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Premier believes Gov’s ‘power grab’ was to coincide with Fahie’s trial

- says ‘I can't help but think that this is something that was planned to surprise us’
Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) believes the governor’s request for more powers to implement Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the territory was meant to surprise the people and to coincide with the trial of former premier Andrew A. Fahie. Photo: GIS
The CoI Report, which recommended a UK takeover of the Virgin Islands, was being held from the public but Governor John J. Rankin, left, saw it fit to release it the day after Mr Andrew A. Fahie, right, was arrested in Miami on April 28, 2022. Photo: GIS/File
The CoI Report, which recommended a UK takeover of the Virgin Islands, was being held from the public but Governor John J. Rankin, left, saw it fit to release it the day after Mr Andrew A. Fahie, right, was arrested in Miami on April 28, 2022. Photo: GIS/File
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom (right), who was handpicked by controversial former VI Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert, left. The CoI was criticised as a witch hunt and with an objective to harm the Virgin Islands' constitutional and democratic advancements. Photo: VINO/File
The Commission of Inquiry in the Virgin Islands was led by a lone Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom (right), who was handpicked by controversial former VI Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert, left. The CoI was criticised as a witch hunt and with an objective to harm the Virgin Islands' constitutional and democratic advancements. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) believes the governor’s request for more powers to implement Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the territory was meant to surprise the people and to coincide with the trial of former premier Andrew A. Fahie.

The Premier’s response came following questions from the media if at any point before Friday's, January 6, 2024, announcement was there a conversation with the Governor as it relates to a further extension, with a November 2024 deadline.

“No, and I'm glad you brought that up…. Because just days before the governor's press conference, we had a tripartite meeting,” Dr Wheatley told the Media during a press conference on January 8, 2024.

“This is a meeting with all the Permanent Secretaries, Financial Secretaries, all the Ministers and Deputy Governor, The Attorney General, the Cabinet Secretary and the Governor, and during that meeting, there was no mention for this request of additional powers,” he said.

Governor's traditional parting gift?

The Premier further speculated that the move of the outgoing governor was meant to surprise the VI in the same manner former governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert announced a CoI towards the end of his tenure as governor.

“There was no mention of the extension of the November deadline and…. I can't help but think that this is something that was planned to surprise us, and I can't help but think that this was something that was supposed to coincide with the trial of Andrew Fahie,” Dr Wheatley added. 

He likened the move by the governor as similar to when the CoI report was dropped, with the idea of suspending the VI Constitution, which coincided with the arrest of ex-Premier Fahie.

Meanwhile, the Premier said he believed the move was a well-planned one and a power grab by the Governor just as as a new governor is about to take the seat in the VI. 

“I've been studying this type of behavior for a long time… these things are well planned and I would be saddened to know that, the governor saw… the trial of Andrew Fahie as an opportunity to reintroduce this whole idea of taking away our democracy from a different angle than the interim administration,” he said.

Devious plan by UK?

The CoI Report, which recommended a UK takeover of the Virgin Islands, was being held from the public but Governor Rankin saw it fit to release it the day after Mr Fahie was arrested in Miami on April 28, 2022.

After the Virgin Islands people demonstrated against a UK takeover and was supported by entities such as the United Nations, Caricom, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), University of the West Indies (UWI), and regional leaders, the UK held off on it but decided to institute an Order in Council in reserve to pressure the VI to implement the recommendations by a single commissioner handpicked by the UK.

Meanwhile, the trial for Mr Fahie was slated to begin on Monday, January 8, 2024; however, it was subsequently pushed back to January 12, 2024, and then finally to January 22, 2024.

45 Responses to “Premier believes Gov’s ‘power grab’ was to coincide with Fahie’s trial”

  • roof (09/01/2024, 10:35) Like (75) Dislike (9) Reply
    Sometimes the best thing you could do is keep your damn mouth shut. Have a good day everybody
    • Outrage (09/01/2024, 11:34) Like (39) Dislike (18) Reply
      The Premier needs to go, he has become a conspiracy Queen.
    • @roof (09/01/2024, 13:32) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
      Truthful facts, some times it is much better to keep the mouth close.
    • Examine the root & not the fruit (09/01/2024, 14:03) Like (7) Dislike (16) Reply
      The root of this issue is the Governor and UK launched a prearranged & preauthored COI and report. It was a well organized modern day lynching cloaked as good governance when in fact it was a tool used to try to justify their agenda for a take over while at the same time hide all their wrong doings and failures. There was no transparency in the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI. The Governor wrote the terms of reference and organized the entire COI as well as the staff that assisted the Commissioner and then want to insult the intelligence of the people of the BVI by trying to tell us the COI was done fairly and independent of the Governor and UK Officials. This is a lie. This whole matter needs to be challenged in court. It is abuse of power and a full fledged conspiracy. The time has come to expose it all.
      • root & fruit (09/01/2024, 14:21) Like (14) Dislike (19) Reply
        I see comments like yours all the time but no one ever explains why the UK would want to take over the BVI. I cannot think of any reason at all so I would be interested to know why you think the UK are orchestrating a take over.
        • jack@$$ (09/01/2024, 15:32) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
          $$$, they do not support us as a state, we generate our own $$$ here. They feel $$$ is leaking out their economy and if they control here that would happen less. But I doubt it.
          • lol (10/01/2024, 23:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            lol hilarious. I guess you think the Earth is flat and other ridiculous conspiracy theories?
        • El Demonio Negro (11/01/2024, 10:23) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
          Does a disease need a reason to make you sick?
    • the rock (10/01/2024, 02:26) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Stfu
  • Remember our history (09/01/2024, 10:37) Like (22) Dislike (84) Reply
    Let’s continue to stand up against racism and white supremacy in the bvi
    • @Remmember our history (09/01/2024, 11:13) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
      You all keep talking about standing up against racism and white supremacy in the BVI and not do anything about it but continue to talk BS.
    • Hypocrisy (09/01/2024, 11:31) Like (46) Dislike (13) Reply
      The Governor admitted he is also behind with certain COI recommendations being implemented with the subjects he is responsible for. So how come in a modern partnership the BVi cannot take away some of his powers under him for his failure to hit the deadlines he help set? The Governor and UK are a set of hypocrites
    • D8 (09/01/2024, 11:33) Like (11) Dislike (10) Reply
      Any form of suspension of any constitution of any country is supporting dictatorship.
    • @Remember our history (09/01/2024, 20:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Shame you want to stand up against racism and slavery but treat fellow Carribean people with the same ancestral descent as you like s@#t.
  • That’s what they do (09/01/2024, 10:40) Like (13) Dislike (31) Reply
    That’s what they do. Always keep that third eye open around them.
    • @That’s what they do (09/01/2024, 11:19) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
      And you always have to keep a 5th eye open with the black man.
      • Watch your back (09/01/2024, 12:11) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
        You obviously have a House N….er mentality. The UK and US are well known to be dirty backstabbing crooks. This is what they do and you’re falling for it hook like and sinker
      • Kid Buu (09/01/2024, 13:08) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        FACTS LMFAO
      • El Demonio Negro (11/01/2024, 10:25) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Expected comment from a PLAGUE or a House negro now go tap dance.
  • Its a hurt (09/01/2024, 10:48) Like (50) Dislike (18) Reply
    I do agree with what the Premier is saying. The gov has nothing to loose because he is on his way out and he can request whatever he wants whether we like it or not. This has nothing to do with the betterment of our country, its about getting control and setting the stage and doing all the ground work for the next governor. We all need to be careful of what we wish for. This gov and his people had never have love for this country. He is going to put who he wants to head up these departments and take away job opportunities from the same ones who are cheerleading's his move. Some will be in their feelings from what i just said but do not allow your judgment to be clouded just because we are all upset of our leaders. The UK is not about saving us, its about getting what they want. This attempt has been made years before but because we are now in a venerable position so its the best time to make that move. Its all a plan.
    • @Its a hurt (09/01/2024, 20:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      What you do not realise is that the BVI is a Territory with a monarch. So democracy is permissable as far as the monarchical system allows. If the BVI wants out of this arrangement, then proceed for democracy and stop the mendicance. That means stop talking about how much money the economy makes and take responsibility.
  • NEPPE JOST VAN (09/01/2024, 10:51) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Stop trying to confuse the community and understand that if you have a Dr. degree, it was because you went to university but it is clear that the university did not pass by where you.... I know the story of many like you who went to those centers and nothing entered the gray matter of their heads, the case of IP/Jw among others, you too. A little group of puppets
  • Youth (09/01/2024, 11:16) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    The BVI has a democratic system and if any one wants to run the BVI then let them seek to get the people's support through the established democratic process. No one knows the agenda nor history of any Governor as they are appointed by the UK and not selected by the people of the BVI. So like most people in the BVI on the ground, I share in the strong views that no Governor should have such unlimited powers without going through the democratic system.
  • Check the UK news (09/01/2024, 11:17) Like (11) Dislike (11) Reply
    The UK cannot take care of their own affairs. Serious crime in the UK is at an all time high and they cannot get it handled. The UK economy is in a freefall and they have no solutions. The UK cannot keep a Prime Minister for a full elected term which shows how unstable they are. It is wrong to suspend any country's constitution especially when you can't handle your own affairs.
  • Come on (09/01/2024, 11:20) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    The Governor full well know once the UK unjustifiably takes power they never give it back. This is always their end game. As their history shows they cannot be trusted.
    • Kid Buu (09/01/2024, 13:09) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
      You mean the same way that they clean up cayman islands and give them back their powers? You sound delulu
      • @Kid Buu (09/01/2024, 21:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        !!!Everytime I see them with this takeover bs I just got to laugh
  • The Governor must be held accountable (09/01/2024, 11:29) Like (15) Dislike (14) Reply
    The Governor is over the police and has failed in the area of crime and keeping the people safe. The Governor is over the public service and has failed to ensure fair promotions and salary increases. The Governor is over security and pardon of prisoners at HM Prison but only those who are white were pardon and all others refused in the last 10yrs. We have seen enough highhandedness by the Governor with the little power he has and now he wants more? Our democratic and civil rights as Virgin Islanders will be loss forever. We will fight against this slavery attempt with all we got.
  • Colonial tactics still the same (09/01/2024, 11:35) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    The UK masters in getting us to fight each other and not them. They have been doing this from slavery days. For them it is not about JUSTICE but rather JUST US the people of the BVI. That's sad.
  • One word (09/01/2024, 11:40) Like (4) Dislike (19) Reply
    INDEPENDENCE
  • Josiahsbay (09/01/2024, 11:40) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    With the current Constitutional relationship with the UK, the governor cannot forcibly implement COI changes. This is why he's seeking more power. The function of the COI should have been challenged from the beginning.
  • Get it right (09/01/2024, 11:46) Like (16) Dislike (11) Reply
    The COI did not recommend a “UK take over” of the VI, but a “temporary suspension” of the constitution while addressing the findings of the COI, and dealing with corruption in Government.
  • nonsense buh racism (09/01/2024, 11:49) Like (21) Dislike (7) Reply
    That is nonsense to say its racist when the people who running the country is failing us everyday... look at the country.....we are suffering people wake up .... the premier keep talking but he and his gov dont care about us
  • The Nation (09/01/2024, 11:51) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Same thing I say...
  • GateKeeper (09/01/2024, 13:29) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Let’s stop the conjecture. Regardless of whatever pseudo animating force(s) ,negationist myth, promoting of colonialism as a ‘Lost Cause,’ ie, a noble cause, etc., let’s the idle chatter. To push back against UK-appointed Governor John Rankin, CMG,,as the Great March of 24 November 1949 marchers/protesters pushback against former Commissioner John Augustus Cockburn Cruikshank, requires strong, organized, etc actions by and from Virgin Islanders and like-minded and concerned residents. Organizing, planning, group effort, were the instrumental factors in the success of the Great March. Consequently , if Virgin Islanders want change, they must first get organized. Group power and unity is essential to the VI way forward. The brazen power grab by the Governor is an early morning fire, a grave and solemn hour, and the Premier as the leader of the territory must galvanize residents in resisting the rising power tide. Moreover, the pushback should not come just from the Premier but from all hands, ie, Great March of November 1949, and Wickhams Cay and Anegada giveaway. As the saying goes, talk is cheap, money buys land and action(s) drive change. This is a serious time where different political ideas, ideology, etc., must be welded together for the public good. There will be nuff time to disagree.
    • Diaspora 2.0 (09/01/2024, 19:42) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      To GateKeeper, “ Regardless of whatever pseudo animating force(s) ,negationist myth, promoting of colonialism as a ‘Lost Cause….” This is some deep and broad penetrating stuff, delving well below the normal course of discussion. However, I digress. The VI is in crisis. A crisis(s),,though inevitable,,is the worst case(kind) of problem to have. Consequently, leaders must take action to avoid and/or minimize crises. Nevertheless, in spite of an organization or institution best efforts crises will occur from wrongdoing, incompetence,,fiscal irresponsibility, etc..Typically, when facing a crisis, the tendency is to first try to fix the problem. However, the primary overarching goal of crisis management is to keep a crisis from growing into a hyper -crisis. A hypercrisis put the crisis beyond the owners control..

      In perusing many of the comments since Governor Rankin bombshell reveal of needing more power, the common theme of addressing and pushing back on the issue is organizing and planning…….etc..
    • Occam’s Razor (09/01/2024, 22:01) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      I’m taking taking the Occam’s principle of simplest solution that Virgin Islanders that if Virgin Islanders organized, plan, unite, employ group effort, set aside political differences, collectively and cooperatively agitate and advocate for change , etc., they can effectively push back persistently and consistently against the brazen power grab.
  • PT09 (09/01/2024, 14:27) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
    @Remember our history let us stand up against corruption in the BVI, let us get rid of this disgraceful do nothing government.

  • Webster (09/01/2024, 16:52) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    Pardon my ignorance, but I'm still trying to figure out how the Premier equated this to Head Coach's trial.

    To hear some people talk, you would swear that the UK just jumped up randomly and decided to undertake a COI in the BVI. My God, don't we remember how that all started?

    We are our own damn worse enemies!!!!!!
  • ................................. (09/01/2024, 19:42) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    If the governor gets more power this will be truly devastating, and idea I can never live with!!!
  • lol (10/01/2024, 00:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Excessive marijuana use causes paranoia.. just saying..in unrelated news
  • Informed (10/01/2024, 06:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What the Governor wants to do is table leglistation about unaccountable wealth. The HOI wont do this as they are the ones pocketing the public purse, backhanders etc. Why would the add a law for good governance when the HOI is the ones most effected.
  • judge (10/01/2024, 06:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is coming from the unlected accomplice. Do these people have absolutely no sense of irony?
  • Hmm (10/01/2024, 09:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are the paid comments suggesting he’s paranoid or making it up?

    Stop insulting the public’s intelligence you make yourselves look silly denying what is plain for everyone to see. But that is how they operate, create a false narrative regardless of the truth.

    People can die such as in Covid after the vaccine and due to the vaccine and were it not happening to their own healthy people in the UK they would have never admitted the risk it posed to healthy middle aged women.

    Do you all remember the censorship? Any thing questioning their false narrative is labeled paranoia, crazy, conspiracy theory. We know how they operate in truth yet many fall for it every time. The uk has a culture of never admiring their mistakes and heaven forbid they apologize for anything substantial.

    This is while ministers and governors are constantly shifted. People give each new man a fresh start from the sins of the previous.


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