TCI elections postponed

The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have been told that elections in the British territory will not go ahead next year as planned.



The UK Minister for Overseas Territories, Henry Bellingham, who made the announcement while on a visit to the TCI, said more time is needed to put necessary reforms in place to get the territory back on a solid financial footing.



The Turks and Caicos Islands are currently under direct British rule.



The decision to postpone the elections is likely to further infuriate islanders who just days ago protested against the existing situation.



The protesters torched piles of constitution reform recommendations made by a Foreign and Commonwealth Office appointed expert.