UK Foreign Secretary can instruct Governor to suspend VI HoA & Cabinet
This was revealed by Mrs Truss in a June 8, 2022, FCDO Update on some of the terms of the proposal and the way forward between the United Kingdom and VI, while noting that the people of the VI want and deserve change and have made their desire for better governance clear.
Suspension power on reserve
Mrs Struss added, “We want to support the new government in making this change and allow them the opportunity to reform. The Order in Council will provide the people of the BVI with complete reassurance that change will happen.”
The Order in Council, according to Governor Rankin, was submitted by the UK Government to the Privy Council, and would allow swift action to be taken should the Unity Government fail to meet deadlines.
“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,” Governor Rankin noted.
Mrs Truss said, the Order in Council will be laid in Parliament, but not brought into force, “Should it prove necessary to do so, I will instruct the Governor to make a proclamation in the BVI Gazette appointing a day that the Order will come into force,” Truss added.
Monthly reports required
Ahead of any drastic decisions, the Governor and UK Government will monitor implementation and assess progress quarterly where each BVI Government ministry and departments will provide monthly reports.
Meanwhile, although the CoI recommendation had included a proposal for the suspension of the local constitution, Truss said the Unity Government must first be given a chance.
“I believe, in the first instance, the new government should have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to reform through the implementation of the 48 CoI recommendations and the further measures they have proposed.
“If it becomes clear that this approach is not delivering the reform the people of the BVI want and deserve we will take action. This may require the swift implementation of the Final Report recommendation,” Truss warned.
Many in the Virgin Islands have accepted that the Unity Government has allowed for direct rule without the suspension of the constitution. Moreso, this was done without public consultations.
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29 Responses to “UK Foreign Secretary can instruct Governor to suspend VI HoA & Cabinet”
Nevertheless, it is a win-win for the UK. Their goal all along was to force feed the implementation of the CoI’s recommendations. The Governor has command and control of the implementation. Additionally, the UK is not front and centre in implementation of the recommendations as it would have if it had imposed direct rule. Now, that role and responsibility is delegated to the local government, and if things were to go sideways, ie, public sector layoffs, economic decline, financial structural adjustments, reduction in services delivery, increase in taxes and fees, etc, the finger can be pointed to the local government. The local government has a tough row to hoe. It has 24 months to complete a difficult and challenging project. In other blogs, I suggested rolling out a)zero base analysis, and b)skunk work projects. To this, I add a GOST( Goals, Objectives, Strategies, and Tactics) project/approach for tackling the CoI recommendations.
Moreover, indications are that the constitutionally due election will occur on schedule. A general election should occur as soon as possible and practical. The campaign for the next general election will be interesting and targeted. Anticipate that much of campaign will be on CoI recommendations implementation since any new government is bound by the agreement between the UK and VI.
Bash the civil servant , no doubt some work hard and are efficient BUT here’s my experience “sorry he/ she is out “when will they be back? “soon”
call back “they were back but have gone to lunch”
call back after two hours “He / she is at lunch”
Don’t say I should leave a message cause that doesn’t work.
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This Order suspends certain provisions of the Constitution of the Virgin Islands, in particular those relating to ministerial government and the House of Assembly. It vacates certain offices, including that of the Premier, and dissolves the House of Assembly. It makes temporary provision for the government of the Virgin Islands by the Governor, who shall consult (except in prescribed circumstances) an Advisory Council and may establish a Consultative Forum. The Order is to expire two years after commencement, unless it is continued in force or is sooner revoked by a further Order in Council.
Those we put to run and develop this territory have to do far better
our forefathers rolling over in there grave after enduring the slavery days now 2022 the descendants back under scope the slave masters
Who is the Boss !!!!!
The UK have the legitimate right to lead in the defence of our rights rightfully. Only hypocrites, and self-righteous people are in disagreement to the firm stance of the UK to defend us against political robbers of our finances, that has definitely been, and probably still is happening, though on a lesser level in the BVI. since the fall of the former Premier, Andrew A. Fahie, allegedly in accordiling to the USA laws.
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Poor customer service is knocking on every department in the government sector. Until you fix it you will not get value for money.
On a final note with so many students graduating every year and there is no place to put them both public and private sector what are the government's plans to help to facilitate our young people of the territory with employment?
Is there a succession plan in place or will we continue to import labour to fill positions when we have a robust human capital in the VI. Whom are not giving a chance in their own territory.
Think carefully it seems like we do not value our own and pay them their worth but we continue to import, pay high salaries and allowances including paying for housing.
I really think we are doing injustice to our own people how fair can that be. I'm not here knocking expats I'm just stating the facts. Succession planning is critical to our territory right now and I guarantee you would get value for money when you treat your people fairly.