Premier Ewart Brown has called the UK's decision to extend the suspension of general elections in Turks and Caicos past the original July 2011 deadline a "dreadful delay".

The Caribbean island's Legislature was suspended as were parts of its constitution in the wake of serious corruption allegations against former Prime Minister Michael Misick, as well as other members of government.

Recently UK Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham said the election could not take place until the investigation into the alleged corruption concludes. His announcement caused some of the country's 23,000 residents to protest.

The Premier said: "I am deeply saddened by the continuing, dreadful delay in restoring full democratic rights to the people of Turks and Caicos.

"Historically governments and government leaders throughout the world that have taken the step of suspending free, democratic elections have been roundly condemned and sanctioned. If this were to occur in Zimbabwe for example, the world and the UK government in particular would refer to the move as barbaric and characterise its government as a cruel dictatorship."

The Premier added: "Bermudians and the people of Turks and Caicos share deep historical and familial ties and it is my fervent hope that free elections and a government duly elected by the people will be quickly restored to that country."

The Premier's comments were similar to ones made by members of CARICOM.