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CoI Reforms: Good start in many areas with positives – Gov Rankin

Despite some concerns over the implementation of CoI reforms in the Virgin Islands (VI) aiming to achieve the deep-rooted reforms in governance, Governor John J. Rankin, CMG stressed that there has been a good start in many areas with many positives. Photo: Facebook/File
Governor Rankin said in Framework document, it was agreed that Cabinet documents relating to tender waivers should be published. Photo: Internet Source
Governor Rankin said in Framework document, it was agreed that Cabinet documents relating to tender waivers should be published. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Despite some concerns over the implementation of CoI reforms in the Virgin Islands (VI) aiming to achieve the deep-rooted reforms in governance, Governor John J. Rankin, CMG stressed that there has been a good start in many areas with many positives.

“To take a number of examples: the Audit Act has been amended to make failure to cooperate with, or impede, the work of the Auditor General a criminal offense; the recommended Police investigations are underway; the Auditor General is conducting the recommended audits,” he said in a statement released on October 19, 2022.

He also pointed to the responsibility for assistance grants being transferred to the Social Development Department with a review of the welfare benefits and grants system now taking place with the support of UNICEF. 

The Review also raised some concerns in particular areas, including the continued use of tender waivers and on making the Register of Interests for members of the House of Assembly more openly available. 

Publishing of tender waivers 

“The CoI found that there was no open tender in two-thirds of all contracts valued over $100,000 between January 2019 and April 2021. This, combined with contract splitting into petty contracts, was a disregard for good governance, transparency and accountability,” he said.

He said they are why in the Framework document, it was agreed that Cabinet documents relating to tender waivers should be published.

“Unfortunately such waivers continue to come forward to Cabinet. I recognize that many of these to date have been legacy issues arising from the practices of the previous administration but it remains important that we avoid tender waivers as much as possible and that the commitment to publication is kept,” the Governor said.

8 Responses to “CoI Reforms: Good start in many areas with positives – Gov Rankin”

  • Bvi voices (22/10/2022, 14:28) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
    We want independence
    • Citizen (22/10/2022, 16:19) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
      I agree. Take your knee off the Virgin Islands neck UK!!!!!! Stay home and try to manage your own affairs, clearly you need as much help as you can get. Let all the governors go home to save your UK and leave us alone.
    • Another BVI voice (22/10/2022, 16:34) Like (4) Dislike (11) Reply
      We need a commission of inquiry into the good governance principles employed by the institution of the Governor's office. As a matter of national security, why are our borders not protected. As a matter of existing non transparency, bias, prejudice, malicious media campaign against the territory including its people, reputation , brand and all other works, why is the commissioner not being investigated for BREACH OF TRUST, for acting ultra vires to the detriment of these islands including creating threats to its financial services and tourism product yet imposing injustices on our hard working people and defaming their name. COI NOW!! with the aim of suspending the institution of a governor and or governor's office and to send the current commissioner packing. COI NOW!!
  • vex (22/10/2022, 17:17) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
    Ranking and Collins need to go they do not practice good governance
    • Josiahsbay (23/10/2022, 10:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      They are UK clones' personalities and demeanor changes but never the agenda or mission.
  • Anonymous (22/10/2022, 17:18) Like (6) Dislike (7) Reply
    WE DO NOT WANT TO HERE ANYTHING FROM A GOVERNOR WHO LIES
  • asking for a friend (22/10/2022, 19:29) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    They still hiring all these white police officers without due process!?
  • Judas Excariot (23/10/2022, 10:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The amount of lies Rankin tells he should have the right to remain silent.


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