**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.
Politicians are accused of selling crown land for personal gain.
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.
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”.
Serious step
The former premier, Michael Misick, is alleged to have built up a multi-million dollar fortune since coming to power in 2003.
“I know that many people in Turks and Caicos Islands will welcome this move”
Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant
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.
"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.
“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.
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.
Gordon Wetherell took over as governor last year.