Progress on implementing CoI recommendations too slow- Lord Goldsmith
This was outlined during a press briefing with Governor John J. Rankin CMG on April 6, 2023, where he provided Lord Goldsmith's response to the quarterly review on the CoI recommendations implementation.
On February 13, 2023, Mr Rankin published his second quarterly review of progress made under the framework, which was published in the [British] Virgin Islands (VI) and sent to Lord Goldsmith.
Progress is too slow- Lord Goldsmith
In sharing Lord Goldsmith’s response, Governor Rankin said the Minister noted that during his visit in February, he was reassured by the Premier and Ministers of the Government of their commitment to promoting good governance and executing reforms.
“But he also notes in his letter that progress on implementing the recommendations in the framework document has been too slow. He is concerned that there has been sayings of insufficient commitment in some specific areas, that too many areas lag substantially behind, that much of what has been delivered so far doesn’t represent sufficient reform to prevent future abuse,” Governor Rankin said.
He added: “Overall, the Minister agrees with my conclusion, that serious efforts and clear prioritisation of time and resources are required to pick up the pace to deliver the reform that the people of the BVI want and deserve.”
Governor Rankin said his quarterly report had indicated that 19 of the 48 recommendations sent in from the CoI report have been completed and he welcomes such progress, but he noted that there is still much more that needs to be done.
He said the VI government’s current count is that 20 of 48 recommendations are now complete and that a new deadline for implementation will be agreed on after the elections of April 24, 2023.
“But that is still less than half and it’s behind where we agreed to be as part of the initial deadlines. A number of the specific reviews which were commissioned have now been received…," Governor Rankin said as he opined that the reviews should start being made public now.
He noted that it is imperative that the government considers the recommendations in the reviews, consults on them as necessary and delivers the necessary changes as he pointed out that some adjustments to the deadline in the framework document will be required.
11 extensions to deadlines requested by VI Gov't- Rankin
According to the Governor, the Premier has asked for eleven extensions to deadlines in areas where he is responsible, while he has asked for two in his areas of responsibility.
“Minister Goldsmith has consequently asked me following the upcoming general election to agree with the next BVI government a refreshed timetable for the delivery of the remaining recommendations and reforms in the framework document. This should include ambitious yet achievable deadlines to ensure that the necessary reforms have taken root no later than May 2024,” he said.
Order in Council remains
The Governor noted that if that could be achieved it can allow the UK Order in Council to be lifted and the Order can be lifted sooner if the implementation can be achieved more quickly.
He concluded by reiterating that he welcomes the progress being made to date and the Premier has assured him of his commitment to implementing the CoI recommendations and to achieving deep reforms which are required.
The Governor; however, re-emphasised that this has to be accelerated, as he noted that once elections are over he will sit with the new government to work out a refreshed plan.
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15 Responses to “Progress on implementing CoI recommendations too slow- Lord Goldsmith”
VIP was going good until this the 19 from 48 report
This mean we in the dark
What the hedge is yall?
Refrain from adapting and adopting the black American slang and behaviour and other groups ghetto detrimental behavior, then the UK and Co would not have excuse and reas ons to be here running the show and treating you like dumbjackdonkeys.
Rankin is a piece of Crap. He and the COP anf their cronies has nothing good for the BVI!!! Yhe UK cant handle their own affairs and rhwy want ro handle ours? They know nothing about our history and culture our people...NOTHING!!! IM SICK AND TIRED OF THESE FREAKING EMPTY VESSELS MAKING A TON OF NOISE OVER OUR COUNTRY because of the dumb sh** Fahie did. Thats om Fahie go after him and leave us the % alome we good without any of your idiot a$$A"s
1) Who determined the terms of reference for the COI and how were they derived and did the actions violate the Constitution of the BVI?
2) Who determined the terms of reference for the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI and how were they derived?
3) What process was used and by whom in the hiring of the Commissioner of the COI and was it a tender and was it transparent?
4) Produce what was written to the UK to justify the request for approval for a COI?
5) Who selected the staff that worked with the Commissioner of the COI and were they people from the same UK office of government as the Governor?
6) How come the Commissioner of the COI had more authority than the courts?
7) Why was it a one-man UK commissioner for the COI rather than a 3-person commissioner to allow for balance and remove prejudice by having one commissioner from the Caribbean, one from the Uk, and one selected either by the UN, CARICOM or OECS? This would have been transparent, reflect good governance, and create balance.
8) Where is the report from the UK Attorney Cox that was working with the AG's Office on behalf of the people of the BVI and our rights as every story has 3 sides, yours, mine, and the truth?
9) Why can't part or all of the COI be challenged in court as it is clear that some of it is extremely bias and collusion may be possible to derive?
10) How can the Govenor failures be looked into locally and by whom?
I will stop there for now, but these are serious questions that need answers because although the Governor, UK Commissioner of Police and the other UK Official thinks otherwise, we the people of the BVI have rights and they need to be protected. An Order in Council is modern day slavery whip and should not be seen as nothing else. Anything that makes a one man (Governor) above the judiciary and people is a slavery whip. Those who hate the BVI will see these concerns as foolishness but those who love true justice will see them as wise.
I am voting only for those who will get these answers and act on them.