In a stand against the Governor of the British Virgin Islands, H.E. John J. Rankin’s plea for expanded authority, the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Caucus made their unified objection clear during an urgent virtual assembly on Thursday, January 11.

The gathering, was attended by key figures including Dr. The Hon. Ellis Webster, Premier of Anguilla; The Hon. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda (represented by The Hon. Walter Roban, Deputy Premier); Dr. The Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands; The Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Premier of the Cayman Islands; The Hon. Joseph E. Farrel, Premier of Montserrat (represented by Ms. Debra Lewis, Director of International Affairs); and The Hon. Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored their unwavering dedication to democratic governance and the preservation of the British Virgin Islands’ autonomy.

“We affirm that the Governor’s request is unjustified and unnecessary based on the progress already made and the commitment of the Government to completing governance reforms and continuing to uphold good governance,” the Caucus asserted.

Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Dean of the Caribbean Ots Caucus, stressed the importance of supporting the elected Government of the British Virgin Islands and urged the UK Government to reject the Governor’s request.

“We stand in full solidarity and support the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands and urge the UK Government to decline the Governor’s request for additional powers,” Premier Misick stated, highlighting the potential setback to democratic governance and the principles outlined in the Joint Declaration for a Modern Partnership agreed upon in December 2023.

The Caucus expressed their desire for collaborative efforts between the Government of the British Virgin Islands and the Governor’s Office, supported by additional technical assistance from the UK Government, to complete all outstanding governance reforms.

Additionally, the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Caucus called on the UK Government to adhere to the timeline outlined in the Order in Council, set to be lifted by May 2024, ensuring the return of full constitutional and democratic rights to the people of the British Virgin Islands.

The Caucus is committed to remaining engaged with the British Virgin Islands and will provide effective assistance in implementing remaining governance reforms, should the need arise. They reaffirm their dedication to a modern partnership with the UK that respects democratic principles and the rights of Overseas Territories’ governments and peoples.