Politics
COI REPORT: Governor concerned about slow pace of implementing recommendations
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin has said he is concerned that the “overall pace” of implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report is “slower than expected”.
The governor made those comments in a press statement released Monday, Jan. 13 regarding his second quarterly review of the implementation of the recommendations of the COI Report, — a key mechanism, he noted, for monitoring progress.
Rankin said 15 of 48 recommendations had been completed as of the end of December and various reviews and audits were received in January.
Despite the “positive progress” made over the last four months, including a “positive trend towards open and transparent public procurement”, more work is required, the governor said.
“I am concerned that the overall pace of reform is slower than expected and it is important that the public do not lose confidence. It is essential that together we step up our efforts to achieve these important and urgent reforms, committing resources accordingly. I believe these reforms will lead to a fairer society, whereby public funds are safeguarded and used more effectively to support public services such as education, health and infrastructure,” Rankin said in the statement.
He commented on specific areas of concern: “In my report I also raise concerns that the implementation of reform has on occasion missed the essence of what we are all trying to achieve: open, transparent and accountable governance.
“For example, whilst I assented to the Register of Interests Act in December, I remain concerned that barriers are in place which limit the ability of people to hold their leaders to account. I expect the House of Assembly to return to the issue this year.
“It is also disappointing to see that very little progress has been made in the last few months in progressing and deciding applications for residency and Belongership. It is imperative that the BVI Government 2 prioritises resources to deliver on their commitments. I will continue to monitor this closely,” he said.
BELOW IS THE FULL PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR
Today I am pleased to share with you my second Quarterly Review of the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report. This is a key mechanism for monitoring progress. As of the end of December, fifteen of forty-eight recommendations had been completed. In January, we saw further progress, including the receipt of various reviews and audits.
In my Review I have summarised some of the positive progress made over the last four months, including progress on procurement practices. I am encouraged by the positive trend towards open and transparent public procurement.
More work is however required. I am concerned that the overall pace of reform is slower than expected and it is important that the public do not lose confidence. It is essential that together we step up our efforts to achieve these important and urgent reforms, committing resources accordingly. I believe these reforms will lead to a fairer society, whereby public funds are safeguarded and used more effectively to support public services such as education, health and infrastructure.
In my report I also raise concerns that the implementation of reform has on occasion missed the essence of what we are all trying to achieve: open, transparent and accountable governance.
For example, whilst I assented to the Register of Interests Act in December, I remain concerned that barriers are in place which limit the ability of people to hold their leaders to account. I expect the House of Assembly to return to the issue this year.
It is also disappointing to see that very little progress has been made in the last few months in progressing and deciding applications for residency and belongership. It is imperative that the BVI Government 2 prioritises resources to deliver on their commitments. I will continue to monitor this closely.
I am pleased to report that five reviews and three audits have now been received by myself and the Premier: these include a review of the Commission of Inquiry Act, a review of Welfare benefits & grants, two reviews of Statutory Boards, and a review of Crown Land disposal. Audits have been completed in relation to Assistance Grants, government contracts for consultancy with Claude Skelton Cline and contracts with EZ Shipping for radar barges.
Over the next few weeks, the reviews and audits which have been received will be available to the public once they are tabled in Cabinet, and the House of Assembly as appropriate.
The numerous findings and recommendations within each of the reviews and audits must now be considered and implemented in a way which is timely and in the interests of the people of the BVI.
I continue to welcome the approach of the Premier and Cabinet and their express commitment to the reform process. As Governor, I remain committed to working in partnership with the BVI Government to ensure that these reforms are experienced positively and without delay by the people of the Virgin Islands in their everyday lives.
Local News
Premier Slams Opposition Over “Misinformation” in No-Confidence Motion Debacle
Premier of the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, has condemned the Opposition’s handling of a No Confidence Motion, accusing them of “bungling” the process by failing to comply with the Standing Orders of the House of Assembly.
In his remarks to the public, Premier Wheatley took aim at the Opposition for spreading what he called “misinformation” and for directing “vicious comments” towards the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, whom he insists was not at fault in this matter. “It is unfortunate that some persons have chosen to be selective with the facts,” Wheatley stated, “taking Virgin Islands politics to a dark place.”
The Premier reiterated that while every member of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition has the constitutional right to challenge the Government, “persons cannot on one hand profess to be the vanguards of law and order, and truth and righteousness, and then flout the rules and regulations just because it is convenient to their agenda.”
He further called on the Opposition to apologise to the Speaker for “pre-empting her ruling, walking out of the House while she was delivering her ruling, and casting aspersions against her integrity.” According to Wheatley, “a higher standard of conduct is expected from those who aspire to lead the country.”
The controversy arose from the Opposition’s failure to adhere to the procedures for filing their Motion of No Confidence. The Premier emphasised that the Standing Orders, amended in 2016, clearly distinguish between Government Business and Private Members’ Business. He argued that the Opposition’s motion was categorised under Private Members’ Business, and that the Speaker’s ruling was correct. “A simple reading of the Standing Orders will show that the Opposition’s Motion was clearly Private Members’ Business, and the Honourable Speaker was correct in her ruling,” Wheatley asserted.
Premier Wheatley went on to accuse the Opposition of prioritising political gamesmanship over the completion of critical reforms, claiming that the timing of their Motion was intended to undermine the Government’s efforts to petition the UK for the lifting of the Order in Council. “The Opposition prioritises ‘brownie points’ over the completion of the recommendations and the removal of the threat to suspend our Constitution,” he charged.
As he concluded his statement, the Premier reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the public, highlighting ongoing efforts to repair roads, address infrastructure challenges, and finalise the steps necessary to meet the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. “My Administration remains united and firmly committed to our responsibility,” Wheatley stated. “There is a lot that needs to be done instead of staging walkouts and press conferences.”
He closed by expressing his readiness to engage in debate when the Motion is properly brought forward, adding, “I look forward to responding to the Motion when it does come up for debate, assuming the Opposition complies with the Standing Orders of the House.”
Local News
BVI Premier Seeks Removal of Opposition No-Confidence Motion Over Procedural Errors
British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley has requested the removal of an opposition no-confidence motion from the House of Assembly’s Order Paper, citing procedural inaccuracies in its submission.
The motion, which seeks the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly and calls for new elections, has created a tense atmosphere in the proceedings on September 3.
The Leader of the Opposition, Ronnie Skelton, is barred from introducing the motion, which criticises Premier Wheatley and Finance Minister for a series of alleged failures.
The opposition accuses the Virgin Islands Party (VIP)-led government, in power since April 2023, of worsening the economic outlook, diminishing quality of life, and eroding public trust.
Key points in the motion include Wheatley’s recent admission of a $20 million underestimation in public officials’ salaries, which could strain public resources.
It also criticises the Premier for failing to deliver an economic plan or a tourism strategy, and for mismanaging government assets like the Prospect Reef Hotel and the British Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024.
Other grievances include excessive international travel spending, underfunding of crucial sectors such as education and agriculture, and concerns about the Premier’s handling of infrastructure and public safety.
Further complaints involve the Premier’s unilateral decisions on decolonisation discussions with the UN and acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, which the opposition argues have eroded public trust and accountability.
Residents are closely monitoring today’s House of Assembly proceedings, which are expected to have significant implications.
Local News
Opposition Leader to Introduce No-Confidence Motion Against Virgin Islands Government
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie Skelton, is set to introduce a no-confidence motion against the current Virgin Islands government, citing a series of alleged failures by Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley. The motion argues that since assuming office in April 2023, Premier Wheatley’s leadership has led to a deteriorating economic outlook, declining quality of life, and a lack of public trust in the government.
The motion highlights several key points, including Premier Wheatley’s recent admission in the House of Assembly of a $20 million underestimation in salary increases for public officials, which could place a significant strain on public resources. It also criticizes the Premier for failing to produce an economic plan for the Territory, despite repeated requests from Opposition members, and for a lack of a comprehensive tourism plan to enhance the Virgin Islands’ market share.
Further allegations include the neglect of key government assets, such as the dilapidated state of the Prospect Reef Hotel, the mismanagement of public funds on initiatives like the Virgin Islands Music Festival 2024, and excessive government spending on international travel. The motion also points to the underfunding of critical sectors such as education, small businesses, and agriculture, and raises concerns over the Premier’s handling of the Territory’s infrastructure and public safety challenges.
Additional grievances center around the Premier’s unilateral decisions without public consultation, including his dialogues with the UN on decolonization and his acceptance of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations. The Opposition contends that these actions have undermined public trust and accountability.
The motion concludes with a call for the dissolution of the current Fifth House of Assembly, urging a new election to allow citizens to elect a government in which they can place their confidence.
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