The Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands — a former Bermuda Crown counsel — resigned his post yesterday, hours after it was announced that former Premier Michael Misick would be extradited back to TCI from Brazil.

Huw Shepheard, a Welshman who worked in Bermuda’s Attorney General’s Chambers between 2007 and 2010 and acted as Solicitor General, issued a press release through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on Tuesday evening, welcoming the decision of the Brazilian courts to agree to return Mr Misick to TCI to face corruption and maladministration charges.

Yesterday lunchtime, the FCO issued a further press release, stating: “The Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, has tended his resignation, effective November 1, 2013.

“He has also given notice of 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.”

Progressive National Party Premier Mr Misick fled TCI after a 2009 commission found evidence of systemic corruption and Britain imposed direct rule on the British Overseas Territory.

His whereabouts were unknown before he resurfaced in Brazil, where he was arrested in December on an international warrant issued by Interpol, after British authorities said they wanted to question him.

TCI returned to self-governance in November 2012, when the Progressive National Party won a general election, under leader Dr Rufus Ewing.

Mr Ewing’s office issued a statement late on Tuesday confirming the decision of the Brazilian courts to agree to extradite Mr Misick. Dr Ewing said: “We believe in the rule of law, justice and fairness and upon the arrival of Hon Misick, we expect that he will receive a fair trial.

“As a former Premier and Member of Parliament, we also expect that he will be treated with the respect that is befitting of the offices that he has held.”

Dr Ewing said the information received from the Attorney General Chambers was “indeed limited”, adding that the Government awaited further details.

Turks and Caicos Weekly News reported earlier this month that Dr Ewing had launched court proceedings in a bid to have Mr Shepheard removed as AG.

Unlike in Bermuda, the position of Attorney General in TCI is not political and is appointed by the Governor.