Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he remains grateful for leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for defending the VI’s democracy against UK rule. Photo: OECS/Facebook

Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Didacus Jules has compared the British approach to the CoI reforms in the territory as one where the Virgins Islands is being treated like a child. Photo: Internet Source

The Premier, during a press conference on Friday, October 28, 2022, said, “I am grateful for the support of the leaders of the OECS who have stood by the Virgin Islands as we go through this period of reform, while defending our democratic rights.

“It is important to have our regional counterparts hold all parties accountable to our obligations under the UN, including article 73,” he said while adding that it was an honour to give his maiden address at the 72nd Meeting of the OECS Authority. 

He also thanked Premier Joseph E. Farrell and the Government of Monserrat for their warm hospitality. 

Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr Didacus Jules had slammed the United Kingdom (UK) Government for the continued threats of direct rule still hanging over the territory, despite reforms coming out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) being executed and in advance stages of implementation.

OECS Director Slams UK 

Leaders of the OECS have re-affirmed their objection to the imposition of direct colonial rule over the people of the [British] Virgin Islands, with the OECS noting that the VI's “human rights and inalienable right to self-determination set out in the United Nations (UN) Charter and relevant UN resolutions should not be violated by any party.”

The OECS Director appearing on an episode of the Narrative with Calistra Farrier on October 27, 2022, said the position of the OECS is that democracy is paramount and if there is an elected government, that elected government has the responsibility.

“Ultimately, the responsibility for good governance cannot be imposed from outside, it has to be undertaken from within. And as a mark of good faith, the government of the BVI has actually reconstituted itself as a Government of National Unity since the situation with the former premier,” he said.

Dr Didacus Jules has compared the British approach to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) reforms in the territory as one where the Virgins Islands is being treated like a child.

“The approach being taken by the British in the situation, it's almost like you know you have a child at your home that you're trying to correct and direct, yet you say that you're doing that to lead them to self-determination.”