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16 approved by Cabinet as Constitutional Review Commission Members

- Premier Wheatley said 14 nominees were unanimously approved
Some of the Members of the Constitutional Review Commission, as approved by Cabinet. From top left: Mrs Lisa E. Penn-Lettsome, Chairman; Ms Janice Stoutt, Deputy Chairman; Dr Charles H. Wheatley. From bottom left: Mr. Ronnie W. Skelton; Ms Noni M. Georges and Mr Rajah A. Smith. Photo: VINO/GIS/File
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced 16 names who have been approved by Cabinet as Members of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC). He said 14 were unanimously approved by Cabinet. Photo: Facebook
Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced 16 names who have been approved by Cabinet as Members of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC). He said 14 were unanimously approved by Cabinet. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has announced 16 names who have been approved by Cabinet as Members of the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC).

The Premier, during a press conference alongside Governor John J. Rankin, CMG today, July 1, 2022, also said 14 of the nominees were unanimously approved by Cabinet.

He declined to say who were the two nominees that failed to get unanimous approval.

Commissioners of CRC

Premier Wheatley said the Members of the Constitutional Review Commission, as approved by Cabinet, are Mrs Lisa E. Penn-Lettsome, Chairman; Ms Janice A. Stoutt, Deputy Chairman; Dr Charles H. Wheatley; Mr Ronnie W. Skelton; Mrs Bernadine A. Louis; Reverend Dr Melvin A. Turnbull; Dr Benedicta P. T. Samuels; Dr Steve S. Lennard; Ms Maya M. Barry; Mr Sendrick E. Chinnery; Ms Noni M. Georges; Mr Coy W. Levons; Mr Rajah A. Smith; Sir C.M. Dennis Byron; Mrs Tanya Cassie-Parker; and Ms Susan V. Demers.

According to Premier Wheatley, the biggest challenge for delivery by all concerned was Recommendation A2, concerning the Constitutional Review Commission.

“As you know, the forthcoming Constitutional Review will consider the aspirations and changes the people of the Virgin Islands wish to see in their next constitution.”

Despite 2 of the nominees not getting unanimous approval in Cabinet, Premier Wheatley said representation of the interests of the Virgin Islands is robust and the people of the Territory can be assured that their perspective will be strongly represented.

“I employ each Constitutional Commissioner to carry out their duty with integrity and with a view to what is in the best interest of the people of these Virgin Islands that builds on the constitutional progress we have made as a people since 1950.”

2 of Governor’s nominees were opposed in Cabinet

Virgin Islands News Online understands that the two nominees who failed to get unanimous approval in Cabinet were names recommended by Governor Rankin.

The 2 nominees were still approved by Cabinet, as Governor Rankin did not withdraw the controversial submissions.

The Unity Government had proposed that the Governor make 3 recommendations to the Constitutional Review Commission, something that some in the public are uncomfortable with.

27 Responses to “16 approved by Cabinet as Constitutional Review Commission Members”

  • Peaches (01/07/2022, 12:27) Like (16) Dislike (8) Reply
    Good selection.
    • Who you? (02/07/2022, 07:12) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      I am 100%local, but let me bite into a piece of this.
      Here we are drilling into two members that were nominated by the Governor for whatever ,come what may .they maybe belonged or what, but who gave them that status had to be one of ours. If that was deserving well so be it why complain.
      Now I see some (a few) nominees by our own home boys that really threw me down. What could they have been thinking if it ain't about votes and friend/ass(so-ci ci-ates). But I won't call any names

      Do you all think that this is one of the RODEOS(SINCE IT WAS NOT THE FIRST ONE). Come on man let's get serious if atlases for once, then it might become contagious.
      Oh God, send help.
  • kj (01/07/2022, 12:54) Like (18) Dislike (27) Reply
    Set of loosers
  • Uk partnership (01/07/2022, 12:58) Like (5) Dislike (14) Reply
    2 of the governors nominees not approved by cabinet. So tell me if they wont approved by the majority. How this come they still on the commission. This not a partnership, sound more like a dictatorship. I know Ms. Demers she is a nice person, but the one Parker lady idk her at all.
    • Simple Answer (01/07/2022, 13:38) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
      Tanya is a Managing Partner at Harneys.
      • Citizen (01/07/2022, 14:36) Like (3) Dislike (15) Reply
        Who cares, you really don't know this woman. She is not as nice as you may think.
        • Secret Bear (02/07/2022, 13:35) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
          I didn't realize being nice was a requirement for interpreting constitutional matters. Who cares if she's nice if she has the skills needed for the job.
  • Agenda driven (01/07/2022, 13:32) Like (47) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well that is a pretty one sided group of people and a few that are more than a little compromised ethically. Like all things in the BVI they never want to have people with opposing views to come up with the best plan forward with all angles considered for the people. They just pick everyone that will agree with the agenda, and there you are.

    Same as the fools on the radio. If you put a groups on there with opposing points of view the conversation would have substance. But no, they have to all agree on the same thing and spout off $hit with never a dissenting or opposing voice just so they feel good and think they're telling the people gospel truths. There have no agenda other than promoting a singular view.
    • Citizen (01/07/2022, 14:34) Like (13) Dislike (10) Reply
      Yes this is their country. Can anyone of them go in your country and be placed on any boards?
      • Agenda driven (01/07/2022, 19:05) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        I'm from this country you moo moo ! This is exactly what I mean! You disagree, you can't be BVI. Really? We don't agree, and I am teh one that must be wrong? This is why we go nowhere in this damn country! Set of jokers.
      • @ Citizen (02/07/2022, 08:43) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
        God Bless you: some on in this country have no say in place where they from it is because of BVI they can have an enjoyable life style

      • Jamdom (02/07/2022, 11:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        For your information if you live in the country legally for 4 years you can apply for naturalization and once you are Naturalized and get your passport no one ask or is constantly reminding you of where you are from. You are a Jamaican period.
  • Peonia (01/07/2022, 14:24) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    I like the fact that they nominated Bernadine Lious,she is very educated ,honest and a trustworthy person.
  • rubber duck (01/07/2022, 15:07) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    What does rajah bring ? Better they had put on Cindy
  • @Peonia (01/07/2022, 15:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    You are so right about Ms. Louis I second ur Motion
  • More Xpats Representation.. (01/07/2022, 15:37) Like (35) Dislike (15) Reply
    The committee needed a few more Xpats to bring strong representation. We help build this place now these ungrateful people want to shut us up and shut us out..I recommend Paul on the Ball Hewlett as an addition..Yep....Britain made a mistake they should have just suspended the constitution and avoid all this..
    • minute man (02/07/2022, 07:50) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      @Mire Expats...parte of your comments shows who you really are. A dam ungrateful ingrate.
  • again? (01/07/2022, 16:57) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is heartening to observe that our people have begun to speak out more. Let's hope this trend continues, and even more people add their voices to the chorus - we are not happy with what is going on, despite the COI recommendations and the promise of a change from the usual (and incorrect) way things were being done here.

    It is distressing, though, that whether through arrogance or sheer ignorance, our elected reps continue to be short-sighted. Look at some of the people selected for the Constitutional Committee. We see the cronyism and nepotism staring us in our faces (again); the lack of transparency in some areas is still obvious.

    Business as usual. Disgusting!
  • josiah'sbay (01/07/2022, 19:41) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    It would be helpful if Vino put a letter designation next to the user name of the commentators.
    Example:
    VI = Virgin Islander
    B = Belonger
    EX = Expat
    Or take an occasional poll.
  • BUSY BEE (01/07/2022, 20:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats to all, especially the esteemed Susan Demers!, one couldn’t find a better, more principled jurist.
  • Forbidden Truth (02/07/2022, 07:48) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Hill man and Walters who used to work Immigration should have been on that Committe. They are not for sale and they love their country. But ok. Hope this group is sober,fair and inclusive in their deliberations and conclusiones.
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (02/07/2022, 10:05) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Our current Governor John J. Rankin that has appointed, and approved two, (2) as far as I have read Constitution Review Commetee members that have not been warmly accepted by our current Premier. He, our current Premier has appointed and approved sixteen (16) persons to the Constitution Review Commetee. I have not read or heard of any oposition against his appointed and approved persons by our current Governor.
    Our current Governor John J. Rankin was appointed Governor to represent the UK's government interest in the BVI. He is the Chief official of this country. Our current Governor is in a subjective position in him.
    Because of mismanagement of our finances, particularly, the CoI 48 recommendations according to plan and time must be fulfilled. Our current Unity Government under the our current Premier lead, Dr. Hon. Natalio Sajande Wheatley has agreed to comply with these recommendations.
    It is clear to see by those of us that have good understanding, that he does not intend to fully complied by submission to their righteousness principles for good governance sake.
    Truly what many, and I can clear see is a dictator, like the former Premier Andrew A. Fahie only pretending to embrace democracy values, very well knowing that he is lying to us. Good leaders has submissive hearts. Good governance are lead by people with submissive hearts, nor dictiorial political mindset.
    Our main political goal is to be lead by honest political leaders, not robbers of our finances for their own, their families, their cronies, and other local government employees personal interest, but rather for the good of all our citizen, and all those that are living among us, visitors included.
    The above written honest and is factual.
    (Like or dislike)
  • Sooo Sad (02/07/2022, 21:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This 2 ratio .. appointment is bring out the hidden division of the people who is representative of the society . This is a multicultural society , what is so wrong to have multiculturalism representation in the reforms of the constitution . You all sound like racist white America republicans who did not want black, Asian and Spanish representation in the US … work them , marry them, use them but no representation… Glass ceilings are shattering no matter what you all do.
    Andrew downfall has set the ball rolling
    See who is your First Lady ?
    God know exactly how to set the captives free
  • susan (03/07/2022, 05:28) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is not a nice person. To this day she don’t want unvaccinated persons in her office, including clients.. She still holding on to the vaccination crap which is so abhorrent..
    • Uh hum (04/07/2022, 11:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Second you Susan.
      The worl ode juice does not prevent or stop individuals from passing on the pestilence to another.
      The sooner mankind get it through their heads the better.
      Even the CDC repeatedly reveals that persons of world order juice can pass on the pestilence, it is evident.


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