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No discussion to scrap Order to suspend VI Constitution during UK visit– Premier

- Dr the Hon Wheatley said more confidence needs to be built in the UK before attempt is made
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has indicated that no attempt was made to remove the UK Order in Council to suspend the VI constitution, should the Government of National Unity fail to reform the territory as per the recommendations of the CoI report. Photo: GIS/Facebook
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. Photo: Internet Source
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. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has indicated that no attempt was made to remove the United Kingdom (UK) reserved Order in Council to suspend the Virgin Islands (VI) constitution, should the Government of National Unity fail to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report in a timely manner.

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”

  • Just me. (08/08/2022, 18:22) Like (31) Dislike (6) Reply
    I still think suspension of the constitution was the right move for us to get thing fix and back in order. I don't think any local govt can fix the long huge corruption problem that existed for over 20yrs. The unity set up is trying but, I Ain seeing anything major happening, no shake up in Immigration customs, survey, Ports, all the areas of concern the COI pointed out still going on line normal...Britain need to step in sort things out put things in order then give us back a much better BVI.
  • Election 2023 (08/08/2022, 19:21) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    The people want a real fighter who will stand up for their rights!

    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.
  • jack (08/08/2022, 19:28) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    More lies
  • Reparations pls (08/08/2022, 21:42) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    The people of the virgin islands did not select any governor to lead them. The non elected governor should not have that kind of power to remove who the people selected. The governor along with his uk team will be in for a rude awaking.
    • Reparation for all oppress people. (09/08/2022, 05:39) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Expats too, who being here over ten years and were wilfully and unlawfully subjected to deceptive oppression .
    • @ Reparations pls (09/08/2022, 18:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      White people disliking your comment I see. We did not vote for colonizers to rule over us!
  • Just saying (09/08/2022, 07:07) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    We need to reset we need general elections NOW!
  • Hmm (09/08/2022, 07:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't understand the logic!!!!
  • josiah'sbay (09/08/2022, 09:17) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    People of the VI wake up from your fantasy we have no Constitution, we don't have one now and we didn't have one before. Who can suspend a peoples' constitution other than the people? What we have is a colonial document that tell us what we may or may not due. The world and the UN says colonialism must end but we sign off on its imposition on us. The Order in Council must be rescinded for us to have any semblance of a constitution. We talk partnerships and negotiations when the reality is they don't exist. The way I see it we have two choice, go independent or choose to be apart of the UK and become UK citizens with no privilege's or advantages. Stop wasting time and make a decision. We are afraid to loose our identity and the little power that we have, which we will loose anyway as we default into integration with the UK. People are clamoring for an election only to put a new set of people into the Governor's control. Until the Order in Council is rescinded it makes no sense to have an election. We'll simply be creating a Government that is the staff of the Governor.
    • @ josiah'sbay (09/08/2022, 12:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      … and we have leaders that are not fit to lead a cow to the pasture. Next election they have to Go, except for one or two! Especially Sowande Mr. kiss up must go! Worst leader in the VI Ever!


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