– Implementation of COI Recommendations Completed

The Government of the Virgin Islands has officially completed the implementation of all 48 recommendations stemming from the Commission of Inquiry (COI), following the enforcement of cabinet-approved regulations for the final two legislative pieces.

At a press conference held on February 11, Premier the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley confirmed that the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024 and the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act, 2024 now have detailed regulations in place, marking what he described as a significant procedural milestone.

“I’m pleased to confirm that Cabinet has approved both sets of regulations, which are now enforced,” Premier Wheatley stated. “This submission represents the culmination of our government’s work to address the COI’s 48 recommendations.”

The Premier also announced that a self-assessment report was submitted to UK Overseas Territories Minister, Hon. Steven Doughty, MP. The report outlines the territory’s progress and underscores its commitment to long-term reform under the Governance Reform Transition Plan, which was approved by Cabinet on April 30, 2025.

According to Premier Wheatley, public officers began implementation of the plan prior to its formal adoption to ensure “momentum was not lost.” The reform framework includes monitoring the implementation of 17 laws, 10 policies, and related processes, alongside structural changes such as the creation of a Governance Reform Unit within the Premier’s Office.

“We have maintained the successful mechanisms that supported COI implementation, such as regular meetings of senior managers and consistent collaboration with the Governor’s Office,” he noted.

The Virgin Islands government’s progress will now be reviewed as part of a comprehensive assessment process led by Minister Doughty. This review will include input from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, along with public consultation.

The Premier expressed confidence that the assessment will support the lifting of the Order in Council, which was put in place in 2022 and would have allowed the UK to suspend parts of the territory’s constitution if reforms were not completed.

“I am confident that these elements, taken together, will affirm our government’s belief that the Virgin Islands has fulfilled the spirit, intent, and letter of the framework agreement,” said Wheatley. “Therefore, it would be just for the Order in Council to be lifted, restoring full democratic self-governance to our people.”

The Commission of Inquiry was launched in 2021 by the UK government to investigate allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and governance failures in the Virgin Islands. The resulting report issued 48 recommendations aimed at improving accountability and transparency in public administration.

With the formal implementation of all recommendations now complete, the territory awaits the outcome of the UK-led review process.