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.
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
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
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