2 controversial nominees to CRC advanced by Governor
This was disclosed by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) during a press conference alongside the Governor today, July 1, 2022.
Premier Wheatley said 14 of the 16 nominees were unanimously approved by Cabinet; however, he declined to say who were the two nominees that failed to get unanimous approval.
“Persons brought up experiences… personal experiences they've had with the individuals, they brought up what they believe to be how they've regarded and treated persons from the Virgin Islands,” he said
'Very strong statements' made against the two - Premier
“Very strong statements were made in regard to the two persons, I won't repeat those because of course I'm very careful in terms of how we characterise persons, especially if they don't have the opportunity to be able to defend themselves,” the Premier added.
Our newsroom can confirm that the two controversial nominees are attorneys Tanya Cassie-Parker and Susan V. Demers.
The Premier added that persons also had very strong feelings about the fact the two individuals were nominees of the Governor, and also about how they believed the persons allegedly behaved in various settings as well as how they regard Virgin Islanders.
“I have to say to you I don't personally know the persons. I can only bring to the governor's attention what persons have said,” Premier Wheatley added while saying that a way had to be charted forward with the two parties eventually agreeing on the members.
Governor downplays concerns
Meanwhile, Governor Rankin has indicated that despite the concerns, he was satisfied with his nominations to the committee and the other nominees.
“I am satisfied that all of the persons on the committee, including those who I nominated, are honourable individuals. Individuals who will contribute to the diversity of the committee, will bring their experience to bear in its deliberations and I have no evidence to suggest that it will do anything to the contrary.”
He also added that all the members of the Commission are belongers of the Virgin Islands and that his decision to not compromise on his two nominees was not an act of heavy-handedness.
No high-handed approach - Governor Rankin
“I, of course, was happy to accept the 13 out of 16 members of the Commission who were put forward by the government, I was happy to accept all 13, all those. I don't believe that my making some additional suggestions, suggests a high-handed approach by the Governor… And I believe these people will contribute constructively to the debate.”
It has been alleged by high-placed sources within the National Unity Government the Governor bullied his way in Cabinet to get the two nominees approved, reportedly telling Members of Cabinet that if he was to report to the United Kingdom that his nominations were rejected the UK would not have been pleased.
Some saw this as a threat to suspend the constitution and impose direct rule.
Activists oppose Governor's nominations
In addition to the National Unity Government opposing the two nominations by the Governor, talk show hosts and activists Cindy Rosan and Julio S. Henry have also publicly opposed the two recommendations by the Governor.
Rosan alleged that Cassie-Parker is a former President of the Jamaican Association in the Virgin Islands and during meetings with UK Overseas Minister Hon Amanda A. Milling, she [Cassie-Parker] had allegedly expressed the view that the local constitution should be suspended.
“When the [UK] Minister was here she met with a number of people who are represented on the Constitutional Review Committee and secondly I will not go into what were private meetings and discussed publicly,” Governor Rankin responded.
Our newsroom was unable to get a comment from Cassie-Parkers and Demers but will continue to make attempts.
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83 Responses to “2 controversial nominees to CRC advanced by Governor”
Both ranking and Collins must go fast!!
So your line is weak go take some seats
Wow, them hate locals and bad talk us all the time
It speaks volume to how the politicians thinks about them!!!!!
Any dissent is immediately about destroying that person, or people. :(
Gobe it
Yet another day with John and Mark still in office. You people in the bvi soft soft soft
Now it have difference with him, because he has not or doing things that pleasing to it expected plans
The Governor has the right to choose whom he has picked as CRC members, not you Hon. Natalio Sajande Wheatley, hypocrite.
What proof do you guys have? Thats why you all will not get no support
Talk about issues, no one want to hear anything about race
You guys sound small mined everytime you fall back on race talk
Take my simple advice
John seems more racist than Gus
This continuous talk of people being not from here is what will make the UK come in and suspend the constitution. It’s just ugliness. The attitude has to change.
It is about time for the territory to consider a matter of future political development. How long must we allow ourselves to wave the Union Jack over the Territory. The residents should start to think of severing ALL ties with the British Government at some time in the future.
Question: why did our current Premier approved the 14, by would not agreed to a particular two.
On this particular topic the issue in reference to CRC being reported inconsistence at time. Why? Deception at works. In other words the honest truth about the CRC is not clearly an fully written to the public, but to rather cause division.
In additional in other words, it seems to me that we are at the height of a political civil war.
One time it is reported this way. Some part has been lef out,, and other time on the same topic of interest other or further pieces of information Is add.
Wouldn't it not be far easier to tell, rather give us the fill information on this needed particular topic accurately void of political deception?
If this were to happen, it would be much easier, and better for all.
Deliberate mismanagement of our finances mains the focal issue. Good political governance remains our top goal, political speaking.
Crookedness is one of the engredience in politics worldwide.
All good leaders favour truth, rather the lies, submission under superior higher authority, Love rather that hate, distribution of wealth rather tha personal storing of wealth accumulating, bearing, and sharing of our country wealth all its citizens, that are eligible, not the selected few chosen by greedy politicians and their greedy supporters.
Hon. Julian Frazer said" if it isn't broken, don't attempt to fix it." The BVI at this time is badly broken, Spiritually, socially, and economically. Only our adversary, and his supporters don't want the many unfinished things in our country remain unfixed. True Love is the answer. True faith and good working are extremely vital. If not, false hope is equal to a hopeless dream.