In these trying economic times for countries all over the world, The Bahamas' neighbor to the southeast, The Turks and Caicos Islands, are experiencing more than their share of difficulties.

Recently, the islands' leaders were called into question for alleged corruption in their dealings and had to publicly manage probes into their methods of governance through the Commission of Inquiry set by former Turks and Caicos Islands British Governor Richard Tauwhare.

Men who were elected by their people as "solid" leaders had to satisfy the commission on how they governed their country's finances. As representative of the Queen in the British Territory, Governor Tauwhare directed that the inquiry shall submit preliminary findings and recommendations to the governor within 16 weeks of the date of his appointment concerning: Instigating criminal investigations by the police or otherwise; any indications of systemic weaknesses in legislation, regulation and administration, removed by Order of the TCI Court of Appeal, 26 September 2008 and any other matters relating thereto.

Since extended to April 30, 2009, the Commission of Inquiry Interim Report was set forward on February 28, 2009. In relation to the above, the commission was directed to refer such information and/or evidence it may obtain to The Turks and Caicos Islands' prosecuting authorities.

In early January 2009, the commission began and Premier of The Turks and Caicos Islands Michael Misick was weighed in the balance and found wanting, as it relates to proper governance under the terms of British rule. Misick's colleagues, including the Deputy Premier Floyd Hall were also in the spotlight, having deposited and disposed of monies without proper documentation.

As a result of the seriousness of events and details learned during the inquiry, the commissioner of the inquiry, Sir Robin Auld issued a report last week that now has the quaint islands in a state of confusion and near chaos. Sir Robin's report recommended that the TCI's Constitution be suspended for two years, that Cabinet ministers be suspended and an Advisory Council take over the governance of the territory.

Of course, it goes without saying that Sir Robin's recommendations are not sitting well with Turks Islanders, who feel that their democracy is being threatened and they are being "browbeaten" to once again become "slaves" in their own home.

Misick, despite his recent flamboyant behavior has done much to bring The Turks and Caicos Islands to the forefront over the past six years as the territory's leader. Misick encouraged his people not only to assist in the development of TCI, but also motivated them to empower themselves by investing in businesses and education for themselves and their children.

So, the advisement from Sir Robin has left Turks Islanders up in arms, particularly with Misick not contesting the leadership position of the PNP, and the party having a new man at the helm, in Galmo Williams, who is the former minister of Immigration.

Both men have stated emphatically that they are not prepared for what appears to be a "backward" turn for TCI. To garner support in their fight, Misick and Williams traveled to New Providence to meet with Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham over the weekend.

The result of those meetings are not yet known, but what we do know is that the people of The Turks and Caicos Islands are not prepared to take the recommendations "lying down." So, what's next for The Turks and Caicos Islands? Let's wait and see!