Order in Council to suspend HoA & Cabinet ‘on reserve’- VI Governor warns
The Governor was at the time delivering on the way forward during a press conference today, June 8, 2022, alongside Premier Wheatley on the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.
Governor Rankin said, as laid out in the CoI proposal to be published today, regular updates will be provided against millstones with each government ministry and department providing monthly delivery reports on milestones.
“And I will formally assess progress every three months, before sending a quarterly update to the Foreign Secretary in the UK. And this will continue throughout the full period of CoI implementation,” he added.
UK will take action on frustrated progress – Governor
“If the Government of National Unity or any subsequent government, fails to deliver any of the milestones without reasonable justification or I assess that progress is being frustrated in any way, the UK Government and I will take action to protect the interests of people here.”
He said that action will include a continuing option of temporary suspension of the House of Assembly and Cabinet with a temporary governor-led interim administration, assisted by an Advisory Council to drive forward the implementation of any outstanding recommendations.
According to the Governor, the UK Government has put in place the framework to suspend cabinet and the HoA through an Order in Council.
Powers to suspend HoA, Cabinet ‘on reserve’
“This is the procedural order put before the Privy Council in the UK, which is required in order to make any changes to the Constitution of the BVI.”
He added, “And that will allow the Foreign Secretary to swiftly provide me with the powers necessary to take corrective action if progress against the milestones is unsatisfactory.”
However, the Governor said if the Government of the VI delivers on the commitments and promises they have made, then the Order in Council "will be kept in reserve and will not need to be used.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed that the plan was agreed to by the Unity Government without the input of the people of the VI and without the public even seeing the final report.
Actions were in the best interest of VI – Premier Dr Wheatley
Premier Wheatley, in his justification for the course of action, said that process was in motion ‘for some time’.
He added that as an elected representative of the people and as acting Premier, following the detainment of Ex-Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) in the US, "I have a responsibility to act in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands."
Hon Wheatley detailed, “And what was in the best interest of the Virgin Islands at that time was us to begin a constructive dialogue with the Governor, with Minister [Amanda] Milling [and] with the UK Government on how we could avoid the partial suspension of the Constitution and have the people’s elected representative involved in the reform process, which is in everyone’s best interest.”
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31 Responses to “Order in Council to suspend HoA & Cabinet ‘on reserve’- VI Governor warns”
Sowande is doing the right thing under these circumstances, can't you see that? You can't be wrong and strong.
The BVI finds itself in a less-than-ideal situation at present: while elections will be constitutionally due in 2023, any delay in achieving the milestones set in the timeline will trigger Direct Rule. That is the current game. 48 recommendations in 2 years is roughly 24 recommendations a year... in other words, achieving 2 LASTING RECOMMENDATIONS EACH MONTH.
Think about the overhaul of systems, resources and services that will be necessary to achieve this. Not even the UK could complete the COI in the original timeframe and needed an official extension due to circumstances on the ground (printing, etc.)
What is needed NOW is ALL hands to the wheel and a united front to achieve the targets and milestones and prove progress. This is the game and the test. It is NOT business as usual.
They,most politicians behalf like scorpionss. Even when you least expect a scorpion to Lance you, they do,
Politicians are generally liars, if not all, approximately 95% of them, very sliky people.
Do your est Governor John J. Rankin. May God guide your judgement now, and in the future, according to His will.
Agree with you. Actually that what we have right now but just in a gift wrap way. People stand up against this . How dear he and the rest who have so much to answer for already for all the wrong and still doing wrong to man kind have to answer for. Governor go and save your country from Boris and Liz truss.
I don’t know the characteristics of a 16 century house slave , am too young to know. But, I must thank him for stepping into the role of Premier and begin the dialogue with the Governor and others. Life sometimes will give you some bitter lemons, you can only know if it taste is pleasing until you try it. My mother say if life was all about smooth sailing it would have never be exciting. We learn to live with the good and the bad.
One man throw we under the bus, and try to run we all over twice , then another came and try to rescue all 30k plus of us within two years. May God help us, and bless the ones who are trying to fix the mess.
Poor you. Lost aren’t you ? W****e devils have trust in you or us. Smh
However I believe that view is selfish, there are still "not so corrupt" individuals that can accomplish the task of restoring good governance here.
Hope Ayo can take it. The lying governor know best for all Ayo. Just a shame these tactics still work on the majority of us. White man on a white horse will save Ayo. Ayo so blinded and foolish it makes the l**g governor looks good. Wait the cry around the corner
This is a familiar pattern everywhere migrants go they end up on the lower end of the social hierarchy -naturally- and must find another group to push down. The Irish did this in America, history repeats.