No discussion to scrap Order to suspend VI Constitution during UK visit– Premier
During a One-on-One press Conference today, August 8, 2022, the Premier said, however, that the matter will be addressed as a subject in the Joint Ministerial Conference in November 2022.
When questioned about why an attempt was not made during his recent trip to the UK, the Premier added, “We had some very open discussions and considering where we are in the process, I think we will have to build some more confidence in the United Kingdom that we are going to follow through on our commitments.
“And I made it very clear that we were resolute, and we will go ahead with the reform programme but I felt as though it was necessary to build up the confidence in the United Kingdom Government and in the people of the Virgin Islands that we are serious about following through,” he added.
Order laid in UK in June
The Virgin Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2022' was laid before the United Kingdom (UK) parliament on June 9, 2022, to effectively reserve the right for the Virgin Islands Governor John J. Rankin, CMG to partially suspend the local constitution should the need arise.
This Order will allow for the suspension of certain provisions of the Constitution of the Virgin Islands, Order 2007, in particular those relating to ministerial Government and the House of Assembly, for a period of 2 years from the date the Order comes into force.
If enforced, the Order vacates certain offices, including that of the Premier, and dissolves the House of Assembly. Other offices to become vacant will include that of the Deputy Premier, all other Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Cabinet Secretary.
This will create a Governor-led administration and give the Governor the power to oversee most of the functions of the offices suspended.
Many have described the reserved Order in Council as a gun to the VI's head.
Legislator and backbencher in the National Unity Government Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) had stated that a team should go to the UK to negotiate for the Order to be removed.
He had also said, but later retracted, that the Unity Government was a puppet government, since the Governor was in control.
12 Responses to “No discussion to scrap Order to suspend VI Constitution during UK visit– Premier”
What do you call a politician dancing on strings? Mark had a good point before he changed his mind. This lot of 13 must go, no exceptions!
All of them were part of the COI, none of them showed remorse! All must go!
Courage and determination is all that is needed in a list of 13 new candidates! This unity government is not by the people or for the people! All of you are fired!
I really hope VI can produce 13 new leaders who have not been part in parcel with the past 5 administrations!
Young people, business people, community leaders, please come forward, this is your time! Your vision and your voice will make the difference! Virgin Gorda your district will have a new leader, please make it happen!
Make it count and begin to campaign for your country.