Urges UK to Uphold Principles of Self-Determination

The Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) are alarmed at the Governor’s request for additional powers, which, if granted, would enable him to “bypass the Territorial Government and unilaterally implement recommendations” from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) for governance reforms in the BVI.

The OECS strongly condemned any efforts to “undermine the legitimate government of the BVI,” standing in solidarity with its people and government in their pursuit of necessary reforms.

“Commending the diligence” of the democratically elected government and citizens of the BVI for the progress made in implementing governance reforms since the successful elections in April 2023, the OECS leaders acknowledged the ongoing work required for the recommended reforms. They called on the United Kingdom to “provide technical assistance” to support the BVI government in this process.

Expressing deep concern over attempts to “bypass the elected government of the BVI,” the OECS leaders highlighted the potential threat to democratic principles. They emphasized that such actions would “undermine the progress achieved” and “jeopardise the democratically elected government.”

The OECS “concurred with the BVI’s assertion” that granting additional powers to the Governor would be a ‘Colonial Act’ incompatible with modern democratic governance. They reiterated that the responsibility for “strengthening governance in the BVI lies with the elected representatives and the people,” ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability.

Emphasising the “inalienable right of the people of the British Virgin Islands to self-determination,” the OECS leaders reiterated that any decision to grant the Governor’s request would contravene democratic principles outlined in “international agreements to which the United Kingdom is a party.”

Endorsing the UN resolution on the Question of the British Virgin Islands (A/RES/78/79), the OECS urged the UK government to “work collaboratively with the democratically elected government of the BVI to support the ongoing reforms process.” They strongly urged the UK government to “refrain from granting undemocratic powers to the Governor,” emphasising that such an act would “hinder democracy in the BVI and erode trust” between the people and the government.

The OECS reaffirmed its commitment to providing “technical and other support” to the BVI as an Associate Member of the Organisation, reinforcing their dedication to fostering good governance and democratic principles in the region.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, has pulled out of a scheduled joint press conference with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley.

The move comes in the wake of an announcement by His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin on Friday, January 5, revealing his intention to seek additional powers from the United Kingdom. These powers would enable him to introduce legislation in the House of Assembly, sparking an emergency meeting of legislators from both the government and the Opposition.

Premier Wheatley had earlier made a statement, conveying the unanimous opposition of the entire House of Legislators to Governor Rankin’s proposed powers. It was announced that Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, would join Premier Wheatley in a joint press conference on January 8.

However, in an unexpected reversal, Hon. Skelton declared that the Opposition would hold their own press conference on Tuesday, January 9, instead of sitting with Premier Wheatley. He explained, “As the days went by, we considered the press conference, realising that our stance on constitutional advancement might be compromised by aligning with the Premier and the government. We have decided to hold our own press conference on Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock, with the full Opposition in agreement.”

Despite this decision, Hon Skelton emphasised that all members of the Opposition remain committed to standing in solidarity with the government on constitutional matters. He stated, “While we will address our concerns independently, it’s important to note that the Opposition stands united with the government on issues related to constitutional matters. We will speak in unison to ensure a cohesive approach to these crucial issues.”

The press conference on Tuesday promises to shed light on the Opposition’s perspectives and intentions regarding the proposed legislative changes.

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Labour MP Raises Questions in Parliament Regarding Compliance with Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary for HM Treasury and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office David Rutley has informed the United Kingdom Parliament that the government is working with Overseas Territories to establish publicly accessible registers in line with the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

“We continue to keep the Order in Council under review and continue to work with the Governments of the Overseas Territories to implement publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership,” the Assistant Whip told Parliament on November 17, in response to a query from Labour Parliamentarian Margaret Hodge.

Hodge’s inquiry was aimed at the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, seeking details on the adherence of the UK’s overseas territories to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2018.

It was centred on whether the Secretary of State intended to reassess the decision not to lay the Order in Council, a document crafted to fulfill the requirements stipulated in section 51 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. This legislative provision plays a crucial role in combating illicit financial activities and promoting transparency in the United Kingdom’s financial landscape.

Rutley’s response indicates that the UK government is actively working with Overseas Territories, including the British Virgin Islands, whose economies heavily rely on the financial services sector.

The UK government has publicly declared its commitment to addressing concerns regarding financial transparency and combating money laundering. There is ongoing scrutiny of the Order in Council, a government-used legal tool, to assess its potential impact on establishing publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership.

The registers will list the true owners of companies and assets, contributing to the global fight against corruption and illicit financial activities.

Legislators in the British Virgin Islands are closely observing the progress of the Order review