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UK Conducts First Crisis Simulation Exercise in BVI and Anguilla
– Officials Concern About Timing
A team from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom for the first time will today oversee a stimulation exercise with key departments and entities under the command of the Governor in the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.
The February 8 unprecedented departmental takeover in the two overseas territories aims to provide UK with essential insights and processes for swift and effective crisis management, facilitating the relay of critical information back to the UK office.
According to sources, the FCDO has been conducting training sessions in the BVI for the past week as part of disaster preparedness efforts.
“UK crisis management experts are in the BVI to host a week of training with the Governor’s Office, DDM (Department of Disaster Management) and other agencies as part of disaster preparedness. The training will culminate in a semi-live scenario exercise at the end of the week” explained the communication source in the Office if the newly appointed Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce.
In UK overseas territories the Governor has the power to take control of territory should there be a crisis or disaster.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding the exercise, concerns have emerged among the public regarding its underlying motivations. Speculations that the training and simulation are prompted by the ongoing challenges faced by the government in implementing recommended reforms, compounded by the overarching Order in Council.
Former Governor John J. Rankin’s push for increased powers has further fuels these concerns.
Some government workers have voiced discomfort over the lack of clarity and oversight regarding the visiting officers’ interactions with their departments.
“There have been these UK people coming to our office and demanding or they might say requesting certain information, asking us to show them this and that. But the thing is it seems that our bosses were even aware that these people were coming and we are required to give them whatever information they ask for,” one government official said.
In his last quarterly report issued in January, Governor Rankin expressed reservations about the “capability and determination” of the BVI government to effectively guide and conclude essential reforms.
He 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.
While underscoring the necessity for endowing the governor with increased authority, Rankin pointed fingers at the ministers for the slow pace in implementing reforms.
However, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley rebuffed the proposal for additional powers to be bestowed upon the governor, labelling the suggestion as a regression into colonialism.
He noted that contrary to the governor’s report, “the government has been working diligently on governance reforms since May 2022. We have made genuine strides in strengthening the systems and institutions of government. Good progress has been made and the work involved continues.”
“The Governor should not be seeking additional powers to bypass democracy and the people of the British Virgin Islands so that he can implement measures as he sees fit without any democratic accountability. It would be a colonial act.”
On February 5, UK Member of Parliament David Rutley commenced a series of meetings with Premier Wheatley and other ministers to receive updates on the advancements in governance reforms.
Prior to his arrival 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 January 2021, the ex-Governor Augustus Jaspert launched a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to probe possible corruption, abuse of office, or substantial dishonesty within the public sector.
Inquiry Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom on April 4, 2022, presented a detailed 900-page report to Rankin, unveiling corruption findings across different government tiers.
The report comprised 45 specific recommendations, featuring four broad suggestions, one of which proposed the partial suspension of the constitution to revamp the governmental and governance structures in the BVI.
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.
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.
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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