Virgin Islands Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) as part of his 2022 message to the territory, says his administration will continue to strengthen good governance legislation in the new year. Photo: VINO/File

For 2022, Primer Fahie said more bills to come will include The Human Rights Commission Act; The Freedom of Information Act; and Amendments to the Registrar of Interests Act, and more which will be revealed with the Speech from the Throne on January 18, 2022. Photo: VINO/File

The Premier made the promise in a statement entitled ‘Looking Ahead to 2022’ delivered on Wednesday, December 29, 2022.

“I wish to say at this time that as we approach the New Year, your government continues to further strengthen our good governance framework through the passage of many significant pieces of legislation in the House of Assembly. The latest is the Integrity in Public Life Act,” he said.

More good governance legislation to come - Premier 

As part of the Integrity act, Premier Fahie said it will clearly articulate the standards of conduct of public officers, statutory boards and elected officials in the carrying out of their duties.

He added that the act will further develop and strengthen systems of accountability, ensuring the adherence to public policy as well as Establish an Integrity Commission that would assist in achieving the Government's objectives to promote good governance, enhance ethical conduct of public officers, and strengthen the prevention and detection of potential corrupt acts by persons in public life.

The Premier said that by the first quarter of the year 2022, this Integrity Commission will be set up and made functional, in addition to more Good Governance bills already set for discussions, debates, and approval.

According to the Premier, “that will further strengthen good governance and cement in the minds of all our people in the Virgin Islands that we can continue to police ourselves and manage our own affairs as we have been since our fore-parents said no to Grant-in-Aid."

Speech from the Throne 

Premier Fahie said more bills to come will include The Human Rights Commission Act; The Freedom of Information Act; Amendments to the Registrar of Interests Act and more, which will be revealed via the Speech from the Throne to be delivered on January 18, 2022, by the Governor. 

“As we all know by now, the Speech from the Throne is compiled and written by the Premier and Ministers and delivered by His Excellency, the Governor. This is a projection of your Government's Legislative Agenda,” he added.

Hon Fahie also indicated that in addition to strengthening good governance legislation, his administration will work to advance progress on a new constitution with a promise to make public the names of the Constitutional Review Team in the coming days.