The Editor, Sir:

Why are the British resuming political control of the Turks and Caicos for the next two years? Michael Misick, leader of the ruling party of the British overseas territory, has made a desperate plea for help from Caricom and anyone else who may help.

Initially, I thought maybe the Brits are doing the Turks and Caicos a favour. After all, wet-behind-the-ears politicians should not use a wonderful island to practice their democratic right in the hope that they get it right. There are too many case studies of failed and failing newly-independent countries. The sacrifices are too great if development can be achieved in a better way.

Why intervene?

I also asked, why intervene in Turks and Caicos now and why only for two years? It did not seem to be good business sense, the tenet of British action. To rid the Turks and Caicos of corruption would be more expensive than simply granting the islands full independence.

However, Turks and Caicos is a tax haven. Gordon Brown has promised to clamp down on all countries that are tax havens and he has started in his backyard. This is an opportunistic move to suspend the Turks and Caicos' democratic right and this challenges democracy to the core.

Misick has asked for help. Who will answer his call?

I am, etc.,

KOFI PARIS

kofiparis@hotmail.com