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After much pressure Unity Gov’t finally alerts public of Lord Goldsmith’s visit to VI

- Visit of UK Minister's arrival & itinerary were top secret until media & public pressure
After much pressure from Virgin Islands media and civil society, the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has finally alerted the public on the visit of UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith. Photo: Internet Source
The release further added that the Governor, John J. Rankin CMG while outlining the Minister’s programme welcomed Lord Goldsmith to the Territory on his first official visit to discuss the implementation of the COI recommendations and to help get a greater understanding of the issues facing the BVI. Photo: GIS/Facebook
The release further added that the Governor, John J. Rankin CMG while outlining the Minister’s programme welcomed Lord Goldsmith to the Territory on his first official visit to discuss the implementation of the COI recommendations and to help get a greater understanding of the issues facing the BVI. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – After much pressure from the Virgin Islands media and civil society, the Government of the Virgin Islands (VI) led by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has finally alerted the public of the visit of UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith.

It is unclear, but concerning, that the visit of the OT Minister during this period of Virgin Islands' history was being held as one of 'nature's best-kept secrets', and comes at a time when the UK has been calling for transparency in government, but not seeing it necessary to also be transparent to the territory.

In a release today, February 1, 2023, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced that Lord Goldsmith has arrived in the [British] Virgin Islands on a three-day visit since January 31 and will remain in the VI until February 2, 2023.

“Lord Goldsmith’s visit is to further develop the partnership between the UK and BVI and discuss a range of issues including United Kingdom support for environmental and security projects and implementation of the Commission of Inquiry recommendations,” the release added. 

The release further stated that the Governor, John J. Rankin, CMG, while outlining the Minister’s programme, welcomed Lord Goldsmith to the Territory on his first official visit to discuss the implementation of the COI recommendations and to help get a greater understanding of the issues facing the BVI.” 

Minister to meet with HoA Legislators, Senior officials 

“The minister will meet with elected representatives, senior officials, and community representatives. His programme will focus on both security and environmental issues, with a visit to RVIPF’s Marine Base and to Anegada to see the impact of the Stony Coral Tissues Loss Disease,” the release detailed.

The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith, according to the press release, said he is pleased to have the opportunity to visit the Virgin Islands, adding that he is looking forward to discussions. 

“I am keen to meet the people here and to learn more about the BVI first-hand. I look forward to discussions focusing on the reform programme and how to ensure momentum is maintained,” the Minister for Overseas Territories said.

No photographs of Lord Goldsmith in the territory accompanied the press release.

Local press shut out!

Meanwhile, persons in civil society have complained that such a high-level visit from a UK Minister appeared to have been intended to be a secret from the VI public, which they expressed to our news centre as concerning.

The VI press has also been virtually shut out from meetings with the OT Minister, with no opportunities presented for the press to meet with the Minister.

16 Responses to “After much pressure Unity Gov’t finally alerts public of Lord Goldsmith’s visit to VI”

  • scat (01/02/2023, 19:32) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    What’s up with the secrecy?
    • @ scat (02/02/2023, 07:55) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      because they governor has something to hide!
      • Arrion (04/02/2023, 00:44) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Just another from the UK in a monkey suit with a made-up title to their name as though they are important. I will never address them as such with their swelled heads coming down here as though we are SLAVES in the fields again, trying to invoke fear in us. Get the heck out of here. I call everyone sir and madam or mister and miss. These trumped-up titles are so stupid and I will NOT play their games as though they are better than us. They need to haul their mudda skunts out of here! Sick of looking at them! Enough already!
  • @,,............. (01/02/2023, 20:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pressure mehson !! Ha ha ha!!
  • AH GO SAY BIT AGAIN (01/02/2023, 20:57) Like (23) Dislike (12) Reply
    If you jokers had been so concerned about what the coach was doing vto the country , then you all wouldn't have to be so concerned about the white boy , after all , he isn't the one who created this fiasco , ( incidentally ) you are the upholders by agreeing to anything and everything ( Kim Jong Wong commanded / hence you all were christened as puppets by the honorable minister ,who is also christened on the streets as Trump , all yo ain't tired pretending ? ? ? ????
  • HMMM (01/02/2023, 21:31) Like (7) Dislike (15) Reply
    The Governor and his gang done brainwash this Minister from the UK.
  • Craters (01/02/2023, 21:53) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have two massive potholes between Bobby’s and development bank that needs urgent care.!!!! They could damage someone’s vehicle
  • Madussa (01/02/2023, 21:54) Like (12) Dislike (6) Reply
    They're Here! Alien, not from our world.
  • Josiahsbay (01/02/2023, 21:56) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Simply, put he came with the UK's directives.
    • the people (02/02/2023, 05:36) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      We need a prsss conference...Simple..Let both him and the Premier answer the questions and speak to the people..
  • Agreeable One (01/02/2023, 22:15) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    The Premier works on behalf of the people of the BVI, his agenda/actions should always be about the peoples business. He cannot conduct the people’s business in private. This visit should have been announce in advance of the visit. If he is here and we don’t know then it’s all about the UK business and that is not right. I will say it again, the UK is the UK and will always be the UK. Be vigilant people of the BVI.
    • Josiahsbay (02/02/2023, 07:20) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
      On, the contrary! He works for the Governor that is what the Constitution says and that's who he reports to.
  • @ agreeable one (01/02/2023, 23:14) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    You forgot the ( DIS ) as I DIS ~agreeable one , if you want to know the UK's business , just check vino and you can get to know everything , even what do in their bathroom and all . so your problem solved / vino don't jOke ???? if you think ah lie , just ask , what the king fm had for lunch today
  • Asking For Myself (02/02/2023, 04:31) Like (3) Dislike (10) Reply
    Did he meet with the locals to hear the truth or Collins and ranking high Jack the facts ?
  • bvi (02/02/2023, 04:44) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    If they think here is Africa..let them think again.
  • FEO GOMEZ (02/02/2023, 09:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    LORD LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL you all going call this white boy lord?! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Heck the sun trying to get him up out of here but you all call it LORD? LOLOLOLOLOL


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