PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, CMC – Former Premier Michael Misick has lost his appeal against moves by the United Kingdom government to suspend the constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands and impose direct rule.

A three-member panel at the Court of Appeal in London on Wednesday delivered a final judgement in the case, paving the way for Governor Gordon Wetherell to officially take over the management of the affairs of this British Overseas Territory.

Misick had argued that the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order that allows for suspending the constitution contravenes European Union laws but the court said there was little evidence to support the case going any further.

Wetherell said he welcomed the court?s decision.

?It remains the intention of the UK Government to bring the Order into force as soon as possible, taking into account the current situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.?

He said he will consult the UK government before making a more detailed statement.

Misick stepped down in March shortly after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London announced plans to suspend the constitution after a Commission of Inquiry reported that it had found widespread corruption in the Turks and Caicos government.