A former Bermuda Crown counsel has been appointed Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Huw Shepheard, a Welshman who's worked in Bermuda's Attorney General's Chambers for three years, will be responsible for providing legal advice to the TCI Governor and Government.

He will also draft legislation and make court appearances where necessary.

Last August, the United Kingdom suspended the Turks and Caicos' self-government after allegations of ministerial corruption.

The prerogative of the ministerial government and House of Assembly are vested in the islands' incumbent governor, Gordon Wetherell, for a period of up to two years.

Mr. Shepheard is due to take up his new role on September 13. He will replace the beleaguered AG Kurt de Freitas who announced in February he would not be seeking a third term as the Islands' chief legal advisor.

Mr de Freitas QC has held the position for the last six years. In March, a damning Foreign Affairs Committee report claimed he "turned a blind eye" to Government corruption. He described the allegations as "very unfair".

While in Bermuda, Mr Shepheard spent part of his time as the Acting Solicitor General. He played a pivotal role in winning a Privy Council appeal which resulted in an arrest warrant for oil tycoon John Deuss. He also successfully contested attempts by Bermudians Against the Draft to get conscription declared unlawful.

Governor Mr. Wetherell said this week: "Mr Shepheard will be a considerable asset to the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He brings a wealth of experience gained in Bermuda, as well as in senior roles in both national and local government in the UK; and within the private sector where he specialised in financial services."