Baroness Hodge isn’t coming to punish us
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has pushed back against reports in the UK press suggesting that the upcoming visit of Baroness Margaret Hodge, Britain’s Anti-Corruption Champion, is intended as a reprimand for the Virgin Islands.
Responding to questions from a local journalist at a recent press conference, the Premier dismissed claims that the visit amounts to a “slap on the wrist,” stressing instead that Hodge’s role is to learn about the progress the territory has made in combating financial crime.
“The primary purpose of her coming here is so that she can learn, so that she can be educated in my view in terms of what we’re doing to fight against illicit finance,” Premier Wheatley said.
“We have the same goals — we don’t want any illicit activity taking place in the world, and certainly we don’t want the Virgin Islands to be a haven for any illicit activity. She needs to come and learn all the systems that we’re putting in place and all of the good work we’re doing in that regard.”
Several UK newspapers, including The Guardian and The Times, have described Hodge’s visit as an effort to “put the BVI in line,” particularly since the territory has not implemented publicly accessible company registers as required by London.
But Premier Wheatley insisted that narrative overlooks the Virgin Islands’ own efforts to strengthen financial oversight. He confirmed that Hodge’s visit is tentatively scheduled for late September, though exact dates are still being finalised.
The trip comes amid continued uncertainty over the UK’s position on the Order in Council, which was imposed as a safeguard to allow London to intervene if governance reforms in the Virgin Islands faltered.
Although the BVI has completed all the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, the Order remains in place — prompting concerns it may now be used to pressure the territory into making further changes, particularly in the financial services sector, once Baroness Hodge’s visit is concluded.
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You just can’t help but see Natalio’s face and feel the aura of disappointment.
I remember being a child 9-10 years seeing him portray the role as Noel Lloyd, mentally attaching him to something like a visionary. Never understanding why he never got any votes when he was running them years back.
When I was a child, I thought as a child, but now that I’m a man it’s clear as day. No skin, No backbone, Not one bit of Leadership in his blood. The voters of those times seemed to know.
Nice try Guavaberry. Natalio will be Premier once again in 2027.
She is coming to punish you
This man lives on another planet. The quicker we get rid of this aloof leader the better our country will be.
The time has come for Sowande Uhuru to step forward with clarity and conviction. The public’s patience with Natalio Wheatley has worn thin, we’ve had enough.
Correct Premier, she coming to kick A55
The prodigal’s son looking stripes like he wants to be a Historical Figure in The BVIslands, Natalio, grandson of Mr. Wheatley single handedly took the BVI to full independence however he cannot because he doesn’t have the testicular fortitude or mindset.
i always hearing dpp losing murder cases but i never see them in the news for money laundering cases…..is there literally no one washing money here despite all the coco findings and guns?
Leading the mentally retarded!
us? you? step down.
I just want to know who invited her.
Take her to Krystals Night club for some level Vibes
Don’t trust folks with made up names..it’s dodgy.
The UK in more of an uproar than the BVI. They can’t tell us anything about corruption. They are worse off than this little BVI
She is anti-corruption? She’s the number one Israel stooge in the UK supporting the mass murder and genocide of Palestinian people every day by Israel with weapons, money, troops and intelligence supplied by her British government.
Calling everyone anti-semitic for opposing mass killing.
Turn her away at immigration!