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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| UK imposes Turks and Caicos rule | UK imposes Turks and Caicos rule |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| Britain has imposed direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands after an inquiry found evidence of government corruption and incompetence. | Britain has imposed direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands after an inquiry found evidence of government corruption and incompetence. |
| The Caribbean islands' administration has been suspended for up to two years and power has been transferred to the British-appointed governor. | The Caribbean islands' administration has been suspended for up to two years and power has been transferred to the British-appointed governor. |
| Politicians are accused of selling crown land for personal gain. | Politicians are accused of selling crown land for personal gain. |
| Turks and Caicos is a UK overseas territory and residents there have British citizenship. | Turks and Caicos is a UK overseas territory and residents there have British citizenship. |
| The British government has been threatening action for several months after an inquiry commissioned by the Foreign Office returned a damning verdict. | The British government has been threatening action for several months after an inquiry commissioned by the Foreign Office returned a damning verdict. |
| It examined the actions of the Turks' Cabinet and Assembly and found "information in abundance pointing to a high probability of systematic corruption or serious dishonesty". | It examined the actions of the Turks' Cabinet and Assembly and found "information in abundance pointing to a high probability of systematic corruption or serious dishonesty". |
| It also concluded there were "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and of a general administrative incompetence". | It also concluded there were "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and of a general administrative incompetence". |
| I know that many people in Turks and Caicos Islands will welcome this move Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant | |
| Serious step | Serious step |
| The former premier, Michael Misick, is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since coming to power in 2003. | The former premier, Michael Misick, is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since coming to power in 2003. |
| He has denied the allegations and said he had attracted valuable foreign investment to the islands. | He has denied the allegations and said he had attracted valuable foreign investment to the islands. |
| Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant said: "This is a serious constitutional step which the UK government has not taken lightly, but these measures are essential in order to restore good governance and sound financial management. | Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant said: "This is a serious constitutional step which the UK government has not taken lightly, but these measures are essential in order to restore good governance and sound financial management. |
| "It remains our intentions that elections should be held by July 2011, if not sooner. | "It remains our intentions that elections should be held by July 2011, if not sooner. |
| "The governor and his advisors have much to do, but I know that many people in Turks and Caicos Islands will welcome this move and have high expectations for the end outcome. | "The governor and his advisors have much to do, but I know that many people in Turks and Caicos Islands will welcome this move and have high expectations for the end outcome. |
| "I encourage them to work with the governor to rebuild stability and confidence in their territory." | "I encourage them to work with the governor to rebuild stability and confidence in their territory." |
| Turks and Caicos is a leading offshore financial centre and thousands of foreign companies are registered there. | Turks and Caicos is a leading offshore financial centre and thousands of foreign companies are registered there. |
| The territory is also a popular tourist destination and have a population of about 30,000. | The territory is also a popular tourist destination and have a population of about 30,000. |
| Once a dependency of Jamaica, the islands become a crown colony when Jamaica gained its independence in 1962. | Once a dependency of Jamaica, the islands become a crown colony when Jamaica gained its independence in 1962. |
| Gordon Wetherell took over as governor last year. | Gordon Wetherell took over as governor last year. |