Scuba Diving....

DR. MICHAEL EUGENE MISICK OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

The Honourable Dr. Michael Eugene Misick represents an entirely new generation of political leaders in the 'Beautiful by nature' Turks & Caicos Islands, where he is presently the Chief Minister and Minister of Planning, Tourism, Development and District Administration Islands.

Chief Minister Misick was born in Bottle Creek, North Caicos on February 2, 1966. His is a graduate Miami Lakes Technical Institute and University of Buckingham. Hon. Misick is a Barrister at Law of England and Wales and an Attorney at Law of Turks and Caicos Islands. He is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

He was first elected to TCI's Legislative Council in 1991, when he became Minister of Tourism, Transportation and Communications and was re-elected in 1995. In March, 2002 he was elected Leader of the then Opposition Progressive National Party (P.N.P.), and in the April. 2003 General Elections, Hon. Misick’s party won 6 out of the possible 13 seats in the legislature. The successful petitioning and winning of bi-elections held in two constituencies resulted in Hon. Misick being sworn in as Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands on August 16th 2003.

Hon. Misick is an avid golfer, a lover of sports, a father, and a community man. He values what nature has to offer and enjoys scuba diving in the beautiful waters of the Turks & Caicos.

Scuba Diving: What motivated you to learn to dive?

Misick: Having been born in the Turks & Caicos Islands, I developed a distinct love for the ocean. the particular Island of North Caicos, on which I was raised, brought about an added appreciation and love for the gifts of nature. As a young boy, I was fascinated by the things seen from the surface of the water, and as I grew wolder, I was destined to see what lay beneath the surface. Oh waht a magnificent sight!

Scuba Diving: How often do you get to dive, given your government duties?

Misick: Well, I don’t get to dive as much as I would love to. However, every opportunity is captured and well spent exploring the natural beauty of the underwater playground of our islands. On average, perhaps, I’d dive three to four times a year.

Scuba Diving: What are a few of your favorite dive sites?

Misick: That's a tough one! I would have to say the entire Turks and Caicos is my favorite dive site. More specifically, I thoroughly enjoy wall diving off Grand Turk and West Caicos and reef diving off North Caicos, Pine Cay, and Parrot Cay. In terms of sites, I’ve always been amazed by the beauty of McDonalds, Tunnels, and Coral Gardens off Grand Turk; Kelly’s Folly in Salt Cay; and the Grotto in South Caicos. In Providenciales, there are Grace Bay, the Northwest Point sites and the world-class French Cay site which is rated as one of the best dive sites in the world. I’ve also had the pleasure of swimming with the humpback whales and the incredible experience of snorkeling with JO-JO.

Scuba Diving: In what ways do the islands protect their environment, to the extent that the Turks & Caicos continue to win "Readers Choice" awards with the magazine?

Misick: The Turks and Caicos Government established a conservation fund several years ago that allows for one-tenth of the accommodations tax to be contributed to the this fund in our efforts to conserve the natural, historical, and cultural environment. Monies from this fund are used for operational costs for the Department of Protected Areas, with responsibility for maintaining beaches, as well as coastal and marine environments. Additionally, this Department maintains most of the 33 marine and national parks in the country. Lastly, this fund is used to support community projects that are purposed to preserve the natural environment.

Scuba Diving: Why are the islands seemingly so special to divers?

Misick: Because of unique selling points: 200 foot visibility; turquoise waters with every conceivable hue of blue; pristine, white sandy beaches; and healthy coral reefs. Besides, divers enjoy the salutary beauty of our sites.

Scuba Diving: We understand there's an Underwater Photographic Competition coming up this summer. Can you tell us a bit about it?

Misick: Diving is one of the most popular niche products in the Turks and Caicos ,and the Underwater Photographic Competition is purposed to create exposure of the pristine dive sites and healthy marine life though the lenses of both professional and amateur dive photographers. The Competition has attracted thousands of divers in the past and they vie for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and dive equipment. To top it all off, the winning underwater photos will become commemorative stamps. This year, we expect to have the best ever Competition, as we anticipate thousands of divers from around the world in search of the most stunning and beautiful dive site which are found in the Turks and Caicos Islands.