Opposition Members in the Virgin Islands (VI) House of Assembly (HoA) have vowed to support the government over what was referred to as a ‘perfect storm’ over several issues in the VI, including matters related to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report. Photo: Facebook

The opposition commitment came via a pledge from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) in the presence of all other opposition members during a press conference this afternoon, March 19, 2024, while adding that they consider the CoI recommendation to be in the best interest of the people for the VI. Photo: Facebook

The opposition commitment came via a pledge from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) in the presence of all other Opposition members during a press conference this afternoon, March 19, 2024, while adding that they consider the CoI recommendation to be in the best interest of the people for the VI.

The Opposition, however, listed several challenges with the implementation including the Register of Interest Act and the possibility of giving the Governor more powers, “We met with the Minister of Overseas Territory and his team when he was here in February and he stressed the importance of government implementing substantially, the recommendation of the CEO report by the end of May,” he added.

“To avoid any further action, including the suspension of provisions in the Constitution whereby giving the Governor more constitutional powers, as an opposition, we have pledged all support and working with the government to implement those recommendations that we consider to be in the best interests of the people of these Virgin Islands,” Hon Skelton said.

He raised issues surrounding the Register of Interest Act and its coverage, including accessibility by the Governor and the Deputy Governor only, “We don't agree with this, if they are included in the register, then it should be all public or all public, that we have for the public register,” he said.

More challenges 

Meanwhile, Hon Skelton said, “We were made aware of the receipt of the CFATF report, which brings 40 recommendations on financial systems of the Virgin Islands. We were also made aware of the minister and her team [and] immediate actions at getting some of these recommendations implemented.”

Hon Skelton added that the opposition believes that the Virgin Islands is, and always has been a well-regulated world standard jurisdiction, “We believe that as opposition, anything that we can assist the government and ensure that the implementation of the recommendations that done in a speedy and efficient manner, but again, it must be in the interests of the people of these Virgin Islands,” he said. 

Hon Skelton further warned that the VI is now at a crossroad where the report has outlined some serious implications in a perfect storm follwing the arrest of former Premier Andrew A. Fahie, Covid and more

He added, “We are here not to bash the Government, but to collaborate with the government to see how we can make the jurisdiction once again a proud place where people can do business both locally and internationally.”