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UK institutes direct rule in Turks and Caicos Islands 
Monday, 16 March 2009 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
The British government on Monday morning announced that it was instituting direct rule in its colony, the Turks Islands.
Section of constitution suspended
Governor Gordon Wetherell announced in an address on Monday morning that London
would be suspending parts of the islands' constitution.
Just last year Premier Michael Misick was the toast of the Jamaican well to do, jetting in from Providencialesto attend top social events including last year's Jazz Festival with Olint Boss David Smith.
But Monday, in the wake of Misick's political fall from grace, Governor Gordon Wetherell told islanders that Ministerial Government would be abolished for two years.
This would mean no more multi party elections, the suspension of the house of assembly, Ministerial and local control over domestic matters.
Misick who recently announced he was stepping down as Premier will not be succeeded by anyone from his party.
No moral compass
It appears London's decision was prompted by the report of the Commission of Inquiry into corruption and dishonesty in the local government.
The Governor said over the last two weeks the British government has been discussing Sir Robin Auld's interim report with Ministers and senior officials in London.
Governor Wetherell said the report, when coupled with evidence in the public hearings, point to a high probability of systemic corruption or other instances of serious dishonesty.
The report suggested an administration that is racked by administrative incompetence and seemingly devoid of a moral compass.
Finance expert appointed
The British representative in Turks
said parts of the constitution relating to fundamental rights, the position of Governor and the public service would remain.
The governor also spoke of the dire economic situation and corruption in the territory by announcing the appointment of a public finance expert to improve financial controls.
Hundreds of Jamaicans have lived and worked in the territory which has seen jobs evaporate in the global economic meltdown.
Its offshore financial industry has also come under increasing pressure from the United States and Britain who believe it is a haven for tax dodgers.
Monday morning's development is not expected to have any impact on the court case against OLINT boss David Smith in the Turks and Caicos.
Suspension expected
And a Jamaican living in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Vivian Tyson shared with RJR News the feeling on the islands at this time.
"Actually it was something that was expected by a number of persons,"
"It actually took them back to 1986 when that constitution was suspended, at that time the entire constitution was suspended based on the fact that the then Chief Minister and another minister were imprisoned in the US on drug charges," "Speaking to some persons this morning, they were saying that the 1986 suspension was child's play compared to what is taking place here now," said Mr. Tyson.
Monday, 16 March 2009 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } The British government on Monday morning announced that it was instituting direct rule in its colony, the Turks Islands.Section of constitution suspended
Governor Gordon Wetherell announced in an address on Monday morning that London
would be suspending parts of the islands' constitution.
Just last year Premier Michael Misick was the toast of the Jamaican well to do, jetting in from Providencialesto attend top social events including last year's Jazz Festival with Olint Boss David Smith.
But Monday, in the wake of Misick's political fall from grace, Governor Gordon Wetherell told islanders that Ministerial Government would be abolished for two years.
This would mean no more multi party elections, the suspension of the house of assembly, Ministerial and local control over domestic matters.
Misick who recently announced he was stepping down as Premier will not be succeeded by anyone from his party.
No moral compass It appears London's decision was prompted by the report of the Commission of Inquiry into corruption and dishonesty in the local government.
The Governor said over the last two weeks the British government has been discussing Sir Robin Auld's interim report with Ministers and senior officials in London.
Governor Wetherell said the report, when coupled with evidence in the public hearings, point to a high probability of systemic corruption or other instances of serious dishonesty.
The report suggested an administration that is racked by administrative incompetence and seemingly devoid of a moral compass.
Finance expert appointed
The British representative in Turks
said parts of the constitution relating to fundamental rights, the position of Governor and the public service would remain.
The governor also spoke of the dire economic situation and corruption in the territory by announcing the appointment of a public finance expert to improve financial controls.
Hundreds of Jamaicans have lived and worked in the territory which has seen jobs evaporate in the global economic meltdown.
Its offshore financial industry has also come under increasing pressure from the United States and Britain who believe it is a haven for tax dodgers.
Monday morning's development is not expected to have any impact on the court case against OLINT boss David Smith in the Turks and Caicos.
Suspension expected
And a Jamaican living in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Vivian Tyson shared with RJR News the feeling on the islands at this time.
"Actually it was something that was expected by a number of persons,"
"It actually took them back to 1986 when that constitution was suspended, at that time the entire constitution was suspended based on the fact that the then Chief Minister and another minister were imprisoned in the US on drug charges," "Speaking to some persons this morning, they were saying that the 1986 suspension was child's play compared to what is taking place here now," said Mr. Tyson.
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