BVI’s COI laws from the 19th century being modernised
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley called on elected officials in the territory to unite in their efforts to overhaul the BVI’s antiquated inquiry legislation, a relic from the 19th century.
During yesterday’s sitting of the House of Assembly, Dr Wheatley presented the Virgin Islands Inquiries Bill 2024, which aims to replace the dated laws that have governed inquiries in the territory since 1880.
The proposed bill will enable the governor to appoint commissioners to conduct inquiries, a move Dr Wheatley argued will strengthen governance. The Premier emphasised the necessity of the bill for improving governance and transparency.
“The first thing I want to make abundantly clear to the people of the Virgin Islands is that I bring this bill on behalf of the governor, who is responsible for this bill,” he stated. He noted that the bill follows the Sir Gary Hickinbottom-led Commission of Inquiry (COI) conducted in 2021.
The COI, called by former Governor Augustus Jaspert, scrutinised governance in the Virgin Islands and suggested sweeping changes, including updates to the outdated inquiry law. The Premier explained that the bill was developed in consultation with various international models, including those from New Zealand, the UK, and Tanzania, and sought to align with modern standards of inquiries observed in other commonwealth jurisdictions.
Referencing the historical context, Dr Wheatley pointed out the shortcomings of the existing legislation. “We cannot just change 1880 to 2024 and say that we’ve modernised it,” he stated.
Dr Wheatley also underscored the importance of adapting the legislation to current standards, stating, “The function of being able to call inquiries is an important part of good governance because there are matters in our society which need to be inquired into.”
He added that various bodies within the Virgin Islands already have the authority to conduct inquiries, reflecting a system that values accountability. The Premier called for broader involvement in the legislative process, inviting public commentary and participation to ensure the legislation serves the community’s best interest. He elaborated on the need for a democratic approach to revising the bill.
Dr Wheatley advocated for amendments that reflect public opinion and the territory’s current administrative needs.
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Simply
Sounds like the Premier doesnt want anything the COI recommended. Judging by the criminal he now has behind his mind, he would be happier if the country was back as it was when it was run by a now convicted drug smuggler and money launderer. (Why is a picture of a criminal on the wall in our HOA?)
@BuzzBVI
Only now you recognize that?
I would bet my last, had the former premier somehow managed to had gotten out from the accident in the US and back on BVI soil now under immunity, he would have gotten a !con award the other day.
These people care nothing about this country, transparency, integrity or any other “ity”. But ohh boyyy those “isms” run strong and deep.
Is he bringing a bill on behalf of the governor and then criticizing it. How does this make sense.
I love it! yall can kick up now!
yall gotten away with too much.
you even dragged our the reforms that brought change and transparency!
So im all for the UK getting more power to man handle you fools
Change the laws instead of changing your behavior, makes perfect sense whilst the BVI slowly slips into complete anarchy as a Narco STATE!
He is a messenger for the Governor
Dr. Wheatley’s call for public commentary and participation in the legislative process is commendable but raises questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of such initiatives. Genuine democratic engagement requires more than inviting comments; it demands active, ongoing dialogue with diverse community stakeholders. This means ensuring that public opinions are not only heard but also meaningfully integrated into the legislative framework. There is a risk that public participation could become a mere formality if the final decisions remain heavily influenced by external models and authorities.
The UK has 13 in our House of Assembly. The Western Myth of Redemptive Evil has scrambled their brain.
yes , you got it – it’s called tap / soon he ho be dancing on the ceiling, remember he wants to fly
Lord aya change that picture luce looks like she is sleeping which makes her look even more useless than she really is