Politics
COI REPORT: Governor concerned about slow pace of implementing recommendations
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin has said he is concerned that the “overall pace” of implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report is “slower than expected”.
The governor made those comments in a press statement released Monday, Jan. 13 regarding his second quarterly review of the implementation of the recommendations of the COI Report, — a key mechanism, he noted, for monitoring progress.
Rankin said 15 of 48 recommendations had been completed as of the end of December and various reviews and audits were received in January.
Despite the “positive progress” made over the last four months, including a “positive trend towards open and transparent public procurement”, more work is required, the governor said.
“I am concerned that the overall pace of reform is slower than expected and it is important that the public do not lose confidence. It is essential that together we step up our efforts to achieve these important and urgent reforms, committing resources accordingly. I believe these reforms will lead to a fairer society, whereby public funds are safeguarded and used more effectively to support public services such as education, health and infrastructure,” Rankin said in the statement.
He commented on specific areas of concern: “In my report I also raise concerns that the implementation of reform has on occasion missed the essence of what we are all trying to achieve: open, transparent and accountable governance.
“For example, whilst I assented to the Register of Interests Act in December, I remain concerned that barriers are in place which limit the ability of people to hold their leaders to account. I expect the House of Assembly to return to the issue this year.
“It is also disappointing to see that very little progress has been made in the last few months in progressing and deciding applications for residency and Belongership. It is imperative that the BVI Government 2 prioritises resources to deliver on their commitments. I will continue to monitor this closely,” he said.
BELOW IS THE FULL PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR
Today I am pleased to share with you my second Quarterly Review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report. This is a key mechanism for monitoring progress. As of the end of December, fifteen of forty-eight recommendations had been completed. In January, we saw further progress, including the receipt of various reviews and audits.
In my Review I have summarised some of the positive progress made over the last four months, including progress on procurement practices. I am encouraged by the positive trend towards open and transparent public procurement.
More work is however required. I am concerned that the overall pace of reform is slower than expected and it is important that the public do not lose confidence. It is essential that together we step up our efforts to achieve these important and urgent reforms, committing resources accordingly. I believe these reforms will lead to a fairer society, whereby public funds are safeguarded and used more effectively to support public services such as education, health and infrastructure.
In my report I also raise concerns that the implementation of reform has on occasion missed the essence of what we are all trying to achieve: open, transparent and accountable governance.
For example, whilst I assented to the Register of Interests Act in December, I remain concerned that barriers are in place which limit the ability of people to hold their leaders to account. I expect the House of Assembly to return to the issue this year.
It is also disappointing to see that very little progress has been made in the last few months in progressing and deciding applications for residency and belongership. It is imperative that the BVI Government 2 prioritises resources to deliver on their commitments. I will continue to monitor this closely.
I am pleased to report that five reviews and three audits have now been received by myself and the Premier: these include a review of the Commission of Inquiry Act, a review of Welfare benefits & grants, two reviews of Statutory Boards, and a review of Crown Land disposal. Audits have been completed in relation to Assistance Grants, government contracts for consultancy with Claude Skelton Cline and contracts with EZ Shipping for radar barges.
Over the next few weeks, the reviews and audits which have been received will be available to the public once they are tabled in Cabinet, and the House of Assembly as appropriate.
The numerous findings and recommendations within each of the reviews and audits must now be considered and implemented in a way which is timely and in the interests of the people of the BVI.
I continue to welcome the approach of the Premier and Cabinet and their express commitment to the reform process. As Governor, I remain committed to working in partnership with the BVI Government to ensure that these reforms are experienced positively and without delay by the people of the Virgin Islands in their everyday lives.
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has extended his congratulations to Hon. Charles Washington Misick following his victory in the recent general elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In a letter sent on Monday, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the strong mandate given to the Turks and Caicos leader by the people, describing it as a clear endorsement of his leadership. “The overwhelming support given to you by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a testament to the confidence and trust placed in your leadership,” Wheatley wrote.
As Premier Misick begins his new term, Hon. Wheatley offered his best wishes for the successful implementation of national initiatives. “I wish you and your team a successful term in office as you work tirelessly to secure the political, social, and economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the citizens,” he stated.
The BVI Premier, who currently serves as President of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), also expressed appreciation for Hon. Misick’s support in securing that position. “Please allow me to also take this opportunity to thank you for your support in my bid for the Presidency of UKOTA and express collective congratulations on your win on behalf of all the Overseas Territories,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of regional cooperation, Hon. Wheatley reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties between the Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. “I look forward to your continued collaboration and support as we continue to work together as Overseas Territories leaders for the betterment of our people and to strengthen the ties between our respective Territories,” he added.
The Government of the Virgin Islands remains focused on fostering strong partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands and other Overseas Territories to advance shared interests and address the unique needs of their communities.
Henry Prince has been appointed District Officer for Virgin Gorda, effective February 3. In this role, he will coordinate government activities on the island, oversee the management of the Government Administration Building, and serve as the primary point of contact for official inquiries.
Prince brings over two decades of leadership and managerial experience, having previously served as Director of Facilities at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Operations Manager at the Bitter End Yacht Club. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute, and a Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and Leadership.
Prince expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Virgin Gorda community, stating, “The role represents the Public Service’s commitment to maintaining a standard of excellence across the Virgin Islands, and I am delighted at the opportunity to contribute to this progress. I look forward to working and engaging with colleagues and the community in this capacity.”
As District Officer, he will collaborate with Sister Islands Programme Coordinator Monel Nickie, as well as District Officers Carmen Blyden of Jost Van Dyke and Shirley Vanterpool Evans of Anegada.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, welcomed Prince’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of the District Officer role in ensuring government services are effectively delivered to Sister Islands residents. “Mr. Prince is a valuable addition to the Sister Islands Programme Unit, and I am confident that his skills and experience will allow him to succeed in this role,” she said.
The Government of the Virgin Islands continues its commitment to the effective administration of the Sister Islands through the Sister Islands Programme Unit.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has denied having discussions with former Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, about rejoining the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government in the House of Assembly.
Speaking to JTV today, February 6, following a contract signing for the territory’s inaugural Solar Technology and Energy program, Hon. Wheatley addressed speculation following a report suggesting he had been in talks with Smith. “I want all of them to come over, all of them—but no, I have not engaged Hon. Smith in any discussion about coming over,” he stated. However, the premier acknowledged reaching out to her for assistance on financial services matters.
Smith, who was dismissed from the government on October 23, 2024, has also refuted claims that she has returned to the VIP government.
“It is not true. I continue to serve the people of this territory to the best of my ability as an independent member of the Opposition,” Smith asserted. Pressed on whether she had ongoing discussions with the premier about rejoining the government, she declined to elaborate, saying, “I have no further comment.”
Smith, who was appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade after the April 2023 general elections, was removed from office via an official letter from Premier Wheatley that morning.
“At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, I received a letter from the Hon. Premier stating he requested that His Excellency the Governor revoke my appointment,” Smith said in a statement at the time.
Her departure resulted in Third District Representative Julian Fraser’s appointment as Deputy Premier. Fraser, a former VIP member and chairman of the Progressives United party, has aligned himself with the ruling VIP government. Wheatley defended the leadership change as a necessary step for ensuring stability.
“This is a necessary change to the composition of the government that provides my administration with political stability and a wealth of knowledge and experience which will serve us well over the course of this House of Assembly,” Wheatley said at the time. “Political stability is critical at this time to ensure we finalize the completion of governance reforms and effectively address the recommendations of the mutual evaluation report.”
Smith, initially elected as a Territorial-At-Large representative under the National Democratic Party (NDP), broke ranks to help form the VIP-led administration before ultimately resigning from the NDP.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoPolice Arrest Three in BVI Firearms Crackdown; One Charged with Possession
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoOne Injured as Masked Gunmen Open Fire near Greenland Football Field
-
Uncategorized6 days agoBVI Man Fatally Shot in Anguilla; Police Investigate Homicide
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoGunman Arrested in Fatal Shooting of BVI Native Over Parking Dispute
-
Crime/Police2 days agoTensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
-
Uncategorized1 week agoIntruder Breaks into One Mart East End, Police confirm
-
Crime/Police5 days ago
BVI Native Trevor Hughes’ Fiancée Badly Beaten in Deadly Bronx Parking Dispute
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoRVIPF Refutes Allegations of Physical Confrontation Between Acting Commissioner and ACP Trevillion