.

Tags: Photographs, Parrot Cay, Caribbean, Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, lynda lippin

Diver Threatens to Withdraw Support of Turks & Caicos

In a letter to Premier Michael Misick and other government and tourism leaders of Turks & Caicos, champion freediver and TCI goodwill ambassador Tanya Streeter warns against rampant development.

“I have been pleased to use my name and success to promote the Islands internationally as a beautiful, unspoiled, environmentally sensitive destination,” the letter states.

“For the past six years I have been a goodwill ambassador for your beautiful Islands.

“If this wanton destruction of the environment continues, with the imprimatur of the Government, I will feel compelled to publicly withdraw my endorsement of the Turks & Caicos Islands and recommend that tourists visit more eco-friendly destinations that truly embrace being ‘beautiful by nature’.”

According the the Weekly News, The BBC presenter is threatening to urge tourists to boycott the Islands amid ongoing controversy about the massacre of its national parks.

All I can say is that this was bound to happen. Mega yacht marinas close to a barrier reef that isn't under 8 feet of water during low tide? The new Star Island project building a Dubai-style island (as though we had no undeveloped cays) near Leeward Marina and Little Water Cay, home of the endangered Rock Iguana, and a plan to develop Fort George's Cay with an aquarium?!! What are you thinking?

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, News, Caribbean, tanya streeter, freediving, environment, lynda lippin

My Best Summer Vacation

While it may seem a bit out of season, my best summer vacation was a trip I took to Turks & Caicos in the summer of 2005 with my husband Tony. The minute the plane landed in Providenciales I was already relieved and relaxed to be away, and the beautiful turquoise water surrounding the island helped. If you follow my blog at all you know that it was on that trip that we received job offers and made our momentous life altering move out of the United States.

Now we are planning another trip and I have checking flights & locations at dialaflight.com. Hmmm, perhaps a flight to Dubai and some touring around the United Arab Emirates? Could be interesting.

Tags: Turks and Caicos, Providenciales, Caribbean, dubai, travel, lynda lippin

Book Review - Madison Avenue Maxi

Having a dog is no easy task. They require a lot of work and personal interaction — talking, walking, bathing, grooming, and just plain old loving — dogs need their people as much as people need their dogs. I always considered myself a cat person. I grew up with Mittens, our family tabby who died at the old age of 12, and since then have adopted several cats that I watched get old and finally leave the mortal coil. When we moved to Turks & Caicos I brought three cats with me from the states.

So when my husband, who moved a few months before me, started talking about this stray potcake who kept following him home smiling all the way, my first response was, "Please just don't feed it!" We had a disastrous dog adoption experience once and I did not want to repeat that ever again. Long story short, suffice it to say that Smiley's picture graces my Blackberry, we keep a supply of treats on the kitchen counter, and I now understand the "dog thing".

Elke & Ben Gazzara happened into their lovely Maxi in a similar way. Elke's daughter adopted a dog and then couldn't keep her. Ben did not want a dog in the house, and as a working actor with much traveling a dog was not convenient. But that little dachsund Maxi wormed her way into their house and then into nearly every high end restaurant, hotel, boutique, party, hospital, and several film sets along the way.

But Madison Avenue Maxi is not only about a dog, but about her people. We see Ben & Elke in good times and bad, going through health crises, career changes, unexpected travel, but always with Maxi by their sides (or under the table in a bag). It is a book that speaks to the common bonds and life experiences of pets and their humans, and while sappy at times appeals to the best in human (and canine) nature, a highly enjoyable read.

Tags: Book Review, Blog, Potcakes, Living In Caribbean, elke gazzara, ben gazzara, madison avenue maxi, lynda lippin