Local News
Governor John J. Rankin to Request Additional Powers – Suggesting Concerns Over BVI Government’s Ability to Conclude COI Reforms
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
Friendly Competition Sparks Unity Between Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools
As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.
“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”
With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.
International
UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts
Business
Flow BVI Appoints Maria De Grads as First Female General Manager
Flow British Virgin Islands has welcomed Maria De Grads as its new General Manager, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s 58-year history, effective October 1. The announcement was made by C&W Communications, the parent company of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, which operates throughout the Caribbean.
Maria De Grads, a telecommunications veteran from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brings over 21 years of experience in the industry. Her appointment has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Flow BVI. Susana O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at C&W Communications, expressed confidence in De Grads’ leadership: “Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering teams will be instrumental in driving Flow BVI forward as we continue to innovate and deepen our connection to the BVI community.”
De Grads has held a variety of roles within C&W Communications since joining Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004. Her previous positions include Commercial Lead for the Southern Caribbean markets, which covered St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados. She has also served as Commercial Manager and Product Executive, gaining expertise in growth strategy, customer care, and human resource management. In her most recent role as Senior Manager for Commercial Operations in the South Caribbean, she was responsible for spearheading plans that drove customer acquisition and revenue growth.
“I am deeply honored to become the General Manager of Flow BVI, and being the first woman to step into this role makes it even more meaningful,” said De Grads. “I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to deliver innovative services, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the development of the BVI. Together, we’ll build on Flow’s strong legacy and ensure we remain at the forefront of connectivity in the Territory.”
De Grads holds an associate degree in business management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Edinburgh.
This new leadership is expected to further strengthen Flow BVI’s position as a leading provider of telecommunication services in the British Virgin Islands, offering cutting-edge solutions to both consumers and businesses.
About C&W Communications:
C&W Communications, part of Liberty Latin America, is a comprehensive communications and entertainment provider serving over 20 markets in the Caribbean. It offers video, broadband, mobile, and telephony services, along with IT solutions for business and government clients through its business division.
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