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Governor Pruce says UK Ministers will decide on lifting Order in Council

According to Governor Daniel Pruce, his role was not to determine the future of the Order in Council, but rather to present an accurate and balanced assessment of the Territory’s progress in governance reforms. Photo: Facebook
The ultimate decision on whether to lift the controversial Order in Council, which currently reserves the power for the UK Government to impose direct rule over the Virgin Islands, lies solely with UK Foreign Secretary David L. Lammy, left, and Minister for Overseas Territories Stephen J. Doughty, right, according to Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo: Internet Sources
The ultimate decision on whether to lift the controversial Order in Council, which currently reserves the power for the UK Government to impose direct rule over the Virgin Islands, lies solely with UK Foreign Secretary David L. Lammy, left, and Minister for Overseas Territories Stephen J. Doughty, right, according to Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo: Internet Sources
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The ultimate decision on whether to lift the controversial Order in Council, which currently reserves the power for the UK Government to impose direct rule over the Virgin Islands, lies solely with UK Foreign Secretary David L. Lammy and Minister for Overseas Territories Stephen J. Doughty, according to Governor Daniel Pruce.

The Governor provided clarification during a press briefing on May 9, 2026, and confirmed the decision in relation to the Order in Council will be a decision that sits with the Minister for Overseas Territories and the Foreign Secretary in the United Kingdom, "and that's their judgment, that's their discretion.”

My Role is to submit

The Order in Council, issued in 2022, was a direct response to the Commission of Inquiry (COI) findings into governance failures in the Virgin Islands.

According to the Governor, his role was not to determine the future of the Order, but rather to present an accurate and balanced assessment of the Territory’s progress in governance reforms.

“My role is to submit, as I'm doing today, as accurate and factual and representative a report of where we are as is possible to enable them to make that judgment,” he said.

Additionally, Governor Pruce reminded that his report was only one of several components informing the UK Government’s ultimate decision.

In addition to his report, UK Ministers will consider the self-assessment submitted by the Government of the Virgin Islands, the outcomes of a public feedback exercise, which the Governor announced is now published and available online, and input from UK officials who visited the Virgin Islands in recent months.

The UK has been criticised by regional and international bodies for even considering the recommendation of imposing direct rule on the Virgin Islands.

14 Responses to “Governor Pruce says UK Ministers will decide on lifting Order in Council”

  • Agreeable One (18/05/2025, 10:31) Like (11) Dislike (12) Reply
    It is mind boggling in this day and age that we are here entertaining this barbaric colonial system. We have bought some of it in ourselves BUT the governors over the years watched us walk right into it! WHY? A real existing colonial mindset in motion. My fellow bvislanders let us begin the process of self determination BUT it needs to begin by electing those individuals who can get us there at the next election. We have two main problems, the colonial powers (UK) and our own who lack vision for this beautiful country. We need to find a LEADER, man or woman that can get us there. Too much at stake! ????????
  • pat (18/05/2025, 11:12) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
    Hope the black man looks out knowing the history of slavery and oppression
  • No soft set of newcomers (18/05/2025, 11:29) Like (5) Dislike (15) Reply
    We need all the veteran politicians to be reelected to stand up against these colonial powers.
    • Not lookng good (18/05/2025, 13:05) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
      No water, no Roads, no money, no construction, official travelling out of control, Officials giving themselves big increase, the little money spending badly. Things in decline...Imagine if this thing got lifted.. We dead.
  • My opinion is (18/05/2025, 13:24) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    That the order of consel in regard to the CoI lifting the pressure of our politicians mismanagement of the people of the B.V.I is incomplete, due to the fact that full respect for the betterment for all the B.V.I people intrest is not been, nor is being respected as was promised by our local political leaders now in power. That does not mean that I am for the UK not continuing its efforts to promote, and up its effort where necessary for better governance in all areas of need for a win/win partnership continuation.
    However, unfortunately the better governance that caused the investigation by the CoI lacks proper balance. In other word, and genuine services differ.

  • @no soft set of newcomers (18/05/2025, 13:33) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Its the veteran politicians that got us into this mess. No regard for good governanace or the electorate
    • @@no soft set of newcomers (19/05/2025, 12:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Go back and come forward. It's the wanna B's
  • Sadly (18/05/2025, 17:29) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    enforcement of the Order in Council by the UK to suspend the BVI Constitution, disband the HOA and commence criminal proceedings against all the corrupt elected politicians, their cronies, their pastors and the corrupt civil servants is the ONLY remaining method to eliminate government corruption in the BVI.
  • 2024 (18/05/2025, 18:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    poor political leadership is becoming the downfall of the hard work our forefathers blood, sweat and tears went through in this British Overseas Territory

    The future development of the people is not a priority of the modern day political leadership: travelling all around the globe and make friends with other countries is the mindset

    Just look at our roads: in 2025 and still no adequate Water Supply to the home of residents| in 2025 and yet no stable electricity, power on, power off

    The commission of Inquiry truly have nothing to with average citizens or residents of this Territory but because of the political leadership however you and me may have to pay the penalty associated with the CoI
  • Okro (18/05/2025, 20:30) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    We need people like julian Fraser who have the experience and balls to stand up to the UK and represent the vi. He is not afraid to fight for us
  • Eldread (19/05/2025, 08:40) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I ain't hear no citizens $hitting in their pants about order in council but elected parliamentarian, they don't want to miss that power they enjoying right now to do the people what ever they wand, just pillage the tax payers monies.
  • Outsider (19/05/2025, 11:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    UK has discredited itself. Even though the COI recommendations were flouted & often ignored, there were no consequences. It's the same business as usual as it ever was, with a local government carrying on as if it doesn't need to comply with the law. The Order in Council "threat" or "hope", depending on perspective, is completely hollowed out. It's proven to be just bark with no bite. The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom was entirely correct with his recommendation for direct rule but the UK government didn't have the stomach to take on the ruling of this place. It's a dereliction of duty on a big scale.
  • Stealth (19/05/2025, 12:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’m sure the UK- appointed Guv Daniel Pruce who is the UK ‘s eyes and ears on the ground has an input which will carry much weight. He is more than a potted plant on this issue.Let’s not be fooled. What is his recommendation?
  • WOW (19/05/2025, 12:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please Mr Pruce don't be crazy to suspend this order. The people are in no state to suffer any more under the current leaders. Please be mindful it's not the people Who brought this on. The Govt. ask for it they got It. COI was the best thing for the BVI. Now the order in place please deliver us from the evil of these leaders NOW.


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