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.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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