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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.

Local News

Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle

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Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.

The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.

Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.

The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.

These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.

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Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1 

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 A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions

The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business. 

This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.

“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.

For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration. 

Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.

“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”

The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.

The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors. 

At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.

While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries. 

A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”

Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated. 

A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx. 

“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”

The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision. 

While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.

As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries. 

But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen. 

In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.

 

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Crime/Police

RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.

RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.

“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”

To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.

If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.

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