COI hearings start next Monday

The very first hearing of the BVI’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) has been scheduled to commence next week on Monday, May 3.

Secretary to the COI, Steven Chandler gave that indication in the Commission’s latest press statement. He said the first summons requiring a respondent to appear before the Commissioner was issued last Friday, April 23.

He did not disclose the name of the respondent.

Chandler, however, said COI Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom believes “hearings are now required to facilitate the prompt and full production of relevant information and documents”.

“That will be the purpose of the initial hearings, which are therefore likely to be short and conducted in private so as to ensure that documents and information that cannot at present be disclosed in public can be securely provided to the COI,” Chandler stated

“However, mindful of the need for openness where possible, following each hearing he will give directions for any publicity of that hearing he considers appropriate,” he added.

Chandler said the Commissioner expects further hearings will be necessary over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, the Commission’s Secretary again renewed the COI’s open invitation to anyone who believes they have information that may assist the Inquiry to immediately submit it through the inquiry’s secure website.

In addition to the website, persons can contact the COI through its secure email address ([email protected]), OR its WhatsApp phone number — +44 (0)7832 111254 — for messages or audio/video calls.