Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said he is confident of his government being able to achieve the new August 31, 2024, CoI recommendation implementation deadline for reforms in the VI. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The Premier also thanked the Governor for presenting a fair and balanced review and press briefing on the status of the implementation of the COI recommendations and endorsed the review and its content, which he said reflected the work of our respective teams. Photo: GIS/Facebook

The Premier was at the time speaking at a press conference on May 31, 2024, about the quarterly review released by Governor Daniel Pruce.

“The shared commitment by the Governor and I to meeting the recommended 31st August 2024 deadline is grounded in enhanced levels of collaboration, coordination and communication between our respective teams and all stakeholders.”

The Premier added, “I'm confident that we will achieve the recommended deadline, jointly agreed. I'm also pleased that we can continue our current working arrangement without additional powers being granted to the governor,” he said.

Dr Wheatley detailed that the collaboration is a testament to their shared confidence that the joint plan submitted to the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Honourable David H. Rutley, is both realistic and achievable. 

Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley said beyond implementing the CoI recommendations, the government has committed to ongoing reforms based on the CoI recommendations and other reforms to ensure the massive changes coming out of the implementation of the recommendations are institutionalised and integrated into the daily workings of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Gov't stepped up public engagement - Premier 

“Beginning immediately, we have stepped up our level of public engagement and communication, we'll be keeping the public and media updated on progress through weekly updates on the CoI on the Government of the Virgin Islands' websites and other platforms.”

Dr added that he is looking forward to a successful review of the implementation of the recommendations in September 2024 and to the significant benefits the implementation of the recommendations and the ongoing governance reforms will provide the Virgin Islands in its quest for greater governance and constitutional advancement.

The Premier also thanked the Governor for presenting a fair and balanced review and press briefing on the status of the implementation of the CoI recommendations and endorsed the review and its content, which he said "reflected the work of our respective teams."