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Government Misses August Deadline For Implementing CoI Reforms, Says Governor Daniel Pruce
Premier say 45 of the 48 and say they will complete the remaining in the new week – The British Virgin Islands Government, led by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, has failed to meet the August deadline for implementing reforms outlined in the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report, which uncovered corruption within the government. Premier Wheatley stated that 45 of the 48 reforms have been completed and that the remaining reforms will be completed in the coming week.
Governor Daniel Pruce reiterated the urgency of the situation at his August 30 press conference, stating, “We cannot slow down.”
He and Premier Wheatley are scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom for talks with the UK Minister for Overseas Territories to discuss the next steps.
In February, former Minister for the Americas, the Caribbean, and UK Overseas Territories David Rutley issued a stern warning, cautioning that slow progress on the CoI reforms could prompt further British intervention.
“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 statement issued by the Governor’s Office on February 5.
At that time, the government had addressed only twenty-five of the forty-five identified reforms, with just five months remaining before the deadline.
The report warns that failure to meet this deadline could result in the retention of the Order in Council, potentially leading to a two-year constitutional suspension.
The CoI, initiated by former Governor Augustus Jaspert in January 2021, was established to investigate potential corruption and abuse within the public sector.
Inquiry Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom presented a detailed 900-page report on April 4, 2022, highlighting extensive corruption and offering recommendations, including the partial suspension of the constitution to reform the BVI’s governance structures.
Following Premier Andrew Fahie’s arrest in April 2022 on drug and money laundering charges, an interim government led by Premier Natalio Wheatley took office.
Wheatley, who was previously Deputy Premier, led efforts to prevent a constitutional suspension.
In the 2023 elections, political parties pledged to uphold the CoI reforms as part of their commitment to safeguard the territory’s political autonomy.
Premier Wheatley was re-elected in April 2023.
The British Virgin Islands Football Association (BVIFA) has strongly condemned an act of violence that occurred near the Greenland Football Field in East End, Tortola, on Sunday, February 9. In an official statement, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for players, officials, and spectators. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and we will be cooperating fully with the relevant authorities as they investigate this matter,” the BVIFA stated.
According to the association, the shooting took place on a public road long after the final match had ended. “By this time, the teams had already left the field, and the lights had been turned off, though some patrons were still gathered in the vicinity,” the statement read.
The BVIFA urged anyone with information to assist law enforcement and extended its thoughts to those affected. The association also emphasised its dedication to fostering a culture of respect, unity, and sportsmanship, adding that it will continue working with local authorities to enhance security measures at events.
Despite the incident, the BVIFA confirmed that regular training sessions would proceed as scheduled throughout the week. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
A Bronx man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Trevor Hughes, a 49-year-old father of four originally from the British Virgin Islands, following a dispute over a blocked driveway, police said.
Authorities identified the suspect as Lavar Davis, 36, who was taken into custody and charged with murder. The shooting occurred just before 2 a.m. Saturday on Fowler Avenue near Morris Park Avenue.
According to police, Hughes had contacted 311 and the local precinct after discovering a vehicle blocking his driveway. The situation escalated into a confrontation with two men, during which one of them allegedly opened fire, striking Hughes in the stomach.
Emergency responders transported Hughes to Jacobi Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The suspects fled the scene in a Jeep SUV, police said.
Investigators worked through the weekend to track down Davis, who was arrested and charged with murder. It remains unclear whether a second suspect remains at large.
The New York Police Department has urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline.
Story source: www.nydailynews.com
Photo: www.amny.com
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RVIPF Refutes Allegations of Physical Confrontation Between Acting Commissioner and ACP Trevillion
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has pushed back against recent media reports suggesting that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Pam Trevillion was placed on forced leave, calling the claims “erroneous, misleading, and misinformation.”
In a statement issued Monday, February 10, Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool said there was no physical confrontation between herself and ACP Trevillion while clarifying that no investigation of any kind—particularly one related to assault—had been initiated against the assistant commissioner.
Vanterpool urged media outlets to exercise diligence in verifying information before publication, emphasizing the ease with which these claims could have been fact-checked. “Disseminating misinformation and disinformation can have serious reputational consequences—not just for the individuals named, but also for the integrity of the RVIPF as a whole,” she stated.
The acting commissioner declined to comment further on what she described as baseless rumors, making it clear that she does not endorse or recognize the claims circulating in local media.
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