OECS condemns ‘strongly’ Governor’s efforts to undermine legitimate VI Gov’t
The unelected governor appointed by the United Kingdom (UK), John J. Rankin, CMG during a press conference following the publication of his Fifth Quarterly Review on the implementation of CoI recommendations on January 5, 2024, said he would be requesting additional powers from the UK to hasten the implementation process.
The Government of the Virgin Islands, the Opposition, and many residents have objected to the attempt by the governor to bypass the democratic process.
COI Reforms have strengthened VI’s systems & institutions- OECS
The OECS in a statement today, January 16, 2024, said it has “Condemned strongly any efforts to undermine the legitimate Government of the BVI and expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the BVI in the undertaking of the process for reforms.”
The OECS also “commended the considerable diligence” exercised by the democratically elected government and people of the VI and the progress made thus far in implementing governance reforms, “which have no doubt strengthened the BVI systems and institutions, following the elections” which were successfully held in April 2023.
The regional body also said it is aware much work remains to be done in the process for the reforms as recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, and called on the United Kingdom to provide the Government of the Virgin Islands with any required technical assistance to support the process.
The OECS at the same time reaffirmed its willingness to provide technical and other support to the VI [as an Associate Member of the Organisation], in its governance reforms process.
Request for additional powers is ‘flagrant disrespect’- OECS
According to the statement, the OECS has “Noted with deep concern” that efforts to bypass the elected Government of the VI demonstrate a “flagrant disrespect” for fundamental principles of democracy which aim essentially to preserve and promote the dignity and rights of the individual, respect the will of the majority, foster economic and social development, strengthen cohesion of society and to maintain/enhance national tranquility.
The OECS noted “further concern” that the Governor’s request for additional powers is undemocratic, and unwarranted and that such powers could only serve as a deterrent in the ongoing reforms process and would jeopardise the progress that has been achieved; and undermine the democratically elected government of the VI.
It said it has concurred with the views expressed by the Government and people of the VI, that granting additional powers to the Governor is a ‘Colonial Act’ and one which has no place in modern democratic governance in the OECS region.
Respect democracy- OECS to UK
According to the OECS, the historical responsibility for strengthening governance in the VI must rest on the shoulders of the elected representatives and the people of the VI; and “that ultimately will be the guarantee of good governance, and full and transparent accountability; and that the inalienable right of the people of the British Virgin Islands to self-determination, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, must be preserved.”
The OECS “strongly urged” that the Government of the UK “refrains” from granting the undemocratic powers requested by the Governor.
“This act will hinder democracy in the BVI and destroy existing trust between the Government and people of the BVI and the United Kingdom,” the OCES stated.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio. D. Wheatley (R7), in response to the Governor’s surprise announcement had said he would write to the UK Minister for Overseas Territories (OT), Hon David H. Rutley, for support ‘to stay true to democracy’ against the Governor's plan for additional powers the VI.
It is unclear if he has yet received a reply from Minister Rutley.
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40 Responses to “OECS condemns ‘strongly’ Governor’s efforts to undermine legitimate VI Gov’t”
It is Down Island People whose ancestors were in the ship coming from Africa.
It is Down Island People who will realize the fight is against them too.
Only Black People coming together for a cause will help our country.
The Brits cannot change. Let us be poor again, but Never Again, Never shall we be Re-Colonized. Don't try us!! Fix UK first.
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