Local News
Constitutional Review Commission Delivers Landmark Report to Premier Wheatley
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley welcomed the completion of the comprehensive report by the Constitutional Review Commission, marking a significant stride in the constitutional progress and evolution of the territory’s democratic system.
The completed report, focusing on the full review of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, was formally handed over to His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John Rankin CMG, and Premier Wheatley on Monday, November 27.
Expressing gratitude, Premier Wheatley commended the Chairman and members of the Constitutional Review Commission for their diligent efforts in compiling a report that reflects extensive public and private consultations, thoughtful deliberation, and thorough research. He stated,
“This report is not only responsive to several recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry but also aligns with the Territory’s aspirations for progress, emphasizing the checks and balances crucial for the development of an even greater democracy that our people deserve.”
Premier Wheatley outlined the forthcoming steps, noting, “The report will undergo review by the Cabinet and subsequently be presented for parliamentary debate in the House of Assembly (HoA). Following this, the document will be open for public review, informing the next phase, including the establishment of a negotiating team.”
The genesis of the Constitutional Review Commission dates back to July 2020 when the House of Assembly (HoA) passed Resolution No. 15 of 2020, approving the formation of an 11-member Commission. The initial decision was ratified by Cabinet for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive review of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.
In response to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report and the approval of the Framework for the Implementation of the recommendations, Cabinet, on June 29, 2022, expanded the Commission’s membership from 11 to 16. Notable members include Mrs. Lisa Penn-Lettsome (Chairman), Ms. Janice Stoutt (Deputy Chairman), Rt. Hon. Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron, and others.
Four commissioners – Ms. Janice Stoutt, Mr. Ronnie W. Skelton, Mr. Coy Levons, and Mrs. Bernadine Louis – resigned prior to the submission of the report.
The Commission’s extensive work, spanning from July 2022, employed various methods such as town-hall meetings, private consultations, online feedback via www.yourconstitution.vg, radio and television interviews, infomercials, secondary school outreach, and a consultative meeting with Virgin Islanders in the United States Virgin Islands.
The report, crafted with comprehensive terms of reference, aims to re-evaluate the vision of the people of the Virgin Islands, assess the strategic fit of the current constitution, identify gaps, make recommendations for reform, review the path towards self-determination, and consider the placement of law enforcement and justice agencies within the constitutional framework.
With the handover of the CRC’s report, the territory takes a significant step forward in fulfilling the COI Recommendations. The Government of the Virgin Islands remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting overall development through the pursuit of constitutional goals, democratic ideals, good governance, and sustainable transformation.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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