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'We don’t need coercive measures to reform Gov’t– Premier Wheatley

-vows to continue advocating for the removal of Order-in-Council on reserve to suspend VI Constitution
Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has vowed to continue advocating for the removal of the Order-In-Council in reserve, to suspend the VI’s constitution should his government fail to reform Governance as per the recommendations of the Commission on Inquiry (CoI) report. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Speaking at a press conference on July 25, 2023, on implementation of CoI reforms, the Premier reiterated, that members of Caricom, members of OECS, members of the overseas territories, and even parliamentarians in the United Kingdom have called for the removal of the order. Photo: GIS/Facebook
Speaking at a press conference on July 25, 2023, on implementation of CoI reforms, the Premier reiterated, that members of Caricom, members of OECS, members of the overseas territories, and even parliamentarians in the United Kingdom have called for the removal of the order. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has vowed to continue advocating for the removal of the Order-in-Council in reserve, to suspend the VI’s constitution should his government fail to reform Governance as per the recommendations of the Commission on Inquiry (CoI) report.

Speaking at a press conference on July 25, 2023, the Premier reiterated, that “members of Caricom, members of OECS, members of the overseas territories, and even parliamentarians in the United Kingdom have called for the removal of the order.”

Order sends the wrong message - Dr Wheatley 

He said the government of the VI has also shown that it is committed to reforming the territory without the need for the Order in place.

“And from the very beginning, we've expressed that we didn't think it was the right thing to do. It sends the wrong message, of course, we have bought in completely to the concept of reforming our system. It's what our people want, it's what our people are crying out for,” he added.

Dr Wheatley continued, “It's what I've noticed needs to happen based on some of the processes, some of the procedures, some of the lack of policy etc, that led to significant challenges in the past.”

Since the implementation of the Order, the Wheatley Government has been vocal about its removal, as an unnecessary measure taken by the UK to force the territory to implement reform that it has already committed to carrying out.

Gov't committed to reform process - Premier 

“So we're committed to sending the message to the United Kingdom and our people more importantly, that we believe that we can do a better job of delivering for them through improving our governance,” the Premier added.

He reminded that there is no need to have a coercive measure, referred to as a 'Sword of Damocles' hanging over the heads of the government of the VI. 

“We don't need that because of course, as a people we have bought into the concept of reform and we will continue to advocate for its removal,” he said in reference to the Order.

8 Responses to “'We don’t need coercive measures to reform Gov’t– Premier Wheatley”

  • HMMM (27/07/2023, 09:46) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    The order is to make yahll work, we know public servants move slow
  • pat (27/07/2023, 10:13) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
    Remove the order!
  • GCB (27/07/2023, 10:13) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think was the UK is afraid of is them becoming complacent
  • action (27/07/2023, 12:13) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Lying as usual slow man. Yes you need the order in council to guarentee reform. If it is there over your heads and you can be having free non stop concert. If you are committed to reform what danger is there of having the guarantee. We the British for gullible like tolans. To hell with caricom and the other agencies. Look what happen with the last Guyana elections. Caricom headquarters is in Guyana. Look how Ralph rigging elections in st Vincent for the last three elections. St Vincent is a full member of caricom. You are just an associate member join your own OT's organization. Don't run to caricom when you treating her citizens like dogs. Caricom don't have no bite, even if you are an associate member with no voting rights. Go sit down you incompetent accidental mistake. I often wonder if the folks in those days had access to condoms. Sindee have more cricket balls than you. Yes I said it.
    • Wow! (27/07/2023, 13:31) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      How rude and disrespectful. Come out from behind the key board and speak like that so we can see you.
  • Stupid B (27/07/2023, 15:07) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Time to Boss up and move forward.
  • WEW (27/07/2023, 21:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just quit. You’re useless
  • lol (28/07/2023, 15:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Headline should read "Government gives more excuses for lack of performance and slipping COI targets"


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