COI reforms should be gov’t’s top priority
UK Minister for the Overseas Territories (OTs), David Rutley has stated that the BVI government should prioritise the outstanding governance reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (COI).
Rutley made the statement yesterday at the end of his meetings with the BVI government and civil servants that are leading the controversial implementation process, which UK officials say is taking too long.
“It is clear that there are still outstanding actions to work through to deliver the agreed programme of reform by the end of May as set out by the Premier. It must be a top priority to get this back on track. Good governance is the foundation of a safer, fairer and more prosperous BVI, which is what the people of the BVI deserve,” Minister Rutley said.
The Minister initially delivered a threat to the BVI government when he first arrived, saying the UK will not hesitate to invoke additional powers over the BVI if they deem it necessary. But after his meetings with the government, he said the discussions were productive. There was also no reiteration of the promise to impose additional powers over the territory.
However it is still unclear whether the threat still looms over the elected government.
In the meantime, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley also confirmed that his government’s talks with Minister Rutley went well. In a statement after the series of meetings with the UK Minister, the Premier said the engagements were “very constructive.”
“Minister Rutley listened carefully, gave sound advice and offered a great deal of support in our common goal of concluding our obligations under the framework of the implementation of the recommendations of the COI report,” Wheatley said.
He added: “Minister Rutley recognised the progress and the obvious commitment the government has made thus far and was honest in areas where more progress was needed.”
The Premier also said Minister Rutley’s visit was important in further cementing the relationship between the territory and the UK. He also promised that his government will move hastily to implement the remaining COI reforms in the coming months.
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My God, nothing short of a reality show by both sides again! All talk, no substance, and about as duplicitous and two faced as anyone can get! All while a country sits in the balance, our economy further falters and deteriorates, and general moral amongst most of the populous continues to erode!
That’s all the UK does, issue threats / fear tactics when they don’t get their way, like little children. The Government has to make sure that those recommendations are in favour of the people and not just rush and implement things that are not for the good of the people. I don’t know why these white people feel like they know everything, when in fact, that’s not the case. Why don’t he use those recommendations in the UK. Their government needs it more.
MUSIC FEST IS THE PREMIER TOP PRIORITY
That’s why the increments are pushed back 4 years.
That’s way below the belt put away the nut cracker.
Nothing will be done until after the trial in Miami is completed.
Especially as FAHEY reportedly used 83k of drug money to settle VIRGIn Island party debt per the reporting from the Beacon today. This party isn’t fit to conduct this type of reform.
It is Crystal Clear to see that the Government again got elected based on High Science. That is why the Territory is in such a state and will NEVER progress until either the UK dissolve the HOA or the majority resign. High Science got this Territory in a Mess. They all know about it and that is why some of the Churches won’t partake in their sham Event. At least some of their Members might survive some days longer. Pure Sham, But High Science was their motive from day one. I wonder who was the Sacrifice this time? It is clear to see We are not out of the Woods yet.
UK yuh letting me down man. The government acting like spoils kids for the past year.
Them get break after break,
extension after extension.
Soon as the UK give them a small poke. Them crying out smhhh.
How long will this drama show go on UK?
Sir could you continue on drinking * from minding our business!! Please/Thanks
The people of the VI should be their top priority not what the former slave master colony issues forth. Seriously.
If we are not the priority when you force the government then will we be the priority when you are in power and relaxed like the cat that ate the mouse?
Not a word about preparing framework for the medical cannabis bill our people provided input on in public discussion?