Turks and Caicos Attorney General Huw Shepheard Resigns

Above: the TCI House of Assembly

By Alexander Britell

Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General Huw Shepheard has tendered his resignation, according to a statement from the office of TCI Governor Peter Beckingham.

Shepheard’s resignation will become effective on Friday, the Governor’s office said.

The decision comes a few months after Shepheard’s term had been extended 36 months to 2016. Shepheard has served in the post since 2010.

Shepheard and the recently-elected government in Turks and Caicos led by Premier Dr Rufus Ewing have had a frequently tumultuous relationship.

Earlier this year, Ewing called for the recall of Shepheard (and former Governor Ric Todd); when Shepheard’s textension was announced in August, Ewing said in a statement that the move showed “a total disregard for the people of these islands and the Office of the Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

Earlier this month, Ewing went to the Supreme Court, asking the AG to “clarify his understanding of certain aspects of the constitution.” according to his office.

In Wednesday’s statement, Shepheard signaled his intention to file legal charges against the TCI government for “reputational and other damages.”

“Since this matter is now subject to legal proceedings, this office cannot comment any further,” the AG’s office said.

Rhondalee Brathwaite will be sworn in as Acting Attorney General, the Governor’s office said.

“Work will begin soon to find a substantive successor,” the office said.

The move comes one day after the announcement that former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick’s extradition from Brazil had been approved.