Local News
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.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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