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Government Launches Dedicated Website to Track Progress on COI Recommendations
The Government of the Virgin Islands unveiled a specialised website designed to monitor the implementation of recommendations outlined in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.
Aligned with the Virgin Islands Modern Governance Approach, titled “Government Business at its Best,” introduced in July of the previous year, this initiative aims to further advance the execution of COI recommendations.
In response to the United Kingdom’s appointment of Commissioner The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom on 19th January 2021, to investigate potential corruption and misconduct by public officials, the inquiry resulted in 50 recommendations aimed at elevating governance standards and optimising the operations of law enforcement agencies in the Territory.
Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natatio D. Wheatley, reported in September 2023 that comprehensive work had commenced on all COI recommendations. Updates included completed reviews and audits covering areas such as Social Assistance Grants, Education Grants, Crown Lands Disposal, Residence and Belonger Status Policies, and Statutory Board reappointments.
Addressing the Modern Governance Approach, Premier Wheatley explained, “This initiative seeks to inform and educate the public and stakeholders about the government’s ongoing reform initiatives beyond the Framework recommendations. It aims to rectify inaccurate perceptions and aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.”
As part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate the impact of reform, the COI Recommendations Implementation Tracker website is set to launch on 3rd January 2024. The introduction will take place during the live airing of the government programme ‘Table Talk’ at 11:00 a.m. on various platforms, including the Government’s Facebook Page, ZBVI Radio 780AM, and CBN Radio.
Highlighting the importance of public awareness, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, emphasised, “It is crucial for the public to stay informed about the new policies transforming our business practices. This website will serve as a comprehensive resource for all COI-related information, allowing the public to track the progress towards greater accountability and transparency.”
The website will offer insights into the Framework for Implementation of COI Recommendations and other reforms, present an overview of the recommendations, and house press releases, statements, and additional information related to the Modern Governance Approach.
Expressing gratitude to public officers for their dedication, Mrs. Stoutt-Igwe urged the public to explore the website upon its launch, gain a deeper understanding of government operations, and reach out to the COI Implementation Unit with any questions or comments.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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