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Governor John J. Rankin to Request Additional Powers – Suggesting Concerns Over BVI Government’s Ability to Conclude COI Reforms

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British Virgin Islands outgoing Governor John Rankin has stated that the government will miss the May deadline for implementing the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations and accused ministers of stalling nearly two years after the damning report was released highlighting corruption across various government levels.

In his final Quarterly Report released on January 5, Rankin said the government has had ample time – twenty-one months – to initiate real reform but has only managed a total of 25 of 48 recorded with only five months left before the deadline expires.

“It has been twenty-one months since the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report was published. We are now well beyond the phase of reviews and audits. There has been ample time to consider recommendations and initiate real reform. However, progress in implementing the recommendations of the COI has significantly stalled. Only one additional recommendation is reported as completed over the past six months. The total stands at 25 of 48, with only a few months left until May 2024.”

He raised doubts about the “capability and determination of the BVI government to drive forward and complete reforms is in question,” highlighting that missing the deadline implies the Order in the Council—a potential two-year constitutional suspension—will remain in place.

The report noted that “at the beginning of April 2023, the then UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Goldsmith, wrote to me and asked me to agree deadlines with the BVI Government to ensure that the necessary reforms have taken root no later than May 2024.”

“This “should allow for the Order in Council to be lifted then.”  It looks unlikely that this will be achieved and hence unlikely that the Order in Council can be lifted at that point,” the report added.

The governor stressed that “despite the best efforts of many public servants to take recommendations forward, developing plans and policy, we have not seen the promised changes delivered.”
According to Governor Rankin, it remains “an option to consider an interim administration whereby the Governor takes over the responsibilities of Ministers in line with the Order in Council. However, this is not my recommendation at this stage.”

Instead, he has recommended that “an extension to the COI implementation process will be necessary for the Government to prove their commitment to reform and get the work done. An extension to the end of November 2024 should enable the recommendations to be fully considered and for legislation to be brought into force.”

Additionally, he explained that Lord Goldsmith in an April 2023 letter “asked me to consider if “resources, additional powers or technical expertise” were necessary to accelerate the Government’s reform programme. In addition to exercising the powers which I have under the Virgin Islands Constitution, I have reached the conclusion that I must request additional powers to help ensure the Framework Agreement proposed by the BVI Government is delivered. Experience has shown that providing more time alone will not be sufficient to deliver reform and that there may be a need for the Governor to step in further.”

“I do not underestimate the scale of the task to deliver the recommendations for which I am responsible. I have increased resources and developed contingency plans to ensure that the Law Enforcement Review (B38 & 41) and Vetting Project (B39) meet deadlines. I am confident that we will. I expect Ministers to take a similar approach and dedicate resource to make the COI reforms a priority.”

The governor added that he was “disappointed to be in the position of requesting additional powers and an extension at this stage.”

Acknowledging that some positive strides were made, the UK representative said he appreciated the community engagement on certain issues, “the outreach to the community that has taken place on some issues. The purpose of the COI process

is to benefit the people of the Virgin Islands and it is only right that they are consulted on key matters affecting them.”

The report also mentioned the diligent efforts of the Constitutional Review Commission (A2). “The Premier and I have now received the Review; I trust that this will be published as a priority so the public can digest its findings. I expect that the BVI Government will want to begin constitutional negotiations from the strongest foundations – implementing the COI recommendations will be an important step in that regard.”

But the governor highlighted that while there has been progress in addressing pending Residence and Belonger Status applications due to the Premier’s action plan, the Immigration Status Unit is still distant from meeting the weekly processing target of one hundred applications set by the Premier.

“There are still well over 1,500 applications pending. It is encouraging that the Immigration Board has been reconstituted,” the report revealed.

Former Governor Augustus Jaspert initiated a Commission of Inquiry in January 2021 to investigate potential instances of corruption, abuse of office, or significant dishonesty within the public sector in recent years, aiming to identify the circumstances that facilitated such occurrences.

The Inquiry Commissioner  Sir Gary Hickinbottom submitted a comprehensive 900-page report to Rankin on April 4, 2022 detailing findings of corruption across various government levels.

The report outlined 45 specific recommendations, including four overarching suggestions –  the partial suspension of the constitution, to overhaul the BVI’s governmental and governance structures.

Amidst the looming possibility of government suspension and upheaval triggered by the arrest of Premier Andrew Fahie in April 2022 in the United States on allegations involving drugs and money laundering, an interim government emerged, led by the recently appointed Premier Natalio Wheatley. Wheatley, formerly the deputy premier during the review, spearheaded efforts to avert a constitutional suspension.

With the partial implementation of recommendations, the 2023 elections saw all political parties pledging to uphold the COI recommendations upon taking office. Premier Wheatley secured reelection in April 2023.

Given Rankin’s critical findings, it is crucial for the territory’s government to advance the implementation of the CoI recommendations during the initial months of this year.

Rankin, who will be retiring from diplomatic service this month, shared that he continues “ to hold the best interests of the BVI in mind and I believe that these measures are necessary in ensuring that the BVI prospers in the future, with the strong foundations of a modern democracy.”

His successor will be Daniel Pruce.

Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.

Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.

The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.

Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.

The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.

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Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.

In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.

As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.

Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.

The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.

“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”

Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.

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Local News

U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

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Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.

According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.

“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”

The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.

Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.

For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.

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