Premier tells new Governor democracy must be respected in VI
Ex-Governor John J. Rankin, CMG had requested "additional powers" to further force the [British] Virgin Islands to implement recommendations offered by a retired judge following a controversial Commission of Inquiry called during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“2024 is an important year for democracy around the world. There will be elections in the United States (US), India, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and 39 other countries, including those where there are questions about whether the democratic will of the people will be respected,” Dr Wheatley said during the swearing-in ceremony for new governor Daniel Pruce on January 29, 2024.
He asked for the UK, the Virgin Islands, and other Overseas Territories to continue being shining examples of democracy in a very troubled world.
“The people of these Virgin Islands wish for the democratic governance of the territory to continue and their constitutional and democratic rights to be respected. My elected colleagues and I support these desires of our people and will do our part,” he said.
Governor asked for more powers
Towards the end of his tenure, in early January 2024, Rankin also suggested an extension for the CoI reform process in the territory, citing disappointment at the rate of reform ahead of an already revised May 2024 CoI reform implementation deadline.
“I nonetheless continue to hold the best interests of the BVI in mind and I believe that these measures are necessary in ensuring that the BVI prospers in the future, with the strong foundations of a modern democracy,” Governor Rankin said in his Fifth Quarterly Review published on January 5, 2024.
However, the Governor's assessment to extend his role under the VI Constitution has sparked a backlash that it would violate the rights and will of the people of the VI.
“In addition to exercising the powers which I have under the Virgin Islands Constitution, I have reached the conclusion that I must request additional powers to help ensure the Framework Agreement proposed by the BVI Government is delivered. Experience has shown that providing more time alone will not be sufficient to deliver reform and that there may be a need for the Governor to step in further,” then-Governor Rankin said.
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24 Responses to “Premier tells new Governor democracy must be respected in VI”
Being honest in our actions is far better than being a pretender of fair speeches, everytime the opportunity present itself.
so the same democracy can take you guys out.
Please work for the people and better the country.
for such a large annual budget it does not reflect the state of our country.
other Caribbean countries got less and still looking better. Please use the tax money wisely and not on yourself, family or friends.
and hurry up finish them COI reforms dude. I tired of hearing about colonialism this and that strupz
the mindset of the elected leader should ensure our people have proper highways| adequate running water to peoples homes| fix that dump at pockwood pond| fix that sewage| pay the government workers and that list goes on
It is nothing for our people to gain when the elected spend valuable time studying the governor
So U know; it is due to those the people elects that the populated of this territory do not know were we actually stand
The Commission of Inquiry did not target the population of BVI: The Inquiry focused on those you & i elected
keep the faith and the beat goes on