Probe urged into ex-Turks leader

The former leader of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a UK overseas territory, should face a criminal probe over alleged corruption, a report says.

The UK threatened in April to suspend self-government on the islands after claims of "systematic" corruption.

It has now been advised that action should be taken against former premier Michael Misick - who denies any wrongdoing - and four ex-ministers.

British ministers said "urgent change" was needed in the islands' governance.

'Urgent change'

A report by retired judge Sir Robin Auld concluded that there had been "clear signs of political amorality" in the way the islands had been run.

Mr Misick is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since coming to power in 2003, partially by selling crown land for personal gain. He has rejected all the allegations.

But in a statement to the UK Parliament, foreign office minister Chris Bryant said he was "determined to push forward" with Sir Robin's recommendations.

"His close examination of the information and evidence before the inquiry has reinforced, not weakened his conviction of a need for urgent and wide-ranging systematic change," he said.

"The Commissioner's report makes recommendations including the institution of criminal investigations in relation to former premier Michael Misick and four of his former Cabinet ministers."

The UK's decision to suspend large parts of the Turks' constitution and hand power to the governor of the West Indies territory is now the subject of a legal challenge.

If approved, it would suspend the authority of the government and legislature - the House of Assembly - with powers being transferred to Governor Gordon Wetherell.

Mr Wetherell succeeded Richard Tauwhare last year.

Mr Tauwahre instigated the corruption inquiry but was criticised by the UK's Foreign Affairs Select Committee for not acting sooner to tackle what it said last year was "a climate of fear" on the islands.

The West Indies territory, which has a population of about 30,000, is a leading offshore financial centre.

Once a dependency of Jamaica, the islands become a crown colony when Jamaica became independent in 1962.

Residents of the islands have British citizenship.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Turks and Caicos Government
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