COI reforms will lead to greater autonomy
When Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley got the chance to officially welcome new Governor Daniel Pruce, the territory’s leader used the moment to highlight that the BVI is keen on gaining greater autonomy over its own affairs.
Governor Pruce is expected to carry on the legacy of his predecessor by keeping a watchful eye over the elected government that is tasked with implementing the good governance reforms the UK handed down through the Commission of Inquiry report.
Earlier this week, Premier Wheatley told Governor Pruce that his government is committed to implementing the COI reforms and made sure to highlight that he expects the changes to lead to greater autonomy for the Virgin Islands.
“Our mission of building a model democracy in which the people of these Virgin Islands thrive is rooted in our ironclad commitment to good governance. Governance reform is also the vehicle for achieving greater autonomy,” the Premier said.
He added: “We share the sense of urgency in completing the remaining governance reforms and thank your team at the Governor’s Office for their constructive approach as we have taken steps to accelerate implementation.”
Former Governor John Rankin left the BVI with a threat to seek greater powers over the BVI, saying that the elected government is moving slowly with implementing the reforms. As such, Premier Wheatley made sure to stress that the BVI values democracy, adding that the UK should respect the constitutional rights of the territory.
“The people of these Virgin Islands wish for the democratic governance of the territory to continue and their constitutional and democratic rights to be respected,” Premier Wheatley said.
The territory will be watching closely to see how the relationship between Governor Pruce and the elected government unfolds, especially since there has been noticeable tension between the last two governors and elected representatives.
None of the elected leaders attended former Governor Rankin’s farewell ceremony earlier this month, a move which many believe pointed to the tensions between those two arms of government.
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By he approaching the Governor and stating that right off the top, will only cause more focus on the Governor being granted additional powers. Addressing the RVIPF COP should have been priority as this entails National Security.
Elections can’t come quick enough.
Mehson thats a fact. Deeds man dem not ready
S!0w W@nde eager? Then why didn’t he establish the reform committee. It took Ronnie to raise this issue. If he is eager to advance the COI, what kind of stupid is he and the rest of his administration, ie the A$$ C!0wn Brigade, to hold up the reform committee?
How many of the suggested reforms have been completed in 2 years?
You still just playing.
He speaks at the two sidesof his mouth
1. He says they di that to take away our democracy… white slave masters
2. It is for better autonomy
Make uo your mind