The Voters Rights Association has called for the British Government to conduct a root and branch probe into possible corruption in Bermuda similar to the one launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands' last week.

The British Caribbean islands' Governor said last Thursday that he had created a commission led by Bermuda Court of Appeal Justice Robin Auld and will forward any criminal findings to the police and the Attorney General.

British MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) recently alleged that Turks and Caicos (TCI) government ministers and Premier Michael Misick — who has purportedly amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune since being elected in 2003 — illegally enriched themselves by selling government-owned land to developers.

The report also warned of a climate of fear among many islanders who complained about alleged political dishonesty but who would not meet with the legislators during a visit for fear of repercussions.

Mr. Misick is already being investigated by the FBI on a claim that he raped a Puerto Rican woman this year — an allegation he denies and he also dismissed the British lawmakers' report, saying it was skewed by the opposition.

Voters' Rights Association co-chairman Stuart Hayward said he welcomed the probe into the TCI and he pointed out the FAC report had also noted lingering and serious questions surrounding the handling of public funds in Bermuda, as well as about the issuance of Government contracts and possible election fraud.

"Bermuda should welcome a similarly robust and wide-ranging inquiry, if only to dispel ongoing rumours about mis-management, dishonesty, corruption and cover-ups in the handling and accounting for the public's money and election affairs," said Mr. Hayward.

"Given our Auditor General's ongoing concerns and the obvious attempts to weaken his office, the UK government must step in as things in Bermuda do 'appear to be going wrong'."

TCI Premier Misick has been a long-time friend of Bermuda's Progressive Labour Party.

Asked for his view on the British intervention Premier Ewart Brown, speaking from London earlier this week said he didn't know all the details but would speak to his friend Mr. Misick.