PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos (CMC):

Premier Michael Misick has called on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and a list of international agencies to intervene in the Turks and Caicos Islands to stop what he calls the onset of "modern-day colonialism" in this British-administered territory.

The call comes in the wake of Monday's announcement by British Governor Gordon Wetherall of a plan that will put him in charge of the day-to-day running of the territory for the next two years and effectively puts the brakes to the Misick-led Progressive National Party administration.

The governor has issued a draft order to this effect that is expected to meet the approval of the Queen, who is head of state, leading to the suspension of both the executive and legislative branches of government by month end. But in a strongly worded statement, Misick further decried the move, calling it "draconian" as well as unjust and immoral, while arguing that the basic principle of constitutional government requires a separation of powers.

"I call on the international community, including CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and other such bodies, to intercede on our behalf as we are vulnerable to the strong arm of modern-day colonialism," he added.

The move to partly suspend the Turks and Caicos constitution comes in the wake of the February 28 release of the interim report of a commission of inquiry set up by the United Kingdom government to probe allegations of corruption against the Misick administration.

The commission, led by Sir Robin Auld, has pointed to "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and general administrative incompetence".

'Slavery' action

But Misick said his government was not the only one prone to making mistakes, while pointing the finger back at the British and suggesting that "democracy must be allowed to grow and mature, despite the trials and errors.

"It is wrong in the 21st century to have an entire population recolonised in this fashion, with the executive, legislative, judicial and all other powers lying in the hands of the colonial masters, but vested in one person (the governor), who himself, in this case, is not a citizen," he said. "This action says that, despite all the progress we have made, and how far we have come, from slavery and colonialism to the modern day, the British still think that there are none among us who are worthy and/or capable of running the affairs of our country.

"They still view us all as a corrupt people, unfit to govern ourselves. Our people will now have no say in the governance of our country as the House of Assembly which is made up of the duly elected representatives of the people is to be suspended. We cannot and should not take this lying down,"said Misick.