Local News
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.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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