Local News
BVI Government Lagging Behind In Implementing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Recommendations, Says Governor John Rankin
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin today pointed out that the government is substantially lagging behind in implementing many of the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations more than a year after the National Unity Government publicly promised to expedite them to avoid a two- year constitutional suspension.
In his third Quarterly Review under the provisions of the ‘Framework for the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report and Other Reforms’ (Framework Agreement) for the period of February 1 to April 30, Governor Rankin candidly addressed several areas of concern, from government devoting more resources for the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to conduct investigations outlined in the (CoI), to a lack of commitment in clearing the current large backlog of Residency and Belonger status applications.
“There are two areas that the BVI Government urgently needs to devote more resources to in order to meet commitments made in the Framework Agreement. First, it is vital that police investigations carried out in line with the COI Report recommendations and in response to audits are completed thoroughly and as swiftly as possible so that those who may have broken the law are held to account. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force must have sufficient capacity to conduct COI related investigations in a robust and timely way,” the report stated.
Regarding the backlog of Residency and Belonger status applications, Rankin stressed that “there has been very limited work carried out to date to clear the large backlog of Residency and Belonger status applications, and this means that the Government is so far failing in its commitment to apply the ‘ten-year requirement for residency’ law in many cases.”
He further explained that he has discussed both concerns with Premier Natalio Wheatley who made a further commitment to provide the RVIPF with the “necessary resources by July 2023” and to implement “an early action plan to clear the backlog of applications.”
“I welcome the continued commitment to reform made by Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley in the opening days of his new Premiership. The Premier was clear that now is the time to re-energise the reform process and swiftly move forwards with the implementation of the remaining elements of COI recommendations. I look forward to working closely with the new and returning Ministers to ensure the delivery of the wide-ranging programme of reforms together,” the Governor said.
He added that there have been positive steps since the formation of the May 2022 National Unity Government following the release of the CoI recommendations, which included the suspension of the territory’s constitution for two years due to corruption at all levels of government.
“There have been some positive steps, albeit some in their infancy, over recent months. I am pleased that the Protocol for Statutory Board Appointments has now been agreed and is starting to be applied. I am grateful to the Deputy Governor’s Office for finalising the Public Service Management Code after consultation. I am pleased to report that His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services have now completed their work in another jurisdiction, and hence were able to visit the BVI in May to begin the law enforcement review.
He also noted that he is “encouraged by the increased use of open procurement” and reiterated that “single source procurement must be the exception rather than the norm. Indeed the Public Procurement Act 2021 expressly states that single source procurement can only be used in specific exceptional circumstances. It is also important that Ministries carry out timely procurement to ensure that good value and good governance is achieved, and that the making of retrospective payments is avoided.”
At the swearing-in ceremony on May 6 last year, Premier Wheatley publicly stated that he was committed to implementing the reforms and working with the governor.
“Let me state unequivocally that the national unity government is fully committed to reform. For the avoidance of doubt, I want to be perfectly clear: Our top priority is the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry report within a framework of democratic governance, and in close cooperation with the governor and United Kingdom, our partners” the Premier said a year ago.
Wheatley returned to office as the leader of the Virgin Islands Party in April this year. He has less than one more year to implement the recommendations in order for the Order in Council – the constitutional suspension threat – to be lifted.
Governor Rankin noted that he delayed the release of the review due to the April 24 general elections, and stressed that “I will continue to work diligently towards ensuring that the necessary reforms have “taken root” by no later than May 2024, which should allow the Order in Council to be lifted then. I will continue to consider whether there is anything more that I need to do to support and/or accelerate the reform programme, including exploring additional resources or seeking a grant of additional powers.
He added that the working relationship with the Premier remains constructive.
“I believe that the working relationship between myself and the Premier remains constructive. I am extremely keen that there is no ambiguity around how reforms must be taken forward and what success looks like,” the Governor said.
Local News
Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle
Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.
The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.
Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.
The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.
These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.
Local News
Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1
A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions
The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business.
This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.
“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.
For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration.
Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.
“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”
The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.
The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors.
At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.
While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries.
A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”
Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated.
A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx.
“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”
The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision.
While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.
As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries.
But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen.
In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.
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