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Governor 'disappointed' with progress of some CoI reforms

- Issues warning for concerns to be addressed
Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, left, seen here alongside Attorney General Dawn J. Smith, has raised concerns over slow progress in some areas of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO/File
The Unity Government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has been pressured to speedily address the areas of concern outlined by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, who said he does not want new governance issues arising. Photo: GIS/File
The Unity Government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has been pressured to speedily address the areas of concern outlined by Governor John J. Rankin, CMG, who said he does not want new governance issues arising. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has raised concerns over slow progress in some areas of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the Virgin Islands (VI) under the “Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms” (“the Framework document”), being led by the Government of National Unity.

In his first quarterly review as part of the requirements of the Framework document that was agreed upon between the UK and the VI, the Governor said while some areas of the reform have seen good progress, others have not.

'I note a number of areas of concern'- Gov Rankin

“However, in the quarterly review, I note a number of areas of concern where there has been less progress than expected, and where I have been disappointed with the level of commitment to reform.”

According to the Governor, areas include amendments to the Register of Interests Bill which restrict access to the Register and would only make it publicly available in the most limited way.

Further, he pointed out a resistance encountered to some of the nominations for the Constitutional Review Commission which he says ran contrary to the importance of the Commission being representative of the VI as a whole; and the continued tender waivers being put forward to Cabinet with insufficient justification.

“The overarching aim of the CoI and this reform programme is to improve governance, accountability and transparency for the benefit of all of the people in the British Virgin Islands. It is essential that the areas of concern I have outlined are addressed and that new governance issues do not arise,” the Governor warned.

Quarterly Report sent to UK for 'consideration'

Meanwhile, Governor Rankin has indicated that the quarterly review has been sent to Ministers in the UK for consideration with a press conference forthcoming following a response.

The review also includes a summary of progress against deadlines for implementation of the CoI recommendations and it highlights a number of key areas, including investigations and audits; reviews of policy and governance; appointments to statutory boards; reform of assistance grants; tendering of contracts and law enforcement reform.

“As required by the Framework document, it also includes an assessment of the political culture exhibited in the day-to-day running of government,” he added.

31 Responses to “Governor 'disappointed' with progress of some CoI reforms”

  • stand up (05/10/2022, 19:19) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    Stop fighting against your family and focus on your adversary(the pope paul connection)

    • The COI. (06/10/2022, 04:49) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
      It was made clear that immigration dept have committed huge human rights violations for years by disregarding the constitution to oppress a certain people, that derserves rsporation and punishment, yet, no signicant changes made by this unity govt, as s matter a fact the old system continues, people are actually hand picking who to process, using their office to oppress and continue to ignore the process.. This COI was such an Eye opener, it did it part, it did a good Job,, The governor making the good the good COI findings and work look bad. Simple, fail to comply suspension, there must be consiquences or problems wont get solved.
    • The Poli.Farmer (06/10/2022, 06:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      What I cannot understand is how is it that the Government of National Unity through the many hosted press sessions with Premier Hon Dr. Wheatley and the media on reform updates, never have we the people been informed and kept up to date with the concurrence of such default and displeasure being expressed by the Governor in regards to the reforms.

      Full Transparency with the Public is paramount to the act of good Governance. These updates of progress and issues reflected in the Review by the Governor should of already been know to us the people through our Leader and Premier!!!

      tis like a threatening slap in our face of democracy.

      And that is the REAL reasons I ranted for amendments to be made to Section III of The Framework - to reflect the inclusion of the public/ electorate as one of the main actors in the process. It is the only way FULL transparency could be upheld.

      I knew tis here we would of end up.
  • Get real Mr. Governor. (05/10/2022, 19:42) Like (49) Dislike (16) Reply
    So you really think that any local leader has the balls, courage, skills and bravery to talk or instruct some of these long time powerful intimidating corrupt civil servants.. COI implementation will be only realized and happened by direct rule, only Britain can bring the change the BVI needs.
  • ha (05/10/2022, 20:14) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ayuh gon learn how they operate
    • asking for a friend (05/10/2022, 21:31) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
      Slowanda thinks he can fool the white man with 400 years of slavery, white supremacy and oppression

      You all will hear
  • Windy (05/10/2022, 20:42) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    The sell out premier get the first lick from the enemy who he thinks he can out smart
    • Blame Britain.. (06/10/2022, 04:29) Like (24) Dislike (7) Reply
      Britain made a weak and unwise move, expecting the same people who create the problems,, who enjoy the benefits of corruption to weed out corruption.. Britain is disappointing. They have to blame themselves.. .
      • @ Blame Britain (06/10/2022, 17:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        You are correct.

        It was shocking that the UK got sweet-talked, gaslighted into believing rats would secure the cheese and not eat it.
    • @ Windy (06/10/2022, 06:34) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      “the sell out premier” what will you call the former leader of the territory who now sit under the watchful eye of American judicial system. all now, not one word from our former premier to the people.

  • Sambo (06/10/2022, 00:53) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    The alleged admittance the other day by the governor that he allowed the DEA to come into the BVI to investigate corruption by some local leaders, having denied the action before, is indicative of the plan to suspend the BVI constitution and insert direct rule. That is still the plan. The UK has/had the power to impose its desires on the BVI who was a severe disadvantaged position. The Unity Government led by Premier Natalio Wheatley was powerless in negotiating with the UK government which possess all the power. It was used as pretension pawn. The Unity Government suffering from Stockholm Syndrome and in a Hobson’s choice situation under duress (threat) had no choice but to sign the one-sided and unbalanced agreement with the UK. The alternative was not a desirable or a preferable option. The bottom line offered was agree with us or else. The UK held the 4 aces and two jokers and got the Unity Government to agree to actions with a short timeline that the UK knew that they ( Unity Government) would be challenged and struggled to meet. The agreement was poorly negotiated; the terms not fair, reasonable and unbalance. However, in the quest to grab power, the Unity Government guzzled down the bait.

    If the UK government, as the administering power, were truly and honestly fix itself, it would have provided the administrative and technical assistance. But it was trying to make a point, a long held belief, ie, countries, especially former colonies and Caribbean OTs, led by Blacks are corrupt. The CoI and the arrest of former Premier A. A. Fahie seal the deal. Agree with former financial secretary L. Allen Wheatley who is advocating for the UN and other world bodies to monitor and the assist the BVI in implementing the COI.
    • Quiet Rebel (06/10/2022, 15:14) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The Unity Gov. is out of its depth in dealing with the UK. It provided a soft landing place for the UK, providing the UK to do what it has historically done, ie, divide and conquer. Wherever the UK goes and has been, it has engineered tribalism, supporting the faction it can control. Here is a news flash. There is an adversarial relationship between Caribbean OTs governors and local governments. In the modern era, the people should select/elect a governor, not forced upon the people. The UK-appointed governor represent the crown, not the people. Most of the governors coming to the territory are snakes in the grass with an air of supremacy. But this is part and particle of colonialism and the Empire. Why are certain OTs assigned to different ministers? Why are crown dependencies treated differently than OTs? Why are no parts of the vast former British Empire have not been integrated into the UK? How did Matthews, a visitor to the BVI, get on the Port Board so quickly? Is it special privileges?
      • Quiet Warrior (07/10/2022, 09:03) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        “Why are no parts of the vast former British Empire have not been integrated into the UK? “ Well, the colonies and the brutes, beasts, heathen, and inferior, second class citizens, sun-human in them were only useful for their exploited cheap/free labour, steady supply of raw material, use as a penal colonies, marine ports, soldiers during WWI and WWII, meet labour shortage after wars, rape of local women, etc. Their usefulness needed, it was be gone. I don’t want you in my backyard. What does the CMG behind Rankin’s name emblematic of?
  • Forbidden Truth (06/10/2022, 03:19) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    Hag looking AG. Need to learn to dress the part.
    • How (06/10/2022, 09:04) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      ...is your opinion of the AG's wardrobe relevant to this story? She could be wearing a garbage bag and still stand out next to you. She is intelligent, she is not in a beauty pageant or would you rather have a beauty queen with no brains to match you?
      • Hmm (07/10/2022, 06:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The name calling is not appropriate. However, the AG should try to improve her disheveled appearance. At this moment, we also need our public servants to appear confident and prepared.
  • MeWin (06/10/2022, 04:33) Like (9) Dislike (8) Reply
    I had a bet months ago that deadlines will not be met after all its the BVI we talking about, its our culture where badmindedness, conniving, envious, lazy people and our entitlement by having our BH degree (born here degree). Why expect differently, no accountability and commitment... they will learn
  • resident (06/10/2022, 06:57) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    the chicken coming home to Nat. He loves power so he accepted all the recommendations and did not inform the people so now look the mess he left us in
  • Knew that would happen (06/10/2022, 07:22) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is what happens when A SPINELESS, SOFT WEAK-BACK PREMIER MADE DEALS WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH THE PEOPLE.
  • from here (06/10/2022, 08:50) Like (8) Dislike (12) Reply
    uk should take the island long time ago. ..
  • tracking (06/10/2022, 08:53) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    i thought this party would do something for the people ... but nothing...nothing new.
    just tell me one good thing they has done just 1.....Road in bad condition, light bill like never before
    gasoline up in the sky,
  • Citizen (06/10/2022, 10:55) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    He needs to pay attention at what going on in the UK. No wonder all of them flocking here because they all are suffering in the UK. Soon the pounds will be less than an EC dollar. They cannot even handle the crisis in their country, he wants to be playing boos in ours.
  • Observer (06/10/2022, 11:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am questioning myself and wounded how former COP Matthew got on port board. I am here for 35 years and a man could just come and get on a board.
  • hey (06/10/2022, 21:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    READ MY LIPS AND NOTE THIS DATE. That is the excuse / tatic used to withhold elections. Don't be fooled, get your plaque cards ready to march. There will be no elections.
    Mr. Premier, tell your people the truth. You are not in charged, they are.
  • Hmm (07/10/2022, 06:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The UK DID NOT create the problem that we are facing now. The UK did not arrange for the territory to be used as a major drug and narcotics distribution hub. The UK government did not arrange to distribute public funds under the pretext of an economic stimulus package. The UK did not encourage the government to hire ex convicts to sit on Boards. I can go on and on.

    We are upset because we are being forced to clean up our act. Persons are livid that then governor said he authorized DEA agents to assist but are not even concerned that our former premier would open his drug meetings in prayer or would engage and obeah man to put the entire country under witchcraft!

    We are in this position because of our hubris and pride goes before a fall. It seems we would prefer to have the former premier back in power than to see the corruption removed from our government.


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