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Unity Gov’t 'welcomes' UK agreement with final proposal on reform- Premier Wheatley

- says Gov't full committed to working with UK & Governor in spirit of modern partnership
Calling today, June 8, 2022, an important step in efforts to reform and renew the democracy of the Virgin Islands and to build a better territory, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he welcomes UK agreement with the Unity Government Proposal on the way forward for the implementation of the CoI report recommendations. Photo: GIS/Facebook
He said as a government, his team will work closely with Governor Rankin in the spirit of partnership with the United Kingdom to deliver for the people of the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/Facebook
He said as a government, his team will work closely with Governor Rankin in the spirit of partnership with the United Kingdom to deliver for the people of the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Calling today, June 8, 2022, an important step in efforts to reform and renew the democracy of the Virgin Islands to build a better territory, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says he welcomes the United Kingdom (UK) agreement with the Unity Government's proposal on the way forward for the implementation of 28 recommendations in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report.

Speaking alongside Governor John J. Rankin, CMG at a press conference today, the Premier said the people of the Virgin Islands have a legitimate expectation that those they elect to represent and govern the territory, will do so with honesty and integrity.

VI people of expectations of elected members 

“They also have a legitimate expectation that their elected representatives will make any needed reforms to improve governance and uphold the legacy of our fore-parents who have sacrificed so much over the past 70 years to achieve the constitutional progress we have attained.” 

He said his Government of National Unity remains fully committed to meeting expectations as the VI ushers in a new era of democratic governance. 

“We welcome the UK Minister's agreement with our final proposal for the implementation of the CoI report recommendations and other reforms,” Dr Wheatley noted while adding that his team will work closely with Governor Rankin in the spirit of partnership with the United Kingdom to deliver for the people of the Virgin Islands.

“Our success will be the result of doing the hard work of reforming our institutions and systems of government and engendering a new culture in the handling of the people's business. We are confident and believe it is in the best interests of the people of the territory that all concerned do their part to make reform a success,” he added.

Gov't will go beyond CoI recommendations -Dr the Hon Wheatley 

Meanwhile, the Premier said outside of the CoI report recommendations made by Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom, the government will go further in its quest to do better for the VI and make changes accordingly.

“I want to be clear, change will be hard. It will be painful in some instances, people we know and care about will be affected; however, in the end, it will be for the betterment of these Virgin Islands.”

He added, “The Government of National Unity's final proposal will serve as the government's plan for undertaking the important work of delivering the CoI report recommendations and other reforms in a timely fashion.”

The Premier noted that the way forward is also an opportunity as a society to transform the VI into a model democracy with better institutions, better systems, better processes, better public services, better infrastructure, and an economy that delivers for all.

There are concerns in the public that the proposal was presented to the UK, without the public having full knowledge of it and being able to make an input.

The coalition government now intends to come to the public to discuss the proposal already accepted by the UK.

21 Responses to “Unity Gov’t 'welcomes' UK agreement with final proposal on reform- Premier Wheatley”

  • Rubber Duck (08/06/2022, 12:04) Like (33) Dislike (14) Reply
    In the end nothing will change. The politicians will steal, the narcos will rule and the BVI will sink towards Haiiti status.

    Clearly the UK has given up on the BVI and wants to be gone.

    Who can blame them.
    • @ Racist Rubber (08/06/2022, 12:35) Like (12) Dislike (13) Reply
      Well then why don’t you give up too and leave our shores! Ducks swim in cold waters too, head for the Northern coast Duckie!
    • All I will say (08/06/2022, 14:11) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      You Mr. Premier, have stepped into the lions den and you and your Unity Government is going to have to battle your way out.
  • Crazy joe (08/06/2022, 12:09) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Rats pleased about no cats in the cheese shop policy.
  • lol (08/06/2022, 12:22) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    UK smart. Let them clean up after themselves. Working with a whip over them woiii. What a life lol
  • W.E. Man (08/06/2022, 12:37) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    The UK has opted for a simple solution, Liz Truss can’t be bothered, too many other issues of importance to deal with at present. Every member of the National Unity Coalition was elected to represent the people of this territory, they all failed miserably, they have no right to be Honorable, especially as the COI uncovered the scandalous appointments made to various statutory boards to cover theft, embezzlement, deceit and bribery at our expense. I feel totally sold out by the Governor.
  • What a shame. (08/06/2022, 12:37) Like (13) Dislike (12) Reply
    The Governor and the UK let us the people down. Giving these politicians more privileges to keep doing the same things. OH God.
    How will Labour Dept change. When will Immigration stop oppressing people, how long we have to wait for Residents and Belonger? We have no one to fight for us. Case done Ayo pack let’s home home. Suffer at home than suffer abroad. Ayo let’s go home.
    Governor is a waste of time. The Clines Win
    • @what a shame (08/06/2022, 13:22) Like (24) Dislike (6) Reply
      You the People need to go home, if you the people have a problem. Let you the people’s government in your country help you with resolving your needs and grievances!
      • UK (10/06/2022, 03:02) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ what a shame-it is amazing how some of you had to leave your big countries because were unable to make a living where you were born- comes to our little country trying to tell us what to do because were most of you comes from you have no voice

        Some of you comes to this land and have the elusion that you doing the people of BVI some favour- you are here in bvi making minimum wages jumping from job to job because you need money
  • Comment (08/06/2022, 12:40) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    Sowande sounded like a 16 Century house slave today! He has no shame, just given away his people’s rights for a monthly salary to be a ‘yes men’ for the U.K.
    • Can’t be serious (08/06/2022, 15:07) Like (13) Dislike (2) Reply

      Do you not understand the seriousness of the situation? I understand Sowandes actions. How could we have avoid a Uk rule with a drug man running the country? Andrew would have behaved like an @## when the report became available. You want sowande to behave the same way? You want strict leadership I understand. It’s not the time. Get the country back on an average standard. We are behind when compared to other Caribbean countries. Fixing the country should be priority, not fighting the white man. Focus people. Focus

    • haters (08/06/2022, 16:20) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is a nation that is filled with hateful occupants! The way you demonstrate hatred for your own, shows exactly why it’s so easy for you to hate others. Might I add for reasons as simple as they “not from here” a verbal staple, that comes across as primitive. I would imagine we are all from somewhere. It would be wise, even prudent to alter your hateful postures!
  • Congratulations (08/06/2022, 13:44) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congratulations Hon. Wheatley and the Unity Government you did the best for your people. Loosing our cpnsttution would have set us back 70 years and that is not a little bit of years. He who fights and run away live to fight another day. Some of us are ungrateful and some of is do not understand the hardships we will face if we donot have a consttution. I fully agree for our Government and the Governor working together to bring us back on track. All whites are not bad , like every race and nationality there are bad and good. Now let us have some peace in our beautiful British Virgin Islands
  • my2cents (08/06/2022, 14:29) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    So much disappointment from those who wanted BVIsLanders development & achievements to be retarded. You can all leave us now and go dwell somewhere else where you support the people of your choosing. And we have a golden opportunity to right the course of this country for the future generations here now & those to come. Things will change as they must, the old ways have to be discarded and new ways adopted. I am on board.
  • okay (08/06/2022, 14:34) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply

    When will we see the SECRET Proposal? When will be see Government Official #1 arrested and charged? When will we see Customs, Immigration and Labour investigated and those guilty of crimes against humanity punished? When will we see CSC's contracts investigated? Where is the SECRET Proposal? What happened to the lady in the Premiers Office who wrote the immunity letter for Andrew? HMMMMMM? Nothing, nothing and nothing is ever going to happen. Thanks UK for absolutely wasting our time with the COI and hopes of justice. Carry on, no one is watching or cares what you do. Green light ahead for massive corruption to continue while the people suffer.

  • bvi (08/06/2022, 15:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    WE NEED SMARTER POLITICIANS NOW
  • Premier Wheatley I support you. (08/06/2022, 16:04) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    I have confidence in this Premier. I will. Suggest he get a list from immigration of all belonger and resident status applicant and get a different team to call all the applicant with an up date.. I'm one of those, can't get an answer or a call back in years... I will make an appointment to see you Hon Premier..
  • Boo to the UK (08/06/2022, 20:04) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    The UK has just open the doors for the dishonest people running the territory to continue to victimize the people of the territory. I ask my daughter who is living in Florida to find me a house to buy so I can get far away from this crazy place.
  • So ok (09/06/2022, 07:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now that everything has been decided, it is time to send home the unprofessional wild pigs that is working in the government agencies. Just imagine walking into a agency and your business is out on the street even before you leave the building. Staff at the hospital is talking patient business in the hallways.
  • Fam (09/06/2022, 07:21) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    We need an election now point blank


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