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Governor warns against new governance issues under Unity Gov’t

- says ‘much hard work’ still to be done in execution of CoI reforms
While expressing disappointment in the rollout of Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the VI, Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has warned the Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley Government of National Unity against any new Governance issues as the reforms are implemented. Photo: VINO/File
The Government of National Unity led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has been warned against any new governance issues, as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the VI are implemented. Photo: Facebook/File
The Government of National Unity led by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has been warned against any new governance issues, as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the VI are implemented. Photo: Facebook/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– United Kingdom-appointed Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has warned the Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) Government of National Unity against any new governance issues, as the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the VI are implemented.

Governor Rankin in an October 4, 2022, statement, reminded that the overarching aim of the CoI and its reform programme is to improve governance, accountability and transparency for the benefit of the people of the Virgin Islands.

“It is essential that the areas of concern I have outlined are addressed and that new governance issues do not arise,” he warned.

According to the Governor, much hard work remains to be done and he said the next few months the VI will start to see the outcomes from the various reviews, audits, and investigations that are underway.

“The next stage will include consideration of those outcomes and the actions required as a result. Some are likely to involve difficult discussions and further much-needed change to previous practices.”

Gov commits to 'deep-rooted' change 

The Governor assured that the UK will continue to work with the Premier and VI Government to ensure that the necessary steps to improve governance are taken.

“As Governor I remain committed to ensuring that change in the Territory is deep-rooted and that there is an ongoing and sustained effort to improve governance, transparency, and accountability in the interests of the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Meanwhile, calls continue to mount for the removal of the UK Order in Council to suspend the VI constitution should the Unity Government fail to implement reform as laid out in the framework for implementation between the UK and VI, to be removed. 

Many have compared the Order to that of holding a gun to the VI's head, arguing that it is not reflective of a true partnership.

16 Responses to “Governor warns against new governance issues under Unity Gov’t ”

  • Just saying (07/10/2022, 10:10) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The snowman got in a trap
  • lol (07/10/2022, 10:22) Like (29) Dislike (5) Reply
    He is setting the tone for when he suspends the Constitution in January 2023 paving the way for a Council to be appointed and no elections until 2025. Screenshot it, save it, remember I said it.
  • No, many have not... (07/10/2022, 10:27) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    No... Many people have NOT "... compared the Order to that of holding a gun to the VI's head, arguing that it is not reflective of a true partnership."
  • YES TO THE UK (07/10/2022, 10:46) Like (14) Dislike (40) Reply
    The UK failed us by putting people in power who were part of the problems they have failed so it's time for the UK to take us over if they don't they to have failed us.
    • No to the UK (07/10/2022, 11:27) Like (63) Dislike (21) Reply
      If you want to be governed by colonisors or the whiteman go to one of those countries. Don't come here advocating for what our ancestors fought against
      • Ho,ho (07/10/2022, 12:26) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
        Hey no to Uk ,there is no such a contry like you saying,Now in modern days we all mixt,
        So you endup been the colonisor,each contry as its fought agains someting its time to go over your old f. ..mentality
    • Strupps (07/10/2022, 15:17) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
      so, you are waiting for the colonizers to save the BVI? The ancestors of the people who enslaved our ancestors?
  • WEW (07/10/2022, 10:50) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
    Have to agree with lol. Just geting everyone primed for the big shoe to drop. I believe it's sooner than January 2023, before the end of the year. Can't wait, then the criminal charges come out. :-)
  • Buckingham (07/10/2022, 11:09) Like (11) Dislike (27) Reply
    dictatorships modern day style: look like the people have no say in these matters: the governor is another fedel castro(white power!!!! KKK ✔️
  • Native Senior Citizen of the British Virgin Islands (07/10/2022, 12:52) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Unity Government had already agreed to the requirements to adhered, and fully complyed with the CoI recommendations. Governor John is warning is not a bluffing. His warning to the Unity Government is a very serious one. He has demanded from the Unity Government strick complyance in regards to the CoI recommendations. like it or not changes from how many things have been done contridicted good governance. The past is gone. Better governance in the interest of the people of the BVI is expected from the Unity Government now. Take warning serious rather than regret painfully. The choice is ours to make.
    "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap." Same does a country. Believe it or not.
  • Waiting for the shoe to drop (07/10/2022, 13:26) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    If we would only police ourselves, others wouldn't have the need or desire to. I agree with lol.
  • tola (08/10/2022, 08:47) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    What has the unity government achieved since its formation? The governor in his 3 month review indicate financial accountability issues still plague the government. Why can't this be fixed.
  • It's Time (08/10/2022, 14:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    All jokes aside, Virgin Islanders must begin to discuss what we want our future to look like. Makr no misrakes, a U.K. rule is NOT in our best interest. Perhaps we need to start having serious discussions about self determination.
  • @ It's Time (08/10/2022, 19:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Serious discussions about self determination require serious leadership. Where is it. A bunch of self seeking jokers...waste of time.


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