Gov’t looking forward to working with Governor on CoI reforms – Dr Wheatley
“Your appointment comes at a critical juncture in the United Kingdom’s (UK) historical relationship with the Overseas Territories (OTs). The Joint Declaration recently agreed between the UK and OTs based on democratic principles, consultation, mutual responsibility, and mutual accountability was an important step in reframing our modern partnership for the 21st century,” he said during the swearing-in ceremony on January 29, 2024.
The Premier said the Joint Declaration with the UK, for the first time in a long time, outlines a pathway for the greater self-determination of those Overseas Territories who wish it.
“I highly commend UK Minister for the Overseas Territories the Honourable David H. Rutley for his leadership in the joint development and approval of the Declaration. I look forward to welcoming him here next week for the very first time and to continuing the very constructive and good working relationship we have established. He has been instrumental in strengthening UK’s relationship with the BVI.
He added that he is looking forward to working closely with the Governor as alot hinges on the relationship between the Governor and Premier in the local political system, “I will be a good partner as we carry out our respective constitutional roles.”
Further, Premier Wheatley said his Ministerial colleagues also look forward to working with you in Cabinet and on other areas of our partnership, “We are hoping that by the end of your tenure, there will be a stronger public service and improved security across the Territory. We of course are committed to working with you in these areas to help support their strengthening.
Urgency shared on Governance reforms
He said on governance reforms, all parties share the sense of urgency in completing the remaining governance reforms while thanking the team at the Governor’s office for their constructive approach as we have taken steps to accelerate implementation.
“My Ministerial and Honourable colleagues and I know that the people of the Virgin Islands are depending on us to complete the remaining governance reforms and we will deliver.
The Premier said the mission is to build a model democracy in which the people of the Virgin Islands thrive, and their business is rooted in ironclad commitment to good governance as Governance reform is also the vehicle for achieving greater autonomy.
“Democracy has been important to the people of these islands since 1950 when the legislature was finally restored and remains even more relevant today, especially after our recent free and fair General Election in April 2023 where the voters elected 13 Representatives to the House of Assembly,” he added.
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10 Responses to “Gov’t looking forward to working with Governor on CoI reforms – Dr Wheatley”
The time is now for the self-pleasing political leaders of the BVI to let their action speak for them rightfully, not their mouth wrongfully.
In other word, man up or boy out, fired. In further others words, employees don't exercise power over their BOSS, the UK and the people of the BVI.
All peoples are endowed with and to seek and live their own freedoms. The current political mechanisms that are based on out dated colonialism and imperialism politics must cease to exist. They are inappropriate and wrong for the 21st century.