UK MP David Rutley Warns Of Further British Government Action Over Delayed Reforms

Minister for the Americas, the Caribbean and United Kingdom Overseas Territories David Rutley in a stern message on Sunday cautioned the government that a lack of expeditious implementation of its recommendations could prompt the British Government to take further measures to ensure the vital reforms are swiftly carried out.

“The Commission of Inquiry has identified serious governance and reputational issues, but progress on implementing its recommendations has been too slow, with agreed deadlines missed.  That is why I am here: to listen and understand from those working directly on the reforms how they can be delivered quicker so that the people of BVI get the good governance they deserve,” Rutley said in a February 5 statement issued by the Governor’s Office shortly after his arrival in the territory.

He added that “the UK will provide further technical assistance if required,” and warned that “if there continues to be a lack of progress, we will not hesitate to take further action to help deliver the much-needed reforms.”

The Member of Parliament will hold meetings with Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley and other ministers to receive an update on progress of governance reforms stemming from an independent inquiry into governance in the territory.

Rutley stressed that “the Overseas Territories are a core part of the UK family and the UK Government is committed to the security. prosperity and well-being of the people of the British Virgin Islands. We want to see a successful, thriving, well-governed BVI, and will continue to do our utmost to support the Governor and the people of the BVI to achieve that goal.”

In his final quarterly report released on January 5, outgoing Governor John Rankin expressed reservations about the “capability and determination” of the BVI government to effectively drive and complete crucial reforms.

Rankin highlighted that despite having a considerable time frame of twenty-one months, the government only managed to address 25 out of 48 identified reforms, with just five months remaining before the deadline expires.

The report underscored that failing to meet the deadline would result in the retention of the Order in the Council, a potential two-year constitutional suspension.

It was former Governor Augustus Jaspert who initiated a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) in January 2021 to investigate potential corruption, abuse of office, or significant dishonesty within the public sector.

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

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

Amidst the looming threat of government suspension and the aftermath of Premier Andrew Fahie’s arrest in April 2022 in the United States on drug and money laundering allegations, an interim government led by recently appointed Premier Natalio Wheatley emerged.

Wheatley, who had previously served as Deputy Premier during the review, spearheaded efforts to avert a constitutional suspension. With partial implementation of the recommendations, the 2023 elections saw all political parties committing to uphold the COI recommendations upon assuming office. Premier Wheatley secured re-election in April 2023.

Newly appointed Governor Daniel Pruce stressed that the “Minister’s visit comes at a crucial time for the BVI, and signals the UK’s interest and commitment to ensuring that the BVI succeeds.”

“Delivering the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry will help us achieve the positive changes we all want to see, including better access to services, a fairer society with opportunities for all and a more accountable and transparent government.”